Camping opportunities near Elmer, New Jersey sit at approximately 125 feet above sea level in Salem County's flat coastal plain. The region has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers where temperatures typically reach 85-90°F and moderate winters averaging 30-40°F. Most RV parks in this area operate seasonally, with fewer facilities open between November and March when overnight temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Beach access from inland sites: Campgrounds near Elmer provide convenient bases for Atlantic coast beaches. From Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake in Port Republic, "We were only a short drive from the beach, as well." Their lake offers freshwater swimming for days when you don't want to travel to the ocean.
Explore local breweries: Cold Spring Brewery sits 45 minutes from Elmer and makes a nice excursion. A camper at Sun Retreats Avalon noted, "Cold Spring Brewery wasn't too far and was fun." Additionally, Pomona RV Park has "a cute brewery right around the corner" that received positive mentions from guests.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds. At Chestnut Lake, "The Lake has plenty of fish" according to a reviewer who stayed for several months. The campground doesn't require a New Jersey fishing license for their private pond, though fishing in nearby public waters requires proper licensing.
What campers like
Swimming options beyond the ocean: Many campgrounds offer swimming pools and freshwater swimming. At Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort, "the pool was clean" and families appreciate that they have "a little man made beach in the center of the campground." These alternatives provide relief when ocean waters are rough.
Halloween celebrations: Fall camping features festive activities at several parks. At Mays Landing Resort, "Halloween decorations were the best. The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt." Weekend activities include themed events suitable for children.
Helpful staff at smaller campgrounds: Smaller operations often provide personalized assistance. King Nummy Trail Campground staff "are absolutely amazing! So friendly and caring! Our cat got out/lost during our stay and they all went above and beyond to help us." Their willingness to assist with personal emergencies stands out to visitors.
What you should know
Site levelness varies significantly: Uneven sites present challenges at multiple campgrounds. A reviewer at Shady Pines Campground experienced extreme difficulty: "The much bigger problem was that it sloped so much it was impossible to level. I didn't have enough blocks to prop up the leveling jacks enough to level the RV." Request information about site grading when booking.
Seasonal population differences: Many campgrounds primarily serve long-term or seasonal campers. Echo Farms has "mostly seasonal sites and we were one of only a few transient campers." Similarly, Shady Pines hosts "several people working on assignment for a nearby decommissioned nuclear power plant who live at this campground."
Site cleanliness inconsistencies: Maintenance standards vary between parks and sometimes within the same facility. At Shady Pines, one site "had not been checked since its last guests left because there was refuse (used bandages, a used propane canister, etc.) that should have been cleaned prior to check-in." Report issues immediately for prompt resolution.
Tips for camping with families
Waterpark features: Water activities enhance family camping experiences. At Thousand Trails Lake & Shore, "I did like the lake and waterpark. However, the water in the waterpark was ice cold." Check if water attractions remain open during your visit dates, especially in shoulder seasons.
Playground availability: Children need recreation spaces during downtime. Mays Landing Resort "does have a nice playground for the little kids." These facilities provide entertainment when not exploring beaches or water features.
Supervision policies: Different campgrounds enforce varying rules about children. At Lake & Shore, one parent noted staff intervention: "when I was in the hot tub my daughter walked up to me to ask if I could get her a drink and she was not about to get into the water but the over concerned lifeguard walked up to say... you need to be 18 to be in the hot tub." Understand individual campground policies before arriving.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection strategy: Finding level sites presents challenges. At Sun Retreats Avalon, "Sites were sandy. There was foliage between sites though they were close together." Review aerial images before arrival to identify potentially level sites.
Access road considerations: Narrow campground roads create navigation difficulties. At Mays Landing Resort, "The exit is very tight to get out of and all lanes are one way so be careful if you have a big rig." Survey your route before committing to turns that might require backing up.
Facility availability: Campgrounds offer varying amenities and maintenance schedules. Chestnut Lake provides "clean showers and toilet, free cable, great lounge," but some parks have limited store hours or seasonal closures. Call ahead to confirm facility status during your planned visit dates.
