Glamping experiences near Stone Harbor, New Jersey range from rustic to refined with multiple options within a 20-mile radius. Located on a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean, Stone Harbor maintains consistent summer temperatures between 75-85°F with evening cooling from ocean breezes. Campgrounds in this region typically operate from April through October with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What to do
Beach exploration at sunset: Cape Henlopen State Park offers evening beach access just across the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. "Sunset on the beach is absolutely serene," notes a visitor to Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, which remains open from March through November.
Hiking state forest trails: Wooded paths through pine forests provide a contrast to beach activities. A camper at Belleplain State Forest shared, "The nature center had planned activities for families each day. We biked the trails, and hiked others that didn't allow bikes."
Free bicycling programs: Several parks offer complimentary bike rentals. "Free bike rentals are available, some with baby seats and trailers," mentions a Cape Henlopen visitor. The park features mostly flat terrain with some small hills on paved paths.
Military history tours: Former coastal defense installations provide educational opportunities. "There's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views and photo opportunities," according to one Cape Henlopen visitor describing the WWII-era structures.
What campers like
Proximity to multiple beaches: Locations allow easy access to different shore towns. "Close enough to a beautiful beach! Sites were a little too close to each other," notes a camper from Ocean View Resort Campground, located about 15 minutes from Stone Harbor beaches.
Swimming options beyond the ocean: On-site water features provide swimming alternatives. "This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities," mentioned a visitor at Ocean View Resort Campground who appreciated the swimming variety.
Nature program variety: Structured activities add educational elements. "There are a ton of activities!" shared a Beachcomber Camping Resort visitor, where seasonal programming runs from May through October.
Privacy levels between campgrounds: Site separation varies significantly between locations. A visitor to Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort noted, "Tent site was fantastic, level, trees are well trimmed, but still with good coverage, sites are a nice size."
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Peak season books quickly, particularly holiday weekends. "We might be back and stay in CCC closer to the open bathrooms, but they REALLY need to do something about the dump stations," commented a Belleplain State Forest visitor about Memorial Day weekend crowds.
Bathroom facility variations: Cleanliness and availability fluctuate between campgrounds. "Bathhouses were clean and well maintained," noted a visitor at Sun Outdoors Cape May, while others mentioned quarter-operated showers at some facilities.
Site selection strategy: Research specific site locations before booking. "If you want quiet stay to the ends of the rows. E and F are quieter too," advises a Cape Henlopen visitor about minimizing noise from high-traffic areas.
Wi-Fi limitations: Connectivity issues are common at multiple campgrounds. "Love the place, but their wi-fi is awful," shared a Sun Outdoors Cape May visitor, while similar comments appear across several campground reviews.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation safety: Supervised swimming areas have varying schedules. "The swimming lake was beautiful," shared a Belleplain visitor, though lifeguard presence varies by season and day of week.
Budget-friendly campground activities: On-site programming reduces travel needs. "Plenty of things for the kids to do. A nice lake with a giant inflatable slide, floating trampoline, kayak and paddle board rentals," described a Shellbay Campgrounds visitor about the amenities available during summer months.
Transportation considerations: Some larger campgrounds benefit from secondary transportation. "We had a blast with a golf cart rental. The campground is rather large, so it felt like a necessity for getting around easily as a family," noted a Sun Outdoors Cape May visitor.
Meal planning flexibility: Some glamping accommodations include kitchen facilities. "We stayed in a yurt. It was a great experience that we would definitely do again," shared a Belleplain State Forest visitor about their accommodation that included basic cooking amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain. "None of the sites are level," noted a Cape Henlopen visitor, suggesting bringing additional leveling blocks even for reserved sites.
Dump station timing: Plan departure schedules around peak usage times. "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," warned a Belleplain State Forest visitor.
Access route considerations: Entrance roads vary in width and clearance. "The entrance is unlit at night and sign is hidden by their shrubs if coming from the south," cautioned a Sun Outdoors Cape May visitor about navigation challenges after dark.
Amenities versus privacy tradeoffs: Site selection impacts experience quality. "Our site was cramped, but nicely wooded, as all the campground seemed to be. This was nice. Even though our stay wasn't during hot weather, I can see how the shady park would be enjoyable during the peak summer months," explained a Sun Outdoors Cape May RV camper.
