Pet-friendly camping near Wildwood Crest, New Jersey extends across both coastal and wooded environments, with options ranging from full-service resorts to more rustic state forest settings. Most campgrounds in the region sit at sea level elevation, experiencing summer temperatures averaging 85°F with high humidity from June through September. Sand-based sites are common in this area, requiring careful tent staking and RV leveling techniques.
What to Do
Beach exploration: 11-mile Cape May Bike Trail is accessible from several campgrounds and provides paved pathways for dog walking. One visitor at Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort noted: "We rode our bikes and went to local winery. Cleanest bathrooms."
Water activities: Lake swimming options available at several campgrounds offer alternatives to ocean beaches. At Ocean View Resort Campground, a visitor highlighted: "This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities."
Historic exploration: Cape Henlopen military installations feature preserved WWII structures. A camper observed: "As a former military installation, there are lots of military historical items and sites. 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."
What Campers Like
Wooded camping sites: Belleplain State Forest offers sites with substantial tree cover 20 minutes north of Wildwood. A camper shared: "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."
Swimming options: Multiple water venues at Beachcomber Camping Resort provide swimming alternatives. One visitor mentioned: "Lake was fun, sites were big, playground was great! You can rent golf carats which the kids loved and we used the whole weekend since it was so cheap & campground is huge."
Seasonal events: Themed weekends occur at many campgrounds throughout summer and fall. A visitor at The Depot Travel Park reported: "This campground is centrally located to many activities in Cape May. Campground is well maintained. Sites are very close together."
What You Should Know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate April through October with limited winter options. At Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, a camper noted: "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet. I hear it gets packed and I see that it's hard to book if you don't book early."
Limited privacy: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds and site types. A visitor at Shellbay Campgrounds observed: "The tent sites were close together and since it was Labor Day weekend it was pretty full. There were a lot of things for kids to do but it was not the kind of camp ground for peace and quiet."
Bathroom conditions: Cleanliness and facilities vary widely between locations. A Belleplain State Forest camper pointed out: "Bath house was a little run down, but serviceable. Overall good value for the price."
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity planning: Multiple options keep children engaged throughout your stay. A camper at Delaware Seashore State Park Campground shared: "Free bike rentals are available, some with baby seats and trailers. As a former military installation, there are lots of military historical items and sites."
Swimming safety: Lifeguarded beaches are available at select locations. One visitor noted: "The campground is split into two sides of the river. The larger one that we stayed at had a life guarded beach. The beach on the other side had no lifeguard, but dogs were allowed on that beach."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Nature centers offer educational experiences for children. A camper mentioned: "There is a fantastic nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check measurements carefully before booking as many sites have obstructions. A visitor at Sun Outdoors Cape May reported: "We were disappointed at how tight a fit it would be for our 36' motorhome. After some strategizing, I backed in on a diagonal or there'd be no way to open our slides."
Dumping facilities: Limited dump stations can mean long waits during peak checkout times. 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 very unlevel and not easy to fully dump our tanks."
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds in the area. A visitor noted: "Virtually NO cell service with AT&T, TMobile or Verizon. AT&T we the better of the 3. Our Winegard/Gateway give us no internet which we normally get."
