Camping near Manahawkin, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Explore the outdoors: Many campgrounds, like Sun Outdoors Cape May, are close to hiking trails and beaches. One camper mentioned, "I appreciated how clean the space was & it's close proximity to activities in Cape May."
- Fishing and boating: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can enjoy fishing and rent boats on the lake. A reviewer noted, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors."
- Visit historical sites: Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest is near historical sites like Batsto Village. One visitor shared, "Nearby is the Atsion Recreation Area, which offers fishing, walking, biking and horseback trails."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Bass River State Forest said, "The campground was clean and well maintained."
- Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA said, "Everyone we came in contact with staff wise was so friendly."
- Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough space for their tents or RVs. A review for Belleplain State Forest noted, "The sites are big. The bathrooms are a little old, but we really enjoy camping there."
What you should know:
- Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Wharton State Forest mentioned, "Cell service was fair.. No WiFi."
- Road noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest said, "There was some low flying air traffic going in to the joint base nearby."
- Bugs in summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A review for Bass River State Forest warned, "There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent."
Tips for camping with families:
- Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA said, "There was so much to do there... even more."
- Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "The staff was very friendly and welcoming."
- Check for pet policies: If you’re bringing pets, make sure the campground allows them. A reviewer at Sun Outdoors Cape May noted, "Pets are allowed."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest said, "If you are a master maneuver-er then this wouldn't be a concern for you."
- Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups and dump stations. A camper at Bass River State Forest mentioned, "The bathroom (shower room?) was reasonably clean."
- Arrive early: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Belleplain State Forest said, "All the electric sites are usually booked weeks or months out."
Camping near Manahawkin, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
