Camping options near Cape May Court House, New Jersey include both privately operated seasonal resorts and state forest alternatives within 30 minutes of the beach. Tent campers at Seashore Campsites & RV Resort pay around $40-65 per night, while RV sites with hookups typically range from $65-100 during peak summer months. The region experiences heavy mosquito activity during summer evenings, especially at wooded campsites away from the coast.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing at Belleplain State Forest: Lake Nummy provides rentals for water activities within walking distance from campsites. A camper noted, "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."
Biking on nearby trails: Many campgrounds offer convenient access to recreational paths. At Sun Outdoors Cape May, campers appreciate "an 11 mile rail trail across the street" according to one reviewer, making it easy to explore the region without driving.
Visit historic sites: The area's military history provides educational opportunities. Cape Henlopen State Park (about 30 minutes via ferry) features "Underground bunkers and batteries and such. There's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views and photo opportunities."
Swimming options beyond the ocean: Many campgrounds offer swimming alternatives. At Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort, a camper mentioned they have a "Nice pool, clean showers, quarters for a shower. We paid $40 night in almost mid September."
What campers like
Proximity to multiple beaches: Camping in this region allows easy access to various coastal towns. A visitor to Ocean View Resort Campground 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! We will absolutely be going back to stay at OVR!!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and common areas receive consistent positive mentions. At Beachcomber Camping Resort, a reviewer highlighted: "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."
Recreational variety for different interests: Campgrounds offer diverse activities beyond swimming. A camper at Ocean View Resort Campground explained: "This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities. Does get very crowded and definitely have to book a head."
Shaded sites: The region's wooded campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. A visitor to Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins appreciated: "Sites are very nice n level. Beautiful landscaping. Gravel under the trailer and small river rock around the picnic table and fire pit."
What you should know
High seasonal demand requires advance planning: Peak summer months sell out quickly, especially at campgrounds with water features. One camper warned about Ocean View: "Does get very crowded and definitely have to book a head. We loved where our site was located."
Variable cell service and Wi-Fi: Connectivity can be unreliable, particularly at state forest campgrounds. At Belleplain State Forest, a camper 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."
Golf cart policies and speed enforcement: Many larger campgrounds allow golf cart rentals, but camper behavior varies. At Sun Retreats Seashore, a visitor observed: "Only complaint really would be the folks who drove their golf carts like maniacs. Some enforcement from management would be good there."
Insect management: Mosquitos are particularly troublesome in wooded areas. A camper at Seashore Campsites noted: "The mosquitos were INSANE! 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
Choose campgrounds with kid-focused amenities: Water features rank highly for family satisfaction. A visitor to Shellbay Campgrounds shared: "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."
Consider timing of beach visits: Early mornings and evenings often provide more comfortable beach experiences during summer. One camper at Sun Outdoors Cape May noted: "It's a good spot for kids. Sunset Beach, The Open Air Mall, and the charm of victorian Cape May are all great reasons to visit."
Evaluate privacy needs: Site layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. A family at Sun Retreats Seashore observed: "We had a large pull through lot with our 36 foot fifth wheel. Friends had a tiny lot with their shorter camper. They had no privacy."
Budget for additional activities: Most campgrounds charge extra for attractions beyond basic amenities. A visitor to Ocean View Resort Campground explained: "Ocean View Resort was an excellent resort for our family with two toddlers. kids loved the Splash Park, Arcarde, Tram Car, playgrounds and Lake."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Trees and tight turns can make maneuvering difficult at some campgrounds. An RVer at Sun Outdoors Cape May reported: "When we checked in, we were told that there currently no cable TV. We were told to stream which was terrible. We had a large pull through lot with our 36 foot fifth wheel."
Dump station limitations: Plan ahead for departure day timing. At Belleplain State Forest, a camper warned: "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 Memorial Day weekend and the line at checkout caused us to wait 2 hours to dump!!"
Site selection based on shade preferences: Wooded sites offer cooling but may create challenges. A camper at King Nummy Trail Campground appreciated: "These sites have beautiful views of the marsh and sunset. Clean facilities. Great location close to Cape May and Wildwood."
Campground entrances can be difficult to locate: Some properties lack clear signage. At Sun Outdoors Cape May, a visitor noted: "The entrance is unlit at night and sign is hidden by their shrubs if coming from the south. That's my only complaint."
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