Timberland Lake Campground is definitely the place to be if you want to be close to the attractions and theme parks in the Shore Region of New Jersey. It is the closest campground to Six Flags Great Adventure, which of course is a great park for both kids and adults, and is often considered one of the “must see” activities in this part of New Jersey. The advantage to staying at the Timberland Lake Campground is that they offer a good discount package deal that makes the tickets to get in to Six Flags a bit less expensive. Timberland Lake Campground is also very close to the Jackson factory outlet mall, so if you want to do some shopping (or if you forget something that you need) this is handy too. Of course, being in the Jersey Shore area you aren’t far from the beach. Be sure to remember your swimming and fishing gear if you plan to camp here or anywhere in the shore area. There are also lots of places where you can rent or buy gear if you happen to forget yours or find that there’s something else that you want or need.

The campsites themselves are pretty good sized. You don’t feel as though you are camping right on top of your neighbor. They are wooded enough to give some sense of privacy also. If you have an RV with a cable TV hookup you’ll be glad to know that Timberland Lake campground offers free cable TV. They’re open from March 1st to December 1st, and pretty reasonably priced at $34/night. The campground itself was large enough to accommodate a pretty good number of campers without feeling cramped or overcrowded. Overall I would recommend that you check out this campground if being close to Six Flags (and getting a discount there) is important to you. Their motto is “Family Camping in a Natural Environment” and Timberland Lake Campground does a good job of providing exactly that.

For More Info: Timberland Lake Campground

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Sea Pirate Campground is one that prides itself on putting lots of effort into being entertaining both for the kids and adults who camp or stay there. This makes it a great choice for families who are looking to camp. The Sea Pirate Campground features crabbing and a stocked fish pond so your kids (and the adults) can get their fill of both fishing and crabbing. The Crab Fest happens there every September so if you like crab even a little bit (and how could you not) you should definitely check it out for both the food and the live entertainment. Many other annual events happen nearby including a chili cookoff and an antique car show in June, and a Halloween Parade in October.

During the peak times of the year (mostly summer) the campground features a wide variety of planned activities to help entertain both kids and adults. These range from arts and crafts activities to Pilates classes. For teenagers who think they’re too cool for fishing and arts and crafts, the Sea Pirate Campground also offers areas where teens can play basketball, softball, and volleyball. There is a wide variety of restaurants nearby if you don’t want to cook over an open fire, and plenty of antique shops available if that suits your tastes. If you’re more interested in studying nature you’ll be happy to know that the Sea Pirate Campground is surrounded by the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. This makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching or other environmental studies.

The $32 nightly fee for camping is a good deal considering all of the activities and amenities that the campground offers. Overall this is a very family-friendly place and the Sea Pirate Campground works hard at making sure all of their guests are happy and enjoying themselves. It is definitely worth checking out if you have small children or teenagers and want to make sure they will be entertained and having a great time.

For More Info: Sea Pirate Campground

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Indian Rock Resort is a campground that is family owned and operated. This is great for campers who stay there because the owners really care and try to keep that personal touch in everything that they do. The camp is very scenic and peaceful in an area that’s heavily wooded. This means that campsites are fairly private and families can do their own thing. In addition to that, there are several different “community” areas that campers can also use. The Indian Rock Resort has a gigantic swimming pool, picnic areas, and badminton/volleyball courts. They can even accommodate wedding receptions and company picnics on site!

Indian Rock Resort offers lots of activities to help its campers stay engaged in something. These include country western dancing and lessons every Friday. They also offer arts and crafts sessions, and plaster painting for the craftier members of your family.

Indian Rock Resort is very close to Six Flags Great Adventure. They even offer discount camping/Six Flags packages that make a family vacation there that much more affordable. They’re also close to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, which is a great place to take kids or anyone interested in sea life. For those campers or RV-ers who just can’t leave the laptop at home, Indian Rock Resort is a WiFi hotspot which means you can get your internet fix without having to hunt for a Starbucks in town.

The campsites are $45/night which is a bit expensive for my tastes, but the amenities available might make it worth it for many families. There are also small cabins available for $65-$85/night with a minimum 2-3 night stay required. The cabins are geared towards families who, “like everything about tent camping except for the tent.” You need sleeping bags, air mattresses, and anything else you would bring for camping, but you get to sleep under a solid roof and walls that will keep the mosquitoes at bay.

