Cape May camping options extend beyond the popular RV resorts, with tent sites available from May through October within a 25-mile radius. Sites range from wooded areas with privacy to more open sites with limited shade, especially at sites near the shore. Most campgrounds require advance reservations 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends, with cancellation policies typically requiring 7-14 days notice for refunds.
What to do
Beach activities: 5-15 minute drives from most Cape May campgrounds to public beaches. At Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, "You can walk into the water for what seems like miles and it only gets up to your shins. There is bay access for kayaking and fishing," according to Sarah S.
Historic exploration: WWII structures remain throughout the region. Cape Henlopen offers unique military history. Jennifer S. notes, "The historic aspect of the Cape amazed me. It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there."
Biking opportunities: Free rentals available at some parks. Lisa B. shares, "There are miles upon miles of walking and biking trails. There is a fantastic nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff. Free bike rentals are available, some with baby seats and trailers."
Rail trails: No vehicle needed to access from some campgrounds. At Sun Outdoors Cape May, Matt S. mentions, "There's a nice nature trail that starts at the back corner of the park" and other campers note "There is an 11 mile rail trail across the street as well."
What campers like
Swimming lakes: Temperature differences from ocean beaches. At Beachcomber Camping Resort, visitors enjoy alternative water activities. Stephanie G. reports, "Kids were super happy about all the activities this campground has to offer. A nice lake with a giant inflatable slide, floating trampoline, kayak and paddle board rentals."
Security features: Gated access at premium campgrounds. Mark F. appreciates that Beachcomber is "a gated resort which makes it incredibly safe and something that gives us piece of mind while out exploring. Lots have plenty of trees and greenery to help keep you cool and RV in the shade during those hot muggy days."
State park affordability: $40-65 per night for tent sites with fewer amenities but more space. M J. reports at Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort, "Tent site was fantastic, level, trees are well trimmed, but still with good coverage, sites are a nice size. Close enough to the bathroom and water options. We paid $40 night in almost mid September."
Off-season experience: Fewer crowds from April-May and September-October. Chris G. shares about Cape Henlopen, "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet. I hear it gets packed and I see that it's hard to book if you don't book early."
What you should know
Site spacing variations: Request specific areas when booking. Adam and Suzanne B. advise about Cape Henlopen, "This is a VERY busy campground. Rigs in and out daily and nearly always full. None of the sites are level. Sites are mostly small and close together. The closer you are to the camp store, the louder and busier it is. If you want quiet stay to the ends of the rows. E and F are quieter too."
Wi-Fi limitations: Plan for poor connectivity throughout the area. At Shellbay Campgrounds, Brett L. notes, "WiFi spotty. Bathrooms clean." Similar issues exist at other campgrounds, with Joshua N. reporting, "The WIFI is absolutely terrible! I have complained before and it never improves."
Payment policies: Cash required at some facilities. Jackie F. warns about The Depot Travel Park, "This is a cash only establishment! Everywhere! You literally have to mail them a check to hold your reservation and also they do nothing online. You can't see availability or book on their archaic website."
Golf cart traffic: Speed concerns at larger resorts. Matthew E. cautions, "The golf carts were the absolute worst, people don't obey the speed limit on these things (and there are a lot of them whizzing around...) Many were driven by underage kids (against rules, but clearly not enforced)."
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming alternatives: Less crowded than pools during peak periods. Ray L. recommends Ocean View Resort Campground, which has "a huge pool and unbelievable splash pad to a great swimming pond with a beach! They just completed a new camp store building that has everything you could think of from camping gear to beach chairs and floats!"
Activity scheduling: Daily programs at larger resorts. Joel A. notes about Sun Outdoors Cape May, "Despite the shutdowns with Corona, they made every attempt to hold activites every day. You had to sign up for pool slots, but there was plenty of openings."
Nature centers: Interactive exhibits for educational opportunities. At Cape Henlopen, Harry L. reports, "There is a fantastic nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff. Free bike rentals are available, some with baby seats and trailers."
State forest options: More natural setting with lower prices. April E. recommends Belleplain State Forest: "Very nice campground tucked away in southern NJ. Clean facilities. Plenty of space for our tent. lake for swimming and you can rent boats. nice hiking trails and playground. About 20 minutes away from the Cape May zoo."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Confirm actual measurements before booking. Steve W. advises about Sun Outdoors Cape May, "Site was ample sized as most sites were. Plenty of space for 33 ft motorhome and toad. Reasonably easy access to Cape May attractions."
Seasonal sites: Understand ambiance before booking short stays. Cynthia D. observes, "Several sites were playing music until 11:00 every night. The bathrooms were a little worse for the wear but the pool looked nice."
Leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks for some campgrounds. At Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, Lee D. notes, "All of the non-hookup sites are sand/grass/gravel and completely level; the hookup sites have paved camper pads (and are also level)."
Sand management: Floor mats essential at beachside locations. Mark F. shares, "All the lots have sand which can make the RV messy but it's the Jersey coast so it's to be expected."
