Campgrounds near Stone Harbor, New Jersey offer options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabins within 15-20 miles of the beach. Most locations operate seasonally from April through October due to the coastal New Jersey climate. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity levels near the shore areas, while spring and fall camping offers milder temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Belleplain State Forest features multiple hiking trails through pine forests that remain accessible throughout all seasons. A visitor notes, "Very nice campground tucked away in southern NJ. Clean facilities. Plenty of space for our tent. lake for swimming and you can rent boats. nice hiking trails and playground. About 20 minutes away from the Cape May zoo" (Belleplain State Forest).
Breweries and local attractions: Within a short drive from most campgrounds, you can find local breweries and historical sites. One camper at Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort mentioned, "Great time spent 2 days. Rode our bikes and went to local winery. Cleanest bathrooms." Several campgrounds are within 10-15 minutes of Cold Spring Brewery and Cape May wineries.
Beach access options: Most campers visit the nearby beaches during their stay. According to a review, "Close driving distances to local beaches and boardwalks. The pool and pirate splash pad are great for kids!" Ocean City, Wildwood, and Cape May beaches are within 15-25 minutes from most area campgrounds, with some offering shuttle services during peak season.
What campers like
Swimming facilities: Many campgrounds offer multiple water recreation options beyond just beach access. At Ocean View Resort Campground, one visitor shared, "First time camping at the Jersey shore. This campground had it all from a huge pool and unbelievable splash pad to a great swimming pond with a beach! They just completed a new camp store building that has everything you could think of."
Pet exercise areas: Dog owners appreciate campgrounds with designated pet areas. As one reviewer noted about Beachcomber Camping Resort, "And don't forget our four legged family members. This campground is also very pet friendly ❤️. We come back as often as possible." Most pet-friendly sites have specific walking paths and waste disposal stations throughout the property.
Wooded privacy: Campers value sites with natural vegetation that provides shade and separation from neighbors. At Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, a reviewer observed, "The tent site was big with lots of choice locations for your tent. There is a lot of privacy between the tent sites because of the trees."
What you should know
Sand challenges: Most campsites in the area have sandy grounds which can be challenging to keep clean. A camper at Sun Retreats Avalon mentioned, "Sites were sandy. There was foliage between sites though they were close together." Sand tracking into tents, campers, and vehicles is a common issue during dry periods.
Seasonal limitations: Some facilities close during off-peak times. A visitor noted, "So we stayed May 1-2 so many amenities are closed. The campground is huge but seems clean." Most campgrounds open their full range of amenities between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Shower facilities: While most campgrounds have shower facilities, the systems vary widely. One camper at Beachcomber Camping Resort shared, "Nice sites are a good size and have a mix of shade and sun. They also have a rv and camper section. Also, a few of the showers were down, so it was difficult to get in there and everything cost extra. It was a quarter run shower."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Most family-oriented campgrounds run structured activities throughout the day. A visitor to Shellbay Campgrounds explained, "Great sites for camping with electric and water, seasonal sites with water, electric and sewer hookups and extremely well maintained grounds, paved roads, with family friendly rules to ensure enjoyment by all."
Wildlife education: Take advantage of nature centers in the area for educational opportunities. At Belleplain State Forest, "The nature center had planned activities for families each day. The swimming lake was beautiful. We biked the trails, and hiked others that didn't allow bikes."
Beach timing: Morning and evening beach visits are recommended with children to avoid midday heat and crowds. "The Cape May area offers several pet-friendly beaches with seasonal restrictions, making morning and evening dog walks particularly popular."
Tips from RVers
Site selection cautions: Many campgrounds have tight turns and obstacles that make maneuvering large rigs difficult. A reviewer at Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort warned, "The roadways are narrow and there isn't a lot of maneuvering room. We stayed in site 402a and it was a nightmare backing in and getting out of. We have a 42 ft 5th wheel but the website said it could accommodate the size."
Seasonal site differences: RVers note significant variation in site quality based on time of year. As one camper mentioned, "We were disappointed by the cramped site assignment because I'd indicated the size of our RV when making the reservation. There were a handful of empty sites that could have more easily accommodated our rig."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment for leveling. A reviewer noted, "None of the sites are level. Sites are mostly small and close together. The closer you are to the camp store, the louder and busier it is."
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