For More Info: Indian Rock Resort

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

The Cedar Creek Campground considers itself the premiere campground for outdoor recreation in New Jersey, and they work hard to fulfill this promise. They have a full service canoe and kayak rental company that operates on site. Even if you have never done any canoeing or kayaking before, the experts at Cedar Creek can get you squared away and having fun out on the river in no time. If you don’t want to kayak or canoe there is plenty for the landlubbers to do as well. The campground features a large playground, volleyball court, ice cream parlor, basketball court, and a game room for when the weather just refuses to cooperate. They have a huge swimming pool complete with water slides that is sure to keep your kids swimming until they’re too exhausted to move. There is also a convenience store and even a café just in case you don’t feel like cooking over an open fire.

The Cedar Creek Campground can accommodate a variety of setups from RV’s to tents and from primitive to full hookup. They also offer several options for those who are less accustomed to roughing it. These include cabin and trailer rentals, priced both by the day and by the week. Renting one of these cabins or trailers is a great way to get the experience of camping without the discomfort of sleeping on the hard ground. The trailers are large enough for a family of 6 to sleep comfortably, and the cabins can sleep 12 in two separate rooms, meaning that they could even be used for a multi-family or group getaway. Both the trailers and the cabins are equipped with mattresses, full-sized bathrooms, complete kitchens, air conditioning, and heating. There are also smaller cabins available that are designed to sleep families of 4-6 people.

The close proximity to the water along with the availability of kayaks and canoes make the Cedar Creek Campground a great choice if you want to get out on the river. The wide range of accommodations means that there is something to fit every preference and budget. If you’re going to be vacationing in the area, I suggest you check it out.

For More Info: Cedar Creek Campground
 

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

The brisk blue waters of Round Valley Reservoir attract swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers to its scenic shore.  The Round Valley Reservoir swimming area was created by the construction of an earth dam across a narrow waterway on the west side of the reservoir, separating it from the main part of the reservoir.  The deepest lake in New Jersey at 180 feet, the reservoir covers over 2,000 acres and has a water capacity of 55 billion gallons. It is well stocked with lake trout.
Round Valley is one of the few parks that offers wilderness camping.  The campsites on the eastern side of the reservoir are accessible only by hiking or boating as the campers' parking lot is three miles away from the nearest site, accessible by a steep and rugged trail.  Cross-country skiers and sledding enthusiasts congregate at Round Valley in the winter months.

Camping in the Recreation Area

The Recreation Area offers 85 wilderness family campsites with fire rings, drinking water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Although there is no trailer or vehicle access, campsites are a three to six mile hike from the parking lot, include a swimming area and may be reached by boat, canoe, or backpacking.  Each family site accommodates up to 6 people.  Open from April 1 through October 31, each site rents for $17 per night.  Campers must check-in at the park office by 4:00 p.m.

There are also group wilderness campsites.  These eight sites each have a fire ring with running water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Each group site accommodates up to 25 people and is open from April 1 through October 31 at a rate of $25 per night.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Round Valley Recreation Area

Trails at Round Valley consist of three that are marked:  The Cushetunk Trail, which accesses the campsites and the Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail. All trails are accessed from the South Parking Lot within the Day-use Area.  These trails are open throughout the year.  Visitors should plan their trail activities so that they will be out of the park by closing and are reminded to stay on the path as wandering off dedicated paths causes erosion, damage to vegetation and may, in some areas, result in trespassing onto private property.  Fires are not permitted along the trails and pets must be leashed at all times.  The pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Drinking water is available along the lower service road located in the campground.

The nine-mile Cushetunk Trail and the three-mile lower service road are multi-use trails that pass through open and heavily wooded areas.  The Cushetunk trail surface is rugged, rocky and steep in places that makes it more suitable for experienced hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.  Users must follow the same trail back as it ends at the Water Supply Authority's Restricted Area and therefore, has no outlet.

The Pine Tree Trail is approximately a one mile loop and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail is 1/2 mile loop.  Both pass through pinewoods and are ideal for young children, birdwatchers, and seniors.  The Pine Tree Trail connects the day-use area with Division of Fish and Wildlife property. There is a fourth unmarked water trail that is approximately 1 1/2 miles.  You can access it from the camper’s boat launch area. There are no trails that completely circle the reservoir. Be aware of the park hours, so that you plan your hiking or biking trip accordingly. Please be sure to be out of the park before it closes.

