Somers Point sits at the junction of the Great Egg Harbor Bay and Patcong Creek, with elevations rarely exceeding 10 feet above sea level. The area experiences moderate coastal weather with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 30°F. Camping options in this southern New Jersey region often feature sandy soil conditions that drain quickly after rain but can make tent staking challenging at some locations.
What to do
Kayaking river adventures: Winding River Campground offers direct access to river paddling with shuttle service for various trip lengths. "Very nice camping sites. Very clean bath houses," notes Mark A. The campground provides transportation options for 2, 3 and 5 hour kayaking trips that return directly to the campsite, with rentals available or a small transport fee if bringing your own equipment.
Swimming options: Multiple water recreation facilities beyond just the ocean beaches provide swimming alternatives. "The lake is huge, the pools are crowded but fun. There is a splash pad for little ones. Our 3 yr old loved it," explains Kirsten J. about Ocean View Resort Campground. Some campgrounds maintain both pool and lake swimming areas with specific opening hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
State forest hiking: The forested areas near Somers Point provide miles of hiking through pine barrens terrain. "I haven't camped here but we love the dog-friendly hiking trails. We have walked through the site areas and they seem to be a nice size," reports Maggie H. regarding trails at Belleplain State Forest. Trail difficulties range from easy nature walks under 1 mile to moderate routes extending 5-7 miles through varied terrain.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: The tree coverage and site spacing at several campgrounds receives positive comments from visitors. "Our site was HUGE!!!! It was also super private with trees and a lot of privacy from the road and our neighbors," shares Anne H. about Belleplain State Forest. Many campers appreciate sites that provide natural separation from neighbors and room for multiple vehicles or tents.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance standards generally meet or exceed expectations at established facilities. "Nice clean campsites with good electric and water hookups. Great activates at the lake and playground. Site was level. Bath house was a little run down, but serviceable," says Brett D. Staff attention to bathhouse cleanliness stands out in multiple reviews, though facility age varies considerably between properties.
Campground activities: Organized events and recreation amenities enhance the camping experience beyond just having a place to sleep. "First time here and will be back…. Best state run campground I've been to. Friendly staff, clean facilities, so much to do. Offers more then some private campgrounds," states Heather F. Weekend programming often includes guided nature walks, crafts, and social gatherings during peak summer months.
What you should know
Seasonal population: Many campgrounds maintain a high percentage of seasonal residents, affecting the social dynamics and availability. "This is more like a long term stay place that has a couple of short term sites," explains Sonyia W. about Mays Landing Resort. First-time visitors may find established social groups and might need to book well ahead for weekend stays during summer months.
Variable site quality: Sites within the same campground can differ significantly in size, privacy, and accessibility. "The sites are spacious, the pool is crowded but fun. There is a splash pad for little ones," notes Kirsten J. Lower-numbered sites often sit closer to roads or facilities, generating more foot traffic but providing easier access to amenities.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations, with some areas having minimal coverage. "Virtually NO cell service with AT&T, TMobile or Verizon. AT&T was the better of the 3," reports Anne H. State forest campgrounds typically have more limited service than private campgrounds, and wooded sites may have poorer reception than open areas.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple facilities offer child-specific recreation areas beyond standard playgrounds. "Ocean View Resort was an excellent resort for our family with two toddlers. kids loved the Splash Park, Arcade, Tram Car, playgrounds and Lake," shares Ann Marie M. about Ocean View Resort Campground. Most family-oriented campgrounds offer weekend activity schedules during summer months, often including crafts, games, or movies.
Safety considerations: Water features require extra supervision with young children. "Sites are very wooded, close to each other. Fun for kids. The lake is huge, the pools are crowded but fun," notes Kirsten J. Parents should be aware that many natural water features lack lifeguards, and pond edges can have sudden drop-offs or slippery surfaces.
Proximity to attractions: Many campers use these locations as bases for exploring regional destinations. "We stayed for 2 weeks July 2023, and had the best time. The owner Mike and his super energetic side kick Adrienne were great. Bathrooms were older but spotless clean," comments Joe H. about Colonial Meadows Family Campground. Most family-friendly attractions like the Cape May Zoo require 20-30 minute drives from campgrounds in the Somers Point area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues requiring extra blocks or leveling equipment. "Sites are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled," notes Daniel C. Many sites have sandy or loose gravel surfaces that can make stabilizing jacks less effective.
Hookup quality: Utility connections vary in condition and positioning between campgrounds. "Our site(#15) was a pull-thru with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. The hook-ups were all well-maintained and worked fine," shares Matt S. about Spacious Skies Country Oaks. Water pressure tends to fluctuate during peak usage times, so regulators are recommended at most locations.
Dump station access: Limited dump facilities can create congestion during peak checkout times. "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," warns Anne H. Holiday weekends often see dump station wait times exceeding one hour at popular campgrounds, so planning early morning or late afternoon dumping can save considerable time.
