Best Tent Camping near Cape May, NJ

Tent campsites near Cape May, New Jersey include several established options within a short drive of the shore. Shellbay Campgrounds in Cape May Court House offers tent sites from May 15 to September 30, providing campers with drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Redden State Forest Campground, located approximately 40 miles west in Georgetown, Delaware, provides a more primitive tent camping experience with seven reservable sites in a wooded setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the Cape May region have limited amenities compared to full-service RV parks. Redden State Forest features packed gravel or dirt tent pads with picnic tables and fire pits, but no running water or electrical hookups. A portable toilet serves as the only restroom facility. Shellbay Campgrounds provides more services for tent campers, including showers, flush toilets, and drinking water access. Reservations are required at most established tent camping areas, with Redden State Forest limiting stays to three consecutive nights. Firewood is typically available for purchase on-site, operating on an honor system at some locations.

Areas farther from Cape May offer more secluded tent camping experiences. Buttonwood Hill in Wharton State Forest provides primitive tent sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets, available from April 1 to October 31. Tent campers seeking quieter surroundings might prefer these less-developed areas over busier shore-adjacent campgrounds. A visitor noted, "The campground is beautiful, secluded, clean, and peaceful." For tent campers planning weekend trips, sites tend to fill quickly during summer months, particularly at locations within biking distance of beaches. Camping near Cape May provides convenient access to Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and Cape May beaches, though campers should expect more crowded conditions during peak season.

Best Tent Sites Near Cape May, New Jersey (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cape May, NJ

4 Photos of 8 Cape May Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Cape May, NJ

530 Reviews of 8 Cape May Campgrounds


  • BA K.
    Apr. 3, 2023

    Redden State Forest Campground

    Beautiful, secluded, not free, nothing larger than 25 ft allowed

    This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed. I stayed in March, paid $28 per night. Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed. There is firewood, but it is not free. You pay for it on the “honors system”. Bring cash. There is no water, no electric, no bathroom. This is primitive camping/boondocking. This is a “leave no trace, carry in/carry out” facility. The campsites are well maintained, clean and for the most part, it’s quiet, some highway noise and noise from other campers, but still very nice. There is a ranger on duty who stopped by to say hello, a quick visit. Drive to your site, no check in. Redden State Forest is very beautiful and although you’re in the woods, still very close to shopping and gas stations in Georgetown. Beaches are about 30-40 minutes away, leave early to avoid traffic. Verizon 2-3 bars, consistently.

  • W L.
    Mar. 15, 2022

    Parvin State Park Campground

    Great location; Easy camping for newbies

    We stayed for a weekend and were very happy with our cabin - a pleasant surprise was how incredible the bathroom inside there was - we're talking spectacularly clean! There was a shower stall w/built-in shelves that seemed brand new (no mildew on the shower curtain, no stains, etc.). The small sink had a mirror above it that opens for a medicine cabinet. Plenty of toilet paper but you need to bring your own soap/shampoo/towels.

    The cabin featured a separate kitchenette area with regular size fridge, sink, electric stove with oven and some counter space/cupboard and rack for a hand towel. A fire extinguisher was within easy reach. The main area had two Adirontack chairs, table with benches, electrical outlet and wide barn doors (designed to open fully but ours were nailed shut so only a regular door width opened). There was a wood stove which, in August, we did not utilize (and I'd recommend bringing a small fan or two if you come in the summer, it was hot). There was a chalkboard (no chalk).

    While we did not think we'd be using the narrow screened in porch it did rain and we were glad to have it. Also inside were two little rooms with bunk beds. I felt claustrophobic in there, imagining spiders and all sorts of creepy things living in there and opted to sleep in the car. Which reminds me - warning - there are tiny deer ticks. Don't go out to the car in the dark when the dew is on the grass w/o covering your feet and ankles, you will get deer ticks. Not like it happened to me or anything, wink wink. That being said, the bunks were clean, if well-used. Bring your sheets/pillows/sleeping bag for them. 

    Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans.

    We walked the path around Thundergust lake after dinner and here is another warning: bring super-woodsman-strong-do-not-mess-with-me bug spray. While we all can get mosquito bites, these babies were like Rambo mosquitos on sterioids - one bite would leave a welt swollen a quarter inch above your skin and an inch and a half long. One bite. Now imaging a dozen of them and you can see why my friend was miserable the next day. We also found the "spotted lantern fly" a pest that is non-native and wrecking havock, which we promptly crushed with a hiking boot.

    The swimming area of Parvin Lake was closed due to COVID, but we did a few hikes. There are maps available in the ranger's office - and some pretty cool tie-died t-shirts, too. (I got the turquoise). Anyway, the trails were pretty busy - lots of locals out getting a walk, run, or dog walk in. The hikes were easy, with level, sandy trails that were well-marked. There is a lot nearby the camping area, (like Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy where you can feed the animals and purchase some fantasic dairy products, yarn, and meats) or the Jersey Shore, or Amish markets.  So, while you can have the camping experience you will never feel "alone in the woods", which is why it's a great choice for new campers. Also  families who want the option of day trips close by. Some people had kayaks out on one of the lakes.