Fishing is permitted in the Round Valley Reservoir.  There are 19 species of fish inhabiting the Reservoir, including largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually and lake trout are abundant.  The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages the reservoir as a trophy lake.  Anglers must follow the posted special fishing regulations that apply and Fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.  Fishing is prohibited in the swimming area and a valid NJ fishing license is required.

Hunting for waterfowl is permitted at Round Valley Recreation Area on a seasonal basis. Waterfowl hunting is permitted by boat only and hunting is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Picnicking is available at three picnic areas within the recreation area.  Two are located on tree-shaded grassy spots at each end of the beach, and the third is on a hill overlooking the reservoir and park.  At each picnic area the visitor will find tables and grills, restrooms, and playgrounds.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Boating is assessable at the public boat launch which is located north of the day use area, and is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.  Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, motor boats (up to 10 horsepower) and three chambered inflatable vessels are permitted on the reservoir and must be registered through Motor Vehicle if over 12 feet in length.  NJ Boating Rules & Regulations pertain to Round Valley Reservoir at all times.  Each person must have on a wearable Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD).  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

A parking permit must be obtained through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to access the reservoir at the public boat launch, or a copy of your fishing, hunting or trapping license must be placed on the dash board of your vehicle.

Swimming is permitted at Round Valley in the Day-use Area only from Memorial Day through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty and swimming is not allowed in the main reservoir.  Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies are available for purchase.  Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront.  There are two playgrounds and volleyball nets on the beachfront.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Scuba and Skin Diving is available at Round Valley.  Water clarity and rich aquatic life make the Reservoir one of the best freshwater lakes in New Jersey for scuba and skin diving.  Diving is permitted from April 1st through October 31st depending on water conditions.  Scuba divers must be certified and all divers are required to register at the area office, have a dive buddy, inflatable vest and a dive flag.  Divers must check-in prior to, and checkout after, each dive.

Mailing Address:
1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road Lebanon, NJ 08833-3115
 (908) 236-6355 (908) 236-6355
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40° 37’ 21.93” N 74° 51' 18.13" W
Size: 3,684 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
$ 2.00
walk-in/bicycle

Directions:
Take I-78 west to exit 20 A to Route 22 west, follows signs to the park.
Take I-78 east to exit 18 (Route 22 east), follow signs to the park
 

Tags: camping in nj, nj campgrounds

The Atlantic City North Family campground is a great one to stay at. It is in the Pinebarrens area  of New Jersey, which means the views are simply spectacular. This is a great area to camp in if you want to see the best that New Jersey has to offer as far as scenery. The campground is also in a prime location with relation to other Shore area hot spots. The Atlantic City campground is only a 15 minute drive from Long Beach Island. This is great if you also want to spend some time hitting the sand. Of course swimming, surfing, and snorkeling are all popular pastimes in the Long Beach area. If you want to save some money, the campground also offers free Long Beach Island passes during peak season. Besides the proximity to Long Beach Island, the Atlantic City campground is close to its namesake as well. It is only 30 minutes drive from all of the fun and excitement of Atlantic City. You can camp in the Pinebarrens and yet be only a short drive away from the novelty and action on the Boardwalk. Even better, the Atlantic City North campground offers a free van service to and from Atlantic City provided you are staying two nights at the campground. This is helpful if you’re driving a large RV or trailer that you want to be able to leave at the campground instead of having to deal with parking in the Boardwalk area.

The Atlantic City North Family Campground is reasonably priced with rates starting at $25/night for tent camping and going up to $35/night for a site equipped with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Obviously this is much cheaper than a hotel in the same area and you get to be closer to nature and the beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for great views without being too far away from the action then the Atlantic City campground might be just the place for you.

For More Info: Atlantic City North Family Campground

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Hidden in the southwestern part of the state, Parvin State Park is a park as varied as its wildlife.  Situated on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest.  Spring bursts out in bright colors and rich fragrances with blossoming dogwood, laurel, holly, magnolia, wild azalea and over 200 kinds of flowering plants.  Thundergust Lake, Parvin Lake and Muddy Run are popular for fishing and boating with swimming is allowed in Parvin Lake only.

The park has sheltered many throughout the years.  It served as home for the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1941, as a summer camp for the children of displaced Japanese Americans in 1943, a POW camp for German prisoners in 1944 and temporary housing for the Kalmycks who fled their homelands in Eastern Europe in 1952.

