131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Southern New Jersey's coastal region surrounding Downe offers a diverse camping landscape with options ranging from primitive sites to full-service RV resorts. Belleplain State Forest, located about 25 miles west of Downe, provides year-round camping with spacious wooded sites that accommodate tents, RVs, and even yurts. Campers seeking proximity to the Atlantic Ocean can find several options along the Cape May peninsula, including Sun Outdoors Cape May and Beachcomber Camping Resort, both operating seasonally from April through October. The area features a mix of state-managed forests and privately-owned campgrounds, with many sites situated near lakes, rivers, or within a short drive of ocean beaches.
Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The sandy soil common throughout southern New Jersey affects campsite conditions, with some visitors noting challenges during rainy periods. As one camper at Belleplain State Forest observed, "Our site was HUGE and super private with trees providing privacy from the road and neighbors." Cell service varies significantly across the region, with state forest areas often having limited connectivity. Weather conditions remain mild through much of the camping season, though summer humidity can be significant. Pet policies vary by location, with most state parks allowing dogs for an additional fee, while private campgrounds often have breed or size restrictions.
Waterfront sites at places like Wharton State Forest receive consistently positive reviews for their kayak access and scenic views. According to one visitor, "Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites early as they are popular." Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with state forests generally offering more seclusion than private resorts. Many campers note the convenience of reaching Atlantic beaches from inland campgrounds, with most being within a 30-minute drive of ocean access. Seasonal amenities like swimming pools and organized activities typically operate from late May through early September. Winter camping options are limited primarily to Belleplain State Forest and a few private campgrounds that remain open year-round with reduced services.
"They allowed me to drive around first and pick out a campsite before checking in. They charge $5 extra for a dog. So far it is very quiet and that's what I was looking for."
"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."
"There are grocery stores close by like Walmart about 20 minutes away. The beach is nice and clean. We rented canoes near the beach."
"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."
from $20 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Stayed in a drive through, patio site with full hook-ups. It was situated on a corner spot. A lot of RV, golf cart, bike, and people traffic due to the location."
"The front of the park is close to the pool and store- if pool noise is a concern you should stay further back. A mix of seasonal,"cabins" and overnight camping. Park was very clean."
"My group was there, on two adjacent sites, from Sunday to Tuesday, in early June. The weather could not have been more ideal! We were on sites G12 and G13, which were both really large."
"Nice walking and biking trails. Trails and campground well maintained. Several beach access points and nice fishing pier. Nature center, historic military structures and watch towers."
from $30 - $99 / night
Check Availability"Great Location and close to Cape May City. 10 min drive to Washington Street Mall. Lots to do during the day."
"Beautiful main building. close to a lovely walking trail."
"It's very close to everything, but you don't even need to leave the campground! There are a ton of activities!"
"We went to Ocean View Resort in New Jersey to kick off the 2022 season in our new Fleetwood Discovery LXE. And we’re glad we did! "
"They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."
"I think the lale could use a little cleanup with the amount of bobbers, string and mess left behind by people. There have ao many cabins its crazy and alot of seasonal rentals."
"As a returning traveler to Spacious Skies Campgrounds – Country Oaks in Dorothy, New Jersey, I continue to be impressed by the peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and welcoming hospitality"
"There’s nothing much to do in the area without driving 45+ minutes away, so make this your destination of you’re looking for a restful time away from home. The Wi-Fi actually worked great."
from $36 - $999 / night
Check Availability"A beautiful wooded campground close to the beaches of Cape May, New Jersey. Very family oriented and really a great place for adults too."
"Lots to do and the beautiful beaches of Cape May, New Jersey are a short 10 minute drive. The different types of camping/glamping experiences exceeded my expectations."
from $42 / night
Check Availability"Our GPS wanted to take us to the main park entrance on Howell School Rd versus Red Lion Rd to the campground entrance on the other side of the pond."
"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
from $27 - $45 / night
Check Availability
TravelerMany long term seasonal sites. Good community. Large shower house good and clean . Pool. Game room. Off leash dog park. Wooded/shady sites or no shade sunny sites. Lots of area to walk or play. Large field, basketball couture, frisky golf, play area and laundry room. We were here all summer (June-october). Lots to do in the area. Good food nearby. Ocean city 10 minutes away.
