Discovering New Jersey's Best RV Parks
New Jersey might be renowned for its hectic cities, but it's also a hidden gem for RVers. Imagine trading skyscrapers for scenic roads, and city noises for the rhythms of nature. From the world-famous Jersey Shore beaches to the serene forests and rolling hills further in the state, New Jersey boasts diverse landscapes just waiting to be explored in your RV. Get ready to experience the Garden State in a whole new way.
Why New Jersey Deserves a Spot on Your RV Bucket List
New Jersey could just blow your mind in terms of how perfect it is for RVing. It's small, but it's packed with all sorts of things to see and do, and they're all right around each other. You can hike in the mountains in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon. That's great for RVers who would love to see a lot without spending a lot of driving time.
Since New Jersey is so centrally located between Philadelphia and New York City, you get this wonderful mixture of city and countryside. You can hit the city during the day and then come back to your peaceful campsite later. You can even use a portable power station like the EcoFlow Delta Pro to make your campsite comfortable, even when you're far from civilization.
What is so unique about New Jersey is that it is a delight to visit any time of the year. In summer, the 130-mile coastline buzzes with beachgoers basking in the sun. In autumn, the northwest part of the state is carpeted in hues of foliage. Wildflowers bloom in spring and in winter has peaceful campsites for the would-be hermits.
Finding Your Perfect New Jersey RV Spot
State Parks: Nature's Embrace
New Jersey's state parks are some of the best places to camp if you're looking to be surrounded by nature. You'll usually find bigger campsites with plenty of trees, lakes, or fields around you. The campsites usually have just the basics – water and sometimes electricity. But what you get in return is being right next to hiking trails, fishing spots, and places to watch wildlife.
A good example is Wharton State Forest in the Pine Barrens. The campsites there are surrounded by cedar and pine trees. It’s so quiet, you mostly hear the wind in the trees and owls calling in the distance. If you like being in nature more than having fancy amenities, these parks are perfect for getting away from it all.
Keep in mind that you often need to book state park campsites several months ahead of time, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Most state parks can handle medium-sized RVs, but they might not have many hookups, so having a good portable power source is important if you're staying for a while.
Private RV Parks: Comfort Meets Convenience
For a more relaxing and convenient RV experience, use New Jersey's private RV parks. They range from simple to luxurious. They generally have full hookups (water, electricity, and sewer), concrete pads, and amenities like swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities. Many also offer Wi-Fi, cable television, and laundry.
There are also private beaches along the shore that are very much a favorite when summer comes. They transform into small communities of travelers with kids cycling up and down and grown-ups mingling in the evenings. There are even some of those parks that have become attractions in themselves with fountains, performance spaces, and concierge service.
You will pay more for these extra amenities than you would at state parks. However, most people think it is worth it, especially if they have children with them or are planning to stay for a while. You will not have to worry as much about having a reliable electricity supply at these parks since they are all equipped. But with a backup power station, you can still feel secure in case of an electrical failure.
Making the Perfect Match: Key Considerations
To find the perfect RV park, think about these things:
Where do you want to be? What do you want to get out of your trip to New Jersey? If you love the beach, look for campgrounds in Cape May, Ocean, or Monmouth counties. If you prefer nature, consider places near the Delaware Water Gap or the Pine Barrens. History fans might want parks close to Revolutionary War sites or Victorian Cape May.
It's often best to pick a central location that's within driving distance of several attractions, instead of moving your RV from place to place all the time.
What kind of hookups do you need? Really think about how much power you'll use. Will you be running the air conditioner a lot? Do you need reliable electricity for your computer if you're working remotely? Many people want full hookups, but if you're good at managing your power or have a portable power station like the EcoFlow Delta Pro, you can be comfortable in more basic campgrounds. These power stations can run your important equipment even if the campsite doesn't have much electricity. Understanding what a portable power station is can help you choose the right power solution for your camping needs.
What's the vibe of the park? Some RV parks are great for families, with playgrounds and planned activities. Others are better for adults who want a quiet getaway.