Camping in the Park

Parvin State Park has 56 tent and trailer sites available.  Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, lantern hooks and a playground nearby.  Six people and two vehicles are permitted per site.  Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities can be found within easy walking distance.  There are also facilities available for individuals with disabilities.  A trailer sanitary station is located in the park.  Located on the south shore of Parvin Lake, the park is open from April 1 through October 31 at a charge of $20 per night.

The park plans to have Pet Friendly Campsites available in the spring of 2010

Four group sites are provided with a capacity of 25 people per site for a total capacity of 100 campers.  Flush toilets, water, fire rings, picnic tables, one shelter are located near the group sites.  Located on south shore of Parvin Lake, these sites are open April 1 through October 31 at a charge of $25 per night per site.

The park contains 18 cabins each with a furnished living room with a fireplace or wood burning stove.  Each cabin has an outdoor campfire ring, two bedrooms to accommodate 4 people, a kitchen with running water, electric stove and refrigerator.  The cabin bathrooms each have a sink, toilet and shower.  There is electricity and a brick patio with a table and grill.  Two of the cabins are accessible for persons with disabilities and offer accommodations for 6 people.  A playground is available nearby.  The cabins are located on the north shore of Thundergust Lake and are open from April 1 through October 31.
Four-bunk cabins: $45 per night, $315 per week. Six-bunk cabins: $65 per night, $455 per week.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Parvin State Park

Parvin Natural Area (465 acres) is situated at the edge of the New Jersey Pine Barrens and combines many of the characteristics and species of southern New Jersey and the Pine Barrens.  Several trails run through the hardwood and Atlantic white cedar swamps, pitch pine lowlands and upland pine and oak forests.  Parvin is home to the state-threatened barred owl and the endangered swamp pink.

Swimming is available at the lifeguard staffed swimming beach operated at Parvin Grove, which is located on Parvin Lake.  Parking areas, bathhouse, first-aid station, canoe rental and a concession offering refreshment, novelties and beach supplies are all conveniently located nearby.  Picnic Groves with tables, grills and playgrounds are located on either side of the beach with swimming available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Picnicking is available at several picnic areas in the park with table and grills available.  For larger groups, there are two picnic areas at Thundergust Lake which can accommodate 100 people per pavilion, have flush toilets, water, grills, picnic tables and activity and ball fields available.  These large group picnic areas must be reserved.

Group picnicking reservations are required for weekday events.  A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group.  They may be reserved for a fee:
$80.00 per day
Open year round
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form.

Mailing Address:
701 Almond Road
Pittsgrove, NJ 08318-3928
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 30’ 15.27” N 75° 07' 50.33" W
Size: 1,952 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
N/A
weekdays
N/A
weekends
$ 2.00
walk-in
*3 years of age and under free

Directions:
From Route 55 north or south, take exit 35 and follow signs to the park. The Park is located between Centerton and Vineland on Route 540 (Almond Road).
 

Tags: camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is the place to be if you have kids or pets. The campground describes itself as a pet friendly resort with many planned activities to ensure that none of their guests will have time to be bored. They feature a heated swimming pool, go carts, and a stocked fishing pond. These are great activities to do if you have small kids and just aren’t up for any more sightseeing. The heated pool in particular is one of my favorite things about this campground. Spending some time in the pool is a great way for kids to burn off some extra energy while the adults relax after a long day. There are also many scheduled activities such as hay rides and games in the game room.

If you travel in an RV, the campground also provides full hookups as well as a laundry area and dump station. Jellystone Park also has the option for its guests to rent cabins or trailers, for those who want to camp but don’t want to bring the tent with them. No matter what your camping style is from primitive to modern, Jellystone Park has something to make sure that you get exactly the experience that you’re looking for.

Jellystone Park is a campground with just about anything you could want on site. They pride themselves on making sure all of their guests are happy. The base rate is $40/night for a campsite, and more for renting a cabin or trailer. Given all of the amenities on site, this could turn out to be a good deal if you use the swimming pool and other facilities. The Jellystone Park campground has won the Pinnacle Club Award in every year since 1998, meaning that it has a long history of fun times and quality service. Many families enjoy camping here so much that they return to the park year after year to keep making new memories.
 

