RV campgrounds near Beach Haven, New Jersey typically operate from April through October, with most closing for winter months. Located on Long Beach Island at an elevation of just 7 feet above sea level, Beach Haven camping options face unique challenges from coastal storms and flooding. Sandy soil conditions affect site stability at many parks, with campers often needing extra leveling blocks, particularly for larger RVs.
What to do
Beach access day trips: Campers staying at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake use this Port Republic location as a base for visiting area beaches within 30 minutes. "We were only a short drive from the beach, as well. It was a very nice campground," reports one family who enjoyed the combination of campground amenities and beach proximity.
Fishing opportunities: The small lake at Chestnut Lake provides good fishing options directly in the campground. "Good fishing, good people, nice shaded and sunny spots, beautiful pool," mentions one camper who visited multiple times and appreciated both the fishing and the mix of site types available.
Explore Cape May: Sun Retreats Avalon places campers within driving distance of Cape May attractions. "We were close to the Cape May beaches. Cold Spring Brewery wasn't too far and was fun," notes one visitor who used the campground as a base for coastal exploration.
What campers like
Campground lakes: Thousand Trails Lake & Shore offers a lakeside beach that remains open into the late season. "The beach was clean and had beach chairs," reports a visitor who stayed in late September when the pool was already closed but appreciated that the lake access remained available.
Affordable alternatives: Mays Landing Resort maintains reasonable prices on amenities. "The onsite stores prices were very inexpensive which surprised me," noted one first-time camper who found the campground store more affordable than expected.
Swimming options: Multiple pools are available at various campgrounds, with Thousand Trails Sea Pines earning particular praise. "Great pool and splash pad. Kids love the lake. Bathroom cleaned daily," reports a camper who enjoyed both the pool complex and natural swimming areas despite noting some challenges with tight sites.
What you should know
Site leveling issues: Most campgrounds in the region have uneven sites that require additional equipment. "Sites are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled," reported a camper at Mays Landing Resort.
Weekend activity levels: Weekend nights feature organized activities that change the atmosphere at many parks. "On Saturday night, there is a DJ and a dance party from 7-10 pm. It is extraordinarily loud and somewhat impossible to navigate a car through that many people," warns a camper about navigating through crowds during weekend events.
Flooding concerns: Low-lying areas within campgrounds can flood during heavy rains. "Stay away from the front middle spots, they flood when it rains," advises one repeat visitor to Chestnut Lake who otherwise enjoyed their stay at the campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: King Nummy Trail Campground and other area campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. "Clean facilities. Great location close to Cape May and Wildwood," notes a camper who appreciated both the staff and amenities at this seasonal campground.
Safety considerations: Water features require supervision at tent camping areas. "Parents of small children and toddlers: the tent loop is surrounded by water on 3 sides. There is no safety fence. The water is mostly standing water so expect mosquitoes," cautions a visitor about specific safety concerns for families with young children.
Halloween celebrations: Many campgrounds host special October events with decorations and activities. "Halloween decorations were the best. The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt," shared a first-time camper who visited during the fall season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend requesting specific sites when possible. "Site F15 is on the high side and slightly larger site, request it if you can," suggests a camper who learned from experience after dealing with rain and drainage issues.
Cell service considerations: Service varies significantly between campgrounds, with some experiencing connectivity challenges. "Limited cell service affects some locations, with guests reporting connectivity challenges," noted several reviews across multiple campgrounds.
Access limitations: Many campgrounds have narrow roads that create navigation challenges. "The roadways are narrow and there isn't a lot of maneuvering room," warned an RVer with a 42-foot fifth wheel who found that despite website assurances about accommodating their size, the reality of trees along roadways created significant difficulties when entering and exiting sites.