Exploring New Jersey's RV-Friendly Regions
The Legendary Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is a unique place to RV. It combines beautiful scenery with classic American vibes – think old-fashioned boardwalks, amusement park rides, and the tempting smell of saltwater taffy and funnel cakes.
Cape May is at the southern end, with its well-preserved Victorian buildings and dolphin-watching tours. Head north to the Wildwoods for a retro feel, with neon-lit motels and free beaches. Ocean City is family-friendly, doesn't allow alcohol, and has a lively boardwalk.
Camping at the shore takes some planning, especially for summer weekends when campsites get booked up months in advance. But it's worth it – imagine walking straight from your RV to the beach without having to search for parking. And ending a sunny day with a campfire and the sound of waves in the distance is perfect.
The Mysterious Pine Barrens
Central New Jersey's Pine Barrens – more than a million acres of pine forests, dark streams, and sandy ground – offers a completely different camping experience. This International Biosphere Reserve protects unique plants and animals within its seemingly endless woods.
RVing through the Pine Barrens means driving on quiet roads where you feel far away from everything. Campgrounds here are usually more rustic, although some private campgrounds have modern amenities among the pine trees. The dark skies are perfect for stargazing, especially with a comfortable chair and a way to power some lights for the evening.
Activities here are all about nature: canoeing on dark streams, hiking on sandy trails, and taking pictures of rare orchids and plants that eat insects. The area's interesting stories, especially about the Jersey Devil, make for great campfire tales.
The Scenic Highlands
Northwestern New Jersey surprises people who visit for the first time with its mountain views and farming charm. The area has rolling hills, apple orchards, and old farms that feel more like New England than what you might expect from New Jersey.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the highlight of the region, with the Delaware River cutting through the mountains. RV camping here gives you access to great hiking on the Appalachian Trail, fishing in streams full of trout, and paddling on the beautiful river.
The Skylands region changes a lot with the seasons. Spring brings apple blossoms and wildflowers, summer is full of green, fall is bursting with colorful leaves, and winter sometimes covers the area in snow. Having a portable power station, like the EcoFlow Delta Pro, can be really useful here in the fall and spring when the weather can change quickly, and you might need to heat or cool your RV.
5 FAQs about New Jersey's RV Parks
Q1: When is the best time to visit New Jersey in an RV?
A: The best time to visit New Jersey in an RV is from May to October. September and October have nice weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is great for going to the beach, but you need to book your campsite early. Some RV parks close in the winter, but others stay open all year. Summer provides ideal conditions for camping with warmer temperatures and longer days to explore nature.
Q2: Do I need a special license to drive an RV in New Jersey?
A: You usually don't need a special license to drive an RV in New Jersey. A regular driver's license is fine for most RVs. However, if your RV is very heavy (over 26,001 pounds) or you're towing a heavy vehicle (over 10,000 pounds), you might need a commercial driver's license. It's a good idea to check the latest rules before you go.
Q3: What power solutions should I consider for New Jersey camping?
A: For New Jersey camping, think about how you will be powered. Most private RV camps are full hookup, but state parks may only offer limited electricity. A portable power station, like the EcoFlow Delta Pro, gives you options. You can camp in comfort even where there aren't a lot of hookups. This is useful if you are driving in the Pine Barrens or camping when the weather isn't as predictable (like in the spring or fall).
Q4: Are there any RV size restrictions in New Jersey?
A: Yes, there are RV size restrictions in New Jersey. Some older campgrounds, especially near the beach, have smaller campsites made for older, smaller RVs. Always check the campsite's length limit before you reserve a spot. State parks usually fit RVs up to 40 feet long, but some specific areas within the park may have different rules. Also, the roads in some historical towns can be narrow and tricky for very large RVs to navigate.
Q5: Is it possible to camp on the beach in New Jersey?
A: No, you can't RV camp right on the beach in New Jersey. But, there are campgrounds very close to the beach, especially around Cape May and in Ocean County. These let you camp near the ocean while following the rules.