For More Info: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Jenny Jump State Forest is located in Warren County along the stunning rolling terrain of Jenny Jump Mountain Range.  Panoramic vistas of the Highlands and the Kittatinny Mountains and Valley to the west, and scenic views of the Great Meadows in the east dramatically greet the visitor who climbs the narrow path leading to the top of Jenny Jump Mountain.  Rocky outcroppings and boulders line the trail – evidence that great glaciers once covered what is now known as Jenny Jump State Forest.

These Glaciers receded from Jenny Jump Mountain near the end of the Wisconsin Ice Age, about 21,000 years ago.  Exceeding a mile in thickness, the ice advanced southward from Canada, gouging out valleys and rocks from mountain tops, incorporating sediment, boulders and debris into its mass.  Much of this debris was carried by the glacier or transported by melting water to the edge of the ice where it was deposited in huge ridges known as moraines.  The dramatic effects of this can still be seen in Jenny Jump State Forest.

Camping in the Forest

There are twenty-two tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables located in Jenny Jump State Forest.  Showers and toilets are within walking distance. The camping facilities are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $20 per night.

In addition there are two group sites available with a capacity of 25 campers at one site and 40 at the second site.  Fire rings, picnic tables and pit toilets are located on these sites.  Open from April 1 through October 31 one site rents for $25 per night – Capacity 25 campers and the other for $40 per night – Capacity 40 campers.

The forest website also lists eight shelters although from the description they sounded more like cabins.  I suggest checking with the park office for complete information regarding these sites. 

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Jenny Jump State Forest

UACNJ Observatory is located in Jenny Jump State Forest. The United Astronomy Clubs of NJ (UACNJ) leases property from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and in 1995 completed the Greenwood Observatory.  The UACNJ provides public programs on Saturday evenings from April through October, 8:00 to 10:00 pm, at which an astronomy presentation is followed by an observing session, weather permitting.

Trails in Jenny Jump State Forest offer eleven miles for hiking and three miles for hiking/mountain biking all with magnificent views of the mountains and scenic Mountain Lake.  The Summit Trail, at an elevation of 1,090 feet, offers a view of the Delaware Water Gap and the Pequest Valley.

Fishing, Boating and Canoeing is available and there is a car-top boat launch at Ghost Lake which provides access to excellent largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish fishing and additional access to Mountain Lake is available for shore line fishing.  The Division of Fish and Wildlife stock trout at Beaver Brook four times during the spring trout season.

Hunting is permitted in designated areas within the forest and is subject to the Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.  The forest contains a favorable habitat for deer, turkey and small game and therefore offers an excellent hunting opportunity for the sportsman.

Picnicking is provided in a small picnic available in a quiet, shaded area of the park. Tables and grills are provided for the patrons.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Bear Alert!!  Jenny Jump State Forest has frequent sightings of black bears.  An educational brochure is available at the forest office.

Location:
Warren County
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 150
Hope, NJ 07844
DMS 40 54 79.30” N    74 55 32.10”W
Size: 4,324 acres
Fees: No entrance fee.

Directions:
Take Route 80 to exit 12 to Hope. Turn onto Route 519 north at blinking light. At third right, turn onto Shiloh Road. Approximately 1 mile, turn right onto State Park Road.
 

Tags: camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Winding River Campground is located on the Egg Harbor River, which makes it a great place to be if you love to stay close to the water. The campground prides itself on secluded campsites, which means you won’t feel like you are sitting right on top of your neighbor. Its location by the river makes it a prime spot for water-based activities. Visitors can canoe, kayak or tube down the river.  Of course if you don’t have the equipment for your chosen activity the campground will gladly rent it to you. You can also boat or fish on the river, or just set up a chair nearby and enjoy the breeze coming off of the water. There is also a heated swimming pool and a game room with planned activities for times when the weather just isn’t conducive to being out on the river.

If your tastes run towards a bit more action, don’t worry. The Winding River Campground is located close to the Sands Hotel and Casino. This makes it an ideal location if you want to be able to to get in a few hands of poker in between kayaking and fishing. The park is also close to Storybook Land which is a great place to go with younger kids. Storybook Land is a lot of fun and there are many rides and attractions based on different classic storybook scenes and characters.

The Winding River Campground has an online reservation system, making it easy to reserve your site days or even weeks before you arrive. This takes the stress out of wondering if the campground will be full if you arrive during a peak time. They do require a 2 or 3 day stay on weekends and holidays so be sure to figure that into your travel plans.

For More Info: Winding River Campground

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds