Glamping near Wildwood, New Jersey provides easy access to the Atlantic shoreline while nestled among pine forests typical of southern New Jersey's coastal plain. The region sits on sandy soil with elevations rarely exceeding 20 feet above sea level, creating well-draining campsites even after heavy rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly reach 85-90°F with high humidity, making water-based amenities particularly valuable at campgrounds throughout the area.
What to do
Biking trails: Cape May County offers extensive cycling options connecting several campgrounds to beaches and attractions. Sun Outdoors Cape May provides access to a rail trail system, as noted by one camper: "There is an 11 mile rail trail across the street as well." The network of trails offers flat, family-friendly terrain ideal for beginner cyclists.
Beach activities: Multiple public beaches within 15 minutes of most campgrounds provide varied experiences from crowded boardwalk beaches to quieter natural areas. A visitor at Cape Henlopen State Park Campground shared: "The hikes in the campground are beautiful. The historic aspect of the Cape amazed me. It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there."
Freshwater swimming options: Several resorts maintain lakes with beach areas as alternatives to ocean swimming. A camper at Ocean View Resort Campground noted: "This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities." Most lake facilities operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day with lifeguards on duty during peak hours.
What campers like
Privacy among the pines: Unlike ocean-front camping, the wooded settings provide shade and separation. At Belleplain State Forest, a visitor observed: "Our site was HUGE!!!! It was also super private with trees and a lot of privacy from the road and our neighbors. We had friends stay in the lean-tos nearby and others visit."
Family-oriented activities: Most resorts organize scheduled events throughout summer. According to one Beachcomber Camping Resort visitor: "The entire family had fun. Kids were super happy about all the activities this campground has to offer. Staff is great as well."
Water recreation beyond beaches: Many campers appreciate alternatives to ocean swimming. A visitor to Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites remarked: "Pros love the pool, lake, waterslides, and proximity to Cape May." These water features typically operate from 10am to 6pm during summer months with some resorts offering extended evening hours.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate limited schedules. A visitor at Shell Bay Campground mentioned: "Looking for a trip to the Jersey shore - look no further than Shellbay Camping Resort. 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."
Varied glamping options: The region offers diverse luxury camping experiences beyond typical cabins. One camper at Beachcomber noted: "A beautiful wooded campground close to the beaches of Cape May, New Jersey. Very family oriented and really a great place for adults too. We stayed in a teepee and it is one of the coolest places I have camped."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies significantly throughout the area. A Belleplain visitor reported: "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. There'd be way too many trees for Starlink."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access timing: Schedule swim breaks during mid-afternoon lulls. Most campground pools experience peak crowds between 11am-1pm and after 3pm. A visitor to Cape Henlopen State Park Campground mentioned: "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."
Golf cart considerations: Many resorts allow rental carts but have specific rules. A camper at Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort noted: "Only complaint really would be the folks who drove their golf carts like maniacs. Some enforcement from management would be good there."
Budget for extra activities: Many campground amenities require additional fees. A visitor observed at Ocean View Resort: "Does get very crowded and definitely have to book ahead. We loved where our site was located. Will definitely be visiting again."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on access to amenities versus privacy needs. One RVer at Adventure Bound Campground shared: "We had a pump out site. They come around every day to pump out your system. One day we got missed, and I spoke to someone in the office. They were there to pump us out (special trip) within the hour."
Campground navigation challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow interior roads. A visitor to Sun Outdoors Cape May reported: "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."
Hookup quality variations: Water pressure and electrical reliability differ between campgrounds. A camper at Belleplain State Forest noted: "Nice clean campsites with good electric and water hookups. Great activities at the lake and playground. Site was level. Bath house was a little run down, but serviceable."
