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New to Camping First-timers also may save some money by borrowing equipment
from a friend or renting equipment to get an idea of what they
like. Joann DelVescio, Executive Director of the New Jersey

By Owen Gallagher Campground Owners Association says a good first step in
deciding a location is to think about what activities and amenities
are important to you. Are you looking for hiking, swimming,
Always wanted to go camping but didn’t know biking, kayaking, music events, antiquing, sight-seeing? If you
where to start? Relax, and don’t be intimidated by want to bring along your pet, make sure the location you choose
is pet friendly and find out the specific requirements. Robinson
all the options open to you in New Jersey. suggests making your first trip a short one, only one or two nights
to work out any kinks. She says consider a spot relatively close to
The experts say it’s as simple as deciding what level of camping home in case you need to retreat to your own bed for the night.
you want to experience – a tent, cabin, RV -- and making some If the forecast looks rainy or excessively cold or hot, it might be
basic preparations. Some handy advice for first-timers includes: better to postpone your plans, she says.
Know your equipment, pick a spot relatively close to home, and
don’t forget the ketchup. You would be surprised by the number If roughing it sounds a bit too intimidating, a place such as Pine
of campers who come looking for ketchup because it’s the one Haven Camping Resort, in Ocean View, Cape May County,
thing they forgot to pack, says Michelle Jeffers, of the family may be more to your liking. “It’s more like glamping here than
owned Timberland Lake Campground in Cream Ridge, Ocean camping,” says Office Manager Danielle Klinger, referring
County. Such problems can be avoided by having a checklist for to a style of camping that can offer resort-style services. “It’s
the essentials, ranging from a flashlight and extra batteries to a not that you’re sleeping in a tent. Basically, it’s like a summer
change of clothes and even your condiments of choice. Jeffers, home.” Although they do have a few “rustic” options, most of
whose campground looks to appeal to the entire family with Pine Haven’s cabins provide everything a camper could need,
planned themes each weekend, including toilet paper and towels.
also advises novice campers not And you don’t have to walk to the
to get upset if the weather isn’t bathhouse.
perfect. There just might be a ” Your family camping vacation may not
silver lining in those storm clouds. Other campers take a different
need to include the kitchen sink, approach. “You may want all the
“Keep a sense of humor about but whatever your preferences, comforts of home, but you want to
things,” she says. “Lots of times get the atmosphere of it. So, it’s a
something like rain will turn out a little planning can make it happen. matter of how you want to achieve
to be the thing where memories that,” says Catherine Scott, a
are made. You think it’s awful and principal at Jugtown Mountain
terrible, but then you find yourself Campsites, in Asbury, Hunterdon
holding a tarp up in the rain, laughing with your entire family, County. Scott says some campers have pizza delivered to avoid
and it becomes a fond memory.” having to cook. On the other extreme, she says she’s had people
come with literally the kitchen sink. “… The white utility sinks that
Both Jeffers and Cheryl Robinson, of Four Seasons Family they just plug the hose into and very conveniently wash their
Campground, in Pilesgrove, Salem County, say first-time pots and pans out. Usually that’s more of the larger groups that
campers who have a lot of questions shouldn’t hesitate to ask may come, like family reunions. We may have ten families come
staff or their camping neighbors for help. “Everyone loves to together and they have one big barbecue every night and that’s
help newbies because they once were one,” says Robinson. She their family vacation.
also suggests campers bring along some white decorative string
lights. “They look pretty, and everyone can see without having
to carry a flashlight every time they move around the site,” she SOME TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS
says. One of the main decisions first-timers need to make is 1. Start simple. You don’t need every piece of equipment and
whether they want to “rough it” in a tent without running water gadget. The less you have to start with the easier it will be to
or electricity or stay in an RV or luxury cabin with heat, bathrooms pack and transport.
and showers. New Jersey private campgrounds give you and
your family plenty of options for both extremes ... and any level 2. Plan your meals ahead. No need for gourmet meals while you
in between. are camping! Consider packing easier options so it is one less
thing to worry about. Instant coffee, cereal, sandwiches, hot
You will also find a broad range in how much camping will dogs, etc. Check out the camping recipes in this guidebook.
cost. There’s tent camping which is relatively inexpensive to
a bit more pricier option for convenience and luxury you may 3. Be prepared for cold temperature even in the summer,
want. And you may need to book a cabin months in advance. especially overnight.
Some campgrounds offer incentives for first-time visitors, such
as a $20 discount for a stay of two nights or more at Timberland 4. Leave your laptops and tablets home! Smart phones can
Lake Campground. Check with the facility you’re thinking about be valuable to view trail maps, take photos, etc., but try to
visiting. It doesn’t hurt to ask. minimize screen time so you can truly escape and immerse
yourself in the outdoor experience.
5. Inquire about local wildlife and any needed precautions.

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