Campgrounds near Estell Manor, New Jersey include several well-maintained properties within a 25-mile radius of town. The region features sandy pine barrens soil typical of southern New Jersey, with elevations generally below 100 feet above sea level. Morning fog can develop in low-lying camping areas during spring and fall, particularly near waterways and wetland areas.
What to do
Kayaking on the Great Egg Harbor River: Located at Winding River Campground, guests can enjoy river paddling with convenient transportation services. "They have kayaking and tubing available with their own transport 2,3 and 5 hour trips and you come right back down to the campsite! Bring your own and just pay a small transport fee," notes Michelle F.
Swimming in clean lake waters: Lake Nummy at Belleplain State Forest offers natural swimming options during summer months. Visitor Frank J. shares that "Sea Isle City is not too far away if you're into the Jersey shore, restaurants, live music," making this a good base for both forest and beach activities.
Mini golf and games: Several campgrounds offer recreation beyond swimming. At Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins, "Mini golf was Free yes free and also new. They also had a nice corn hole area," according to Ray L., providing options for families seeking structured activities without additional costs.
What campers like
Lake activities and beaches: Multiple campgrounds feature water recreation options. At Ocean View Resort Campground, "This campground had it all from a huge pool and unbelievable splash pad to a great swimming pond with a beach!" reports Ray L., highlighting the diversity of water activities available at a single location.
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate well-maintained bathhouses and common areas. "Bathrooms were very nice!! And I did 4 loads of laundry and that was great too - and cheap for laundry," notes Ashley H. about Whippoorwill Campground, mentioning the practical amenities travelers appreciate.
Privacy between sites: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. At Belleplain State Forest, Anne H. describes, "Our site was HUGE!!!! It was also super private with trees and a lot of privacy from the road and our neighbors," contrasting with tighter arrangements at other facilities in the region.
What you should know
Seasonal differences: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, with varying services available during shoulder seasons. "When I tried to check in, the staff was completely absent, so we went right to the site," reports Jonathan L. about off-season camping at Belleplain State Forest.
Variable site quality: Ground conditions can affect comfort levels. At Mays Landing Resort, Daniel C. noted "Site are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled," indicating topography challenges exist even at established campgrounds.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. Anne H. reports from Belleplain State Forest: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads for small children: Several campgrounds offer water features designed for younger visitors. At Ocean View Resort Campground, Tiffany P. shares: "This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities."
Beach proximity: Many campers use area campgrounds as a base for beach trips. Ann Marie M. reports about Ocean View Resort: "Ocean View Resort was an excellent resort for our family with two toddlers. Kids loved the Splash Park, Arcade, Tram Car, playgrounds and Lake. We also left the resort and went crabbing and went to the Cape May zoo."
Insect preparation: Sand and water mean insects in summer months. When staying at Whippoorwill Campground, Ashley H. warns: "The mosquitoes were vicious," suggesting families bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing for evening activities.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Belleplain State Forest, Anne H. warns, "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."
Road navigation challenges: Many campgrounds feature narrow internal roads that challenge larger rigs. Frank J. noted at Belleplain State Forest, "Staff at office said all the roads in the CCC section were 2-way. Not wide enough in my opinion but we didn't have a problem."
Site spacing concerns: At Spacious Skies Country Oaks, Matt S. reports, "The pull-thru sites(# 12-15) are packed together so tightly that our sitting area was bordered by the hookups from the neighboring site," indicating that advance research on specific site dimensions is valuable for RV campers seeking more privacy.