    While a bit worn from the weather, it was nice to read about the foliage/native plants as we walked the trails. We also caught the end of the blueberry season and I was able to collect enough to make a small batch of jam when I got home.

    My four-star rating comes from personal preference for more solitude when I camp. The other side of the same coin is the other negative impression I left with - there was a lot of trash/litter no matter where we were in this park. "Leave no trace" is not practiced here by the visitors, and while the park keeps the cabins COVID-spotless, the grounds are not maintained with the same stringency. In all fairness, the visitors should stop throwing bottles, wrappers, etc. on the ground. Signage and some volunteer days might help.

  • Dave R.
    Sep. 30, 2019

    Sun Outdoors Cape May

    Close to all the good stuff

    We've stayed here 2 years in a row. We returned due to all the activities the campground offers for the kids. A nice lake with a giant inflatable slide, floating trampoline, kayak and paddle board rentals. A decent pool that tends to get a bit crowded, but does the trick. We had a blast with a golf cart rental. The campground is rather large, so it felt like a necessity to have a secondary way of getting around easily as a family. Plus it made checking out the entire campground manageable. Bathhouses were clean and well maintained. The campground is a short 5 minute drive from Cape May. Which is also a big reason we've returned. Sunset Beach, The Open Air Mall, and the charm of victorian Cape May are all great reasons to visit.

  • Diane T.
    Jul. 13, 2020

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Plan early, one of the best places to camp near the beach!

    Cape Henlopen camp sites fill up so quickly, and for good reason! After missing out on reservations year after year, this year, we booked a weekend tent site for July back in January and immediately realized the spark of this place. The campground is large with various loops full of RV, popup, and tent sites. There is also a section of walk-in tent sites, each with 1 parking spot semi close by. (Bring a wagon if you stay at one of these). We stayed in site T021 (walk-in site) and had plenty of privacy and space to set up our screen room, tent, and firepit. All camp sites come with the standard picnic table, as well as fire pit and grill grate. There is a camp store in the center of the campground where you can purchase firewood, coffee, batteries, ice or other camping needs.  There are several bath houses strategically placed throughout the campground so that you can easily find one a few minute walk away no matter where you stay. Bath houses were clean, updated, well maintained and air conditioned. There are both public showers that are stall-like within some of the bath houses, as well as large private shower + bathroom stalls (perfect if you have young kids). I didn't find the bugs to be any worse than typical summer camping spots (I heard they maybe spray for bugs on the sites?) but definitely bring your spray and citronella candles. It also POURED from a small tropical storm the morning we arrived yet our site and the full campground was well and dry by the time we set up in the afternoon  - looked like most of the sites were set up on hills, which is great to avoid pooling in inclement weather.  Pets are allowed and there are water spigots near every site. Although our site (T021) was spacious and private, my brother's family was staying on T011 and there were about 4-5 sites all in an open space back to back with one another near his. The neighbors were friendly so no complaints but the lack of privacy there is worth nothing in case you wanted to feel more 'remote'. The sites are mostly tree lined and semi shaded by pines. The campground gets extremely dark at night and the stars are so beautiful from the lack of light pollution! The campground is in a large state park, full of many bike trails, hiking spots, historical WWII sites, fishing pier, and of course the beach. There is a separate entrance for campers so make sure to follow that when you drive in. The beach *is* walkable (maybe a mile away) but much easier /quicker to drive, and there is plenty of parking by the beach. The beach can get crowded but is clean and has lifeguards.  The best part is on a quiet night, if you listen really closely, you can hear the waves crashing in the distance. Due to the nature vibe, proximity to beach, and modern  bathhouses, I think this campground has become our new favorite one!

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Trap Pond State Park Campground

    Quiet, natural simplicity

    We had a great experience at Trap Pond. Price was reasonable. D Loop sites were a good size. Comes with a fire ring and picnic table. Site wasn't super level, so just bring enough leveling blocks if you're in a camper. D14 specifically is the last site on the row with an unobstructed view of the pond- we loved it. All sites in D loop had great tree coverage. It was also right near the showers, which were clean & warm, just what was needed. Tent sites are more secluded and are walk-in; our buddies tent camped the same weekend. There was a dock within walking distance of our site. Canoes were available for rent & I highly recommend canoeing water trails through the beautiful Cypress trees. No sewer connects, but there are 2 dump stations and we didn't wait long at the dump station heading out on a Sunday in July. Camp store has all the necessities, yet still simple. Free concerts at the nature center every Saturday in the summer. Nice walking/hiking trails around the grounds also. Dog friendly was a plus!! Lots of dogs were on leads at campsites including ours.

