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.
