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Top 10 Reasons to Love to 500 feet while the 71.6 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail has
Camping in New Jersey an overall change in elevation of 1,300 feet! Each stretch of trail for
casual hikers is still reasonably flat, so almost everyone can get out
By: Lisa Merman Bender there and say they’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail.

New Jersey. Just hearing the name of the Garden State awakens the 8. Beaches and Boardwalks
senses. Maybe a vision of sprawling farms brimming with blueberries Cape May, NJ was the first seaside resort in America and is still one
comes to mind. Perhaps you get a whiff of sweet caramel corn as of America’s best beaches, along with Ocean City, NJ who has also
you hear shrieks of joy from an amusement park. The scent of pine is held a spot in the country’s top beaches list in recent years. Atlantic
pervasive and perking up to the high-pitched whistle of a bald eagle City, though perhaps known more for its gambling and night life,
is not uncommon. New Jersey really does have it all and we want you also boasts a beautiful wide beach. And, basically every other
to enjoy it for yourself. Here are the top ten reasons why you should town along the 130 miles of coastline in New Jersey has a beach
join the fun and camp in New Jersey. that beckons you to come and relax. Have a hard time sitting still?
Then hop in the ocean to ride the waves, take a stroll, or play one
10. Accessibility of the games you love to play at a boardwalk stand. New Jersey at
You can’t get more convenient than New Jersey. According to its widest is only 70 miles across, so no matter where you choose
choosenj.com, nearly one-third of the U.S. population is within a to camp, you can take a quick jaunt to the coast and let the salt air
one-day drive to anywhere in New Jersey. There are also daily flights refresh your soul.
from hundreds of domestic and international destinations. And
once you are in New Jersey, you can enjoy multiple campsites and And for those that may not love the feel of sand in their toes, there
see all of the state’s unique regions. Traveling from Cape May in the are many cities with large boardwalks or promenades along the
southeast to High Point State Park in the northwest only takes about ocean. Some boardwalks are just for getting above the sand while
three and a half hours. others offer shopping, dining, amusements, arcades, miniature golf,
live performances, and even nightlife. No matter where you camp in
For driving, there are four main interstate arteries that keep traffic the state, you are never too far from the coast and all it has to offer.
flowing into New Jersey, and multitudes of convenient highways (toll
and free roads) that make traveling throughout the state convenient. 7. Leisure Sports
International airports within New Jersey include Newark International For the outdoor enthusiast, New Jersey is the place to be. With
and Atlantic City International. Most of South Jersey is also within an 16% of the state covered by water, you don’t have to go far to find a
hour of Philadelphia International, and in North Jersey you are within water sport you’ll enjoy. You’ll find a lake or stretch of river at most
an hour and a half from John F. Kennedy or LaGuardia International campgrounds in New Jersey (if not, there’s surely one close by).
Airports. You may be asking, if I fly, how will I have an RV to camp? Swimming is a favorite, and many campgrounds offer rentals for
Well, that’s easy. Most campgrounds now offer rental cabins, rental canoes, kayaks, tubes, or paddle boards so there’s something for
campers, or other specialty sites. So just bring your suitcase and everyone—you are on vacation after all, so it’s okay to just sit and
settle into serenity. float on that tube!

9. Hiking & Mountain Biking With so many lakes, rivers, and the ocean, fishing is very popular.
Two activities to get you into the great outdoors on your camping Many ponds at campgrounds are stocked or you can try your hand
adventure are hiking and mountain biking. There are unique terrains at surf fishing if the beach is your thing. If you are really committed
in each of the state’s four regions. Starting in the south there is the to fishing or crabbing, there are many charters to get out on the
low-lying Atlantic Coastal Plain. Don’t let the elevation close to sea open water and you may return to your campsite with dinner! If
level fool you into thinking there aren’t adventures awaiting for you’d rather spectate on the water, dolphin and whale watching
the active camper. Elevations here range from no change—think cruises are a favorite adventure. More of a landlubber? Golf is a go-
boardwalk trail over the wetlands—to a couple hundred feet, so they to sport. Even though New Jersey has hosted 11 majors for the PGA
are good for beginner and intermediate riders and walkers. at some spectacular clubs, there are many breathtaking public
courses throughout the state, too. The equestrian community also
In Central New Jersey there is the Piedmont with its rolling hills and thrives in New Jersey with the Somerset Hills area being one of the
the Highlands with more rugged terrain. Here the trails can be more country’s largest.
challenging—less boardwalk, more one with the earth—but like
the Coastal Plain, there are trails in state forests and parks, privately 6. Professional Sports
managed nature preserves, and trails right at the campgrounds. Most people probably don’t equate a camping vacation with pro
Enjoy the cover of lush forests and sounds of babbling brooks. sports, but in New Jersey, it’s totally possible to enjoy the thrill of a
Most of the trails tend to move between forests, wetlands, and even game and get back to camp in time to roast marshmallows. If you
cleared fields—the Piedmont is horse country after all. prefer to camp in spring, baseball season is coming into full swing.
In South and Central Jersey, it’s simple to see the Philadelphia Phillies
As you head to the northwest corner of the state, into the Ridge and or the Jersey Shore Blue Claws—a Minor League Baseball Team in
Valley of the Appalachians, get ready to get your heart rate up. Many Lakewood, NJ. From North Jersey you can head to New York to
trails are still considered intermediate, but bear in mind the overall cheer on the Yankees or Mets. Through spring and early summer,
elevation is higher. Individual trail elevations range more from 300 you could catch late-season NHL or NBA games.

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