ScoutThis is one of the largest, if not the largest, campgrounds in Southern New Jersey. While on the pricier side, everything is top-notch. The roads are all paved, and not gravel (I hate trying to sleep and listening to the sound of stones grating together). The sites are more spacious than most campgrounds, so it doesn't seem so crowded. The bathrooms are all modern and spotless. There are numerous bathrooms which means most sites have one nearby. They do charge a quarter for showers to encourage water conservation and donate the money to conservation causes. The pool is large, as is the lake. Both are well-maintained. The camp store is enormous and is really nice and well-stocked with everything one might need from food to pool and beach stuff to camping supplies and equipment. There is a nice cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The camp store has a lending library of books and DVDs. There are numerous activities that appear to be well-run, The grounds are shaded with many trees for a great wooded campground feel. The campground is so large that it has an internal shuttle with stations scattered about to help people go between the various important sites such as at the pool, the lake and the store. I found other campers, particularly the seasonals, to be more friendly than other campgrounds at the shore. This requires constant tree care including removing dead trees and branches which they do regularly. The staff is friendly and well-trained. I was in a tent, and when a rare October nor'easter came through, I was offered the opportunity to use a cabin free-of-charge. Fortunately my tent and equipment made it through days of rain and high winds just fine . On my first stay in May, I had to run my dog back to Baltimore towards the end of my trip where he was sadly diagnosed with incurable metastatic cancer. When I returned, I was late and unable to check out by 11, but they allowed me to take as much time as needed to clear the site, as nobody was staying there the next day, which was deeply appreciated - I was an emotional wreck. Oh, and I found the complimentary Wi-Fi to be a great service, and sufficiently fast to allow me to stream ultra-high-definition movies at my site - Most campgrounds charge extra for less-than-good service - a lot more. I find that a big bonus. Overall, I LOVE this campground and highly recommend it.
GuideThis campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
ScoutI’ve stayed here multiple times over the past 15 years and I have enjoyed each trip.
Depot Travel Park is a well-maintained family-owned campground. It is also reasonably priced, especially given the location that is within a bicycle ride to the beach, the ocean, and lots of shops and restaurants in Cape May. It is the only campground on the Cape May side of the canal.
Please note that this is not a resort campground and it doesn’t have a pool. There is so much to do in Cape May that is doesn’t need to be a resort.
Since it’s not a resort campground, there are not many golf carts, so most people use their bicycles or cars to get around. That also makes the campground pretty quiet, even during the peak of summer.
The campground sells firewood and propane, but there is no camp store. Again, it doesn’t really need one, since there is a farmers market at the end of the driveway, and a CVS and an ACME supermarket within bicycle riding distance.
If your site doesn’t have a sewer hookup, the dump station is a little awkward to access, but they have a daily honey wagon for a reasonable fee, which is great. If you notify the office the day before you need it and they are usually there in the morning.
They close for the season n October, but they reopen briefly during the Cape May Christmas Parade weekend in December. That’s one thing that I’d like to do soon.
I really like this campground and I am always recommending it to friends.
GuidePretty easy camping trip, plenty of room to set up camp. Level spots. We stayed on south inlet campground. They have small camp store multiple laundry and bath houses. Great stay if you enjoy fishing, as. You can fish the inlet at the campground. They have a very nice playground for kids as well! Only negative is no camp fires allowed, they do have a community area you can have a camp fires allowed. Also no wifi
ScoutMy check in was for 8-6-2026, and bc I’m a new driver and wanted to beat traffic I got there early (7am) so I sit there waiting till check in time. When suddenly the park police show up. He’s accusing me of camping over night there. I told him simply I wasn’t and where I was night prior (would never sleep somewhere without permission). So we go to the store to kill time before we check in. Come back for Check in and the whole staff in just the office alone were so arrogant and cold to my mom and I, leaving rude comments to us and not only where they like that but the staff outside the office was acting like that alongside the rangers and park police. They would watch us the whole visit in the distance parking there cars a little ways watching everything we did,even driving by slowly a bunch of times in just an hour alone. My mom and I couldn’t do anything with out them showing up 2 mins later. Example we were walking our dog enjoying our time(trying to) and all of a sudden one of the office ladies pulls up right in front of us speeding, parks their car, gets out and walks a distance from us standing there and taking pictures of us…. For walking our dog who’s on a leash and didn’t even do anything. The whole trip we felt uncomfortable and unwanted and to find out they police when we were going on walks where coming up to campers near us bribing them with free firewood to get any information on use (told to us by other camper). I paid a lot of money to be harassed and followed the whole time. We never did anything we abide by every rule and keep to ourselves everywhere we go. They even made my mother cry…
ScoutGreat place. Close to beach. No septic hookup
ScoutLove it every year . We g for mother's Day. And the schedule for the events they do during even just the weekend make for fun filled hassle free weekend
ScoutFirst time at this campground really like it a lot will be returning. The bathrooms are always clean. The grounds are always kept up. Just a really nice place to stay. Most of the sites have some kind of shade.
