Swimming and fishing enthusiasts will find both a lake and pool at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, an RV park positioned just off the Garden State Parkway in Port Republic. The facility operates on a no-reservation basis for Thousand Trails members, with sites available on a first-come basis that accommodate larger rigs up to 37 feet.
The campground features both shaded and sunny sites of varying sizes, though some front-middle spots flood during heavy rain according to multiple visitors. Campers report good fishing in the lake, while the maintained pool provides an alternative water option. A family lounge area and playground serve families with children. The shower facilities receive consistent marks for cleanliness, though they're described as basic.
Site selection matters here. Paul B. notes "the sites are big and clean" in most areas, but campers recommend avoiding certain flood-prone locations. Pull-through sites are available, and the location provides easy highway access for day trips to Long Beach Island and Atlantic City. Mosquitoes are common near the water features, particularly during summer months.
The campground sits within range of several other camping options, including Red Wing Lakes and Atlantic Blueberry RV Park. For additional choices, explore camping spots outside Port Republic.
Description
Located near the Mullica River, just east of where it empties into New Jersey’s Great Bay, the Chestnut Bay RV Campground offers a quiet place to park your rig away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Atlantic City. Bordered by small Chestnut Lake on one side, and the Port Republic Wildlife Management Area on the other, the campground offers nearly 200 full- and partial-hookup sites. Most sites are back-in, open and grassy with picnic tables. There are also tent sites and several fully-equipped cottages available to rent. The campground’s central area has restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as a clubhouse, adult lounge and small store. A dump station is located near the campground entrance. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Campsites are $55/night; reservations accepted. There are numerous outdoor activities available right in the resort for keeping the young and young-at-heart occupied. There’s a sandy playground for kids, plus a swimming pool, putt-putt golf course, horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball courts, and fishing on Chestnut Lake. There are also hosted activities, such as arts and crafts classes, card and bingo games, and community dances and potlucks. The historic village of Smithville is just a few minutes south on Highway 9, where you can wander along cobblestone streets and peruse the village’s shops, eateries and ice cream parlors. When you’re ready to visit Atlantic City and the famous Jersey Shore and Boardwalk, it’s just 30-minute drive away. There you’ll find an abundance of dining, shopping and tourist attractions, as well as nightlife and adult entertainment.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
RV ParkThousand Trails Chestnut Lake is located in New Jersey
Address
631 Chestnut Neck Rd
Port Republic, NJ 08241
Coordinates
39.54159658 N
74.46919081 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/14/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/14/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/14/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 3/14/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 19 min from Atlantic City, NJ
- 47 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 9 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 12 min from Trenton, NJ