  • Jackie F.
    Aug. 22, 2021

    Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Will not be back

    Our tent site was on a slope, and completely flooded the fire ring when it rained. The fire ring was also missing the grilling grate so we couldn’t cook on it. Most of the showers in the bath houses were broken and you have to pay for them so bring your quarters! All the drink machines were busted and the mosquitos were absolutely unbearable. I contacted the company office and they basically said too bad, so sad. The sites are right on top of one another with hardly any space between. Won’t be back! The fire department drives around at 7am selling hoagies through a mega phone. Still unsure how I feel about that, but that’s up to you to decide! Cape May is just so busy so they really don’t care about your quality of stay. But we will definitely be trying somewhere else next time.

  • Travyl Couple !.
    Dec. 14, 2019

    Sun Outdoors Cape May

    Destination: History and Beaches

    Campground overview: We visited here in the third week in April. This is a private campground located about 6 miles from Cape May Point and about 4 miles from the beaches. If you are looking at this area to camp- then you know this is an area of lots of history from the WWII lookout tower and lighthouse to the hawk watch observatory.and everything in between. You will not be bored here!

    Lots of construction work was going on while we were here in preparation for their busy season which begins Memorial Day Weekend for the region. We were not bothered by this.

    There is a small lake (with swimming area) that is stocked for fishing and the overall feel of this park is tranquil. There is a rec center, activity center, tennis courts, 3 pickle ball courts, playgrounds and pool to name a few things. This is off season so the campground did not have the usual KOA bustle and feel of a summer camp for adults.

    Campsite : This is a well kept up park with plenty of wooded and shady sites that are a firm gravel and very level. Easy in and out of the park with our 40 feet of Rig. We had a premium pull thru site site with picnic table, grill, porch swing and patio table set along with a large concrete patio. (*note-placement of the sewer necessitated an extension to reach when we aligned our rig with the concrete patio.)

    Activities close to park: In addition to the campground activities which are plentiful, the Cape May Bike trail is directly across the street. If you go right, you will be in a very active shopping center area in about 2.4 miles and if you go left you are on your way to the beaches in 4 miles.

    The Cape May Ferry is only 4.4 miles away and could be a fun day trip because it will take you to Rebooth and you can explore Cape Henolpen State Park for the day . (We actually took our RV on the Ferry to our next campground) and that successful adventure will be documented at another time.

    My take away for this campground is that it is a great location to explore the area and you even have the option of additional day trips in a way that you may not always get to experience....Ferry rides are fun!

    Here is a great website that informs you of all the activities the area has to offer from Polar Plunges to wine and brewery trails.

    https://capemaycountynj.gov/960/Points-of-Interest

    Happy Camping! Pamela and Keith

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2017

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Nice Newly Renovated Sites

    We came back for another visit this September and the campground has undergone lots of renovations since I was here last so I wanted to provide an updated review.

    As always, the biking and walking trails in the park are top notch! The Gordon's Pond trail offers beautiful salt march views with lots of birds especially first thing in the morning. Beach access is quick and easy from the campground, too!

    We stayed in tent site 114 which was among a cluster of tent sites. Here you have to park in a parking lot and cart your stuff into your actual site. It's not a long haul but could be a pain in the neck if you tend to bring a lot of stuff with you when you camp. From our site there was a small path through the back of the site that provides quick and immediate access to the bike trails in the area.

    The sites have newly built picnic tables (very heavy and sturdy) as well as new concrete pad fire rings with grates. They sit a little high off the ground than a traditional fire pit but are nice and well maintained thus far. As I mentioned, the tent site we were in was among a cluster of sites spaced out relatively evenly. However, if all of the sites had been full it would have been a bit close together for my liking. One thing that is nice about these sites is the amount of shade, super helpful in the late summer heat.

    The bathroom facilities are also nice and well maintained. Be advised that many Delaware state parks require that you pack out all of your trash at most of their day use areas, the campground however DOES have a dumpster available for trash.

    If you can get a reservation here it's totally worth the stay!

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Wonderful!

      The 5th & last state on our East Coast trek is Delaware! 

     We took the ferry from Cape May & it was a novelty for us. We enjoyed it so much! 

      The state park is just a half mile on the left when you pull out.

       For Delaware I had my heart set on Cape Henlopen State Park. The sites go fast & I felt lucky to get the site I ended up with. When we got there we found out a water main broke& there was no water. Fortunately, we only went a day without. 

     There are cabins  & primitive sites with their own bath house. The water/electric sites are in rows A-F. We were in B 14.The sites are laid out at an angle, but some were a straight backin. The even A sites- you park your rig or car on the road in a straight line & you get a big wooded site. Not sure if these sites have electricity.

    There's 2 dump stations on the way out. 