Southern New Jersey's coastal camping near Downe offers a mix of sandy soil conditions and maritime pine forests situated at elevations ranging from sea level to 60 feet. Campers should be prepared for significant humidity levels from June through September when temperatures typically reach 85-90°F. The region experiences sandy trails and campsites that can be challenging during wet weather conditions.
Swimming lakes and beaches: Lake Nummy at Belleplain State Forest provides freshwater swimming with rental options. "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," notes camper April E.
Historic exploration: Cape Henlopen offers military history sites within the park. "As a former military installation, there are lots of military historical items and sites. Underground bunkers and batteries and such. There's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views," explains Lisa B.
Fishing opportunities: Sites with lake access provide fishing options for anglers. At Parvin State Park Campground, one visitor mentions, "Good fishing and nice trails. Nice campsites, some big enough for trailers. Bathrooms were very clean."
Rail trail access: Several campgrounds provide access to biking trails in the region. At Holly Shores, "There is an 11 mile rail trail across the street as well," notes Joel A., making it convenient for cyclists looking to explore the area without driving.
Large, private sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites available at certain campgrounds. 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."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive consistent praise. "The newly built bathhouses are great! They're always clean and I've yet to not get a hot shower, even though they get used a lot," reports Amanda R. about her experience.
Nature centers: Educational opportunities enhance camping experiences for many visitors. One camper at Sun Outdoors Cape May notes, "The nature center had planned activities for families each day," which provides structured learning opportunities.
Swimming options: Multiple water features at campgrounds are highly rated. "Great time spent 2 days. Rode our bikes and went to local winery. Cleanest bathrooms," reports Douglas G., highlighting the diversity of activities available within short distances.
Winter access limitations: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. At Spacious Skies Country Oaks, one camper notes, "Even in the colder months, this campground remains a quiet and relaxing escape. The grounds are clean and well-kept, with easy access to nearby nature spots."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have water challenges. "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water," reports Frank J.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "Virtually NO cell service with AT&T, TMobile or Verizon. AT&T was the better of the 3. Our Winegard/Gateway give us no internet which we normally get," reports one camper.
Dump station congestion: Limited facilities can cause delays during checkout. "The worst was the dump station. It is just a little hole on the side of the road and the ONLY dump station for the 3 campgrounds! It was very unlevel and not easy to fully dump our tanks."
Splash parks for children: Beachcomber Camping Resort offers water attractions specifically for families. "The entire family had fun. Kids were super happy about all the activities this campground has to offer. Staff is great as well," shares Stephanie G.
Free bike rentals: Some parks offer complimentary equipment. "Free bike rentals are available, some with baby seats and trailers," notes a camper, making family exploration more accessible without bringing all your gear.
Safety features: Gated campgrounds provide peace of mind. One visitor explains, "It's a gated resort which makes it incredibly safe and something that gives us piece of mind while out exploring."
Educational activities: Nature programs engage children throughout their stay. "The nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff," offers valuable learning experiences for children visiting the area.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose sites carefully based on RV size. At Cape Henlopen, "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."
Arrival timing: Avoid late arrivals at some campgrounds. "Don't plan on arriving after dark as there is no type of lighting other than what the other campers have lit up," advises one RVer about navigating campgrounds.
Road conditions: Be prepared for challenging campground roads. "Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large. No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground."
Electric options: Many campgrounds offer varying electric service. "The CCC is the only one with electric and water hookups on site," notes a camper, emphasizing the importance of confirming utility options before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Downe, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Downe, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Downe, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Downe, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Downe, NJ is Belleplain State Forest with a 4.1-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Downe, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Downe, NJ.
Keep Exploring