    There's shower houses for E/F/T, the G loop& on the B loop road. They were clean. There's an asphalt trail leading through the main sites for bathroom access. It's clearly marked on the map, so keep it in mind when you pick a site.

     There are some pullthroughs that can take big rigs. The sites are not uniform, some larger, some smaller. Watch the site dimensions or you might not be able to fit your vehicle AND camper on the site. It HAS to all be on the asphalt behind the white line.

      There are combo toilet/showers which I'm not fond of. You're a tenter & want to go for your morning BM& all the doors are locked with people showering. :(  They're clean.

    The camp store/ laundry is the building next to that. The playground is also right there.

     This was my husbands favorite campground on our trip. It was a very enjoyable place!

       This park has a LOT of activities: the beach, a nice nature center. Fort Miles for WW 2 history. Biking is hugely popular & they have bike rentals at the nature center if you forgot yours. You can climb a WW 2 watchtower. There's hiking trails, a fishing pier. So much to do.

    Lots of good restaurants in the area also.

    We had a great time there. Sorry we had to leave...


Guide to Cape May

Tent camping near Cape May, New Jersey offers a mix of oceanside and forest environments within driving distance of Atlantic beaches. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with summer weekends requiring advance reservations several weeks ahead. Sites closest to beach areas fill quickly during peak season when temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours.

What to do

Beach access options: Campers at Shellbay Campgrounds can easily visit multiple beaches within a short drive. One visitor noted, "Looking for a trip to the Jersey shore (near Stone Harbor, Avalon, Wildwood, Cape May, & more) - look no further than Shellbay Camping Resort." Bicycle routes connect some campgrounds to nearby beaches, allowing car-free travel during busy summer periods.

Fishing opportunities: The Cape May area offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. At Red Wing Lakes, campers enjoy "catch and release lake" fishing, according to a seasonal camper. The lakes provide more secluded fishing compared to crowded shore fishing spots during summer months.

Hiking trails: Wooded campsites provide direct trail access for day hikes. A visitor to Abbot Sawmill mentioned it "feels remote" despite proximity to main roads, making it suitable for group hikes. Most trails in the region are relatively flat, with easy to moderate difficulty levels suitable for all ages.

What campers like

Peaceful environment: Many campers value quieter campgrounds away from busy beach areas. A reviewer at Buttonwood Hill appreciated feeling "very safe and secluded" while camping on the Batona Loop. This campground provides vault toilets and picnic tables at each site with minimal light pollution for stargazing.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming alternatives to ocean beaches. One reviewer mentioned Red Wing Lakes has a "swimming lake" separate from their fishing area, providing a more controlled environment for families with young children compared to ocean swimming.

Honor system amenities: Self-service features appeal to independent campers. At Redden State Forest Campground, "Wood was cheaper then usual (5 dollars per bundle) and is located under a self serve honor system payment across from site 3." These facilities typically operate with minimal staff interaction, allowing for more autonomous camping experiences.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Cape May have transitioned to reservation systems. According to a Redden State Forest camper, "This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed." Booking policies vary significantly between locations, with some limiting consecutive nights.

Vehicle restrictions: Size limitations affect which campgrounds accept larger vehicles. At Redden State Forest, "Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed." Always verify vehicle compatibility before booking.

Site conditions: Surface types vary widely between campgrounds. One Redden visitor noted, "These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table," but cautioned "can't get stakes in" for non-freestanding tents. Sites at forest campgrounds tend to have more shade but potentially uneven ground.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds provide structured recreation. A former Shellbay visitor recalled, "I remember my excitement to go camping, meet other kids at the campground, and have plenty of things to do close by (beach, shopping, swimming pool)." Weekday visits typically offer less crowded facilities than weekends.

Noise considerations: Campground atmosphere varies widely by location. One camper at Shellbay noted that "There were a lot of things for kids to do but it was not the kind of camp ground for peace and quiet. Several sites were playing music until 11:00 every night." Forest campgrounds generally offer quieter environments than those near beach areas.

Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality ranges from basic to full-service. A Redden State Forest camper mentioned, "A pretty small very full out house was about all that is offered," while Shellbay provides more comprehensive facilities. Families with young children should research bathroom proximity to campsites when booking.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Cape May area campgrounds offer varying levels of services. Shellbay provides "sites for camping with electric and water, seasonal sites with water, electric and sewer hookups" according to a reviewer, making it suitable for RVers requiring connections. Forest campgrounds generally offer primitive camping without hookups.

Road access: Gate systems and narrow roads can challenge larger vehicles. A Redden State Forest camper advised, "Be mindful if you have a big rig there is nowhere to turn around or hookups so plan accordingly when getting to your site." Many wooded campgrounds have limited turnaround space for backing into sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cape May, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cape May, NJ is Shellbay Campgrounds with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cape May, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Cape May, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.