NJ Campcation

Marmora, NJ - Many vacations have been postponed due to limited travel but with so much to see and do in New Jersey there is no reason you still cannot take a vacation. What better (and safer) way to take a vacation than by camping! A New Jersey CAMPCATION offers a variety of experiences... pristine beaches along with exciting boardwalks, the Pinelands with its many waterways, and the vast mountains with all types of hiking trails. Campgrounds are the perfect place to stay while exploring the six regions of the state.

Traveling in your RV (or renting an RV) is great way to see the attractions throughout the state while staying close to home. You can enjoy the beaches and boardwalks along the Jersey shore when camping in a variety of the regions. If you want to hit the water, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or looking for hiking or biking trails New Jersey is the spot for you. All these activities can be found throughout the state; however, the Skylands Region allows you to hike part of the Appalachian Trail. New Jersey towns offer unique shopping experiences and many areas have a nice selection of outlet malls. Jersey Fresh produce can be found all over the state at the many farm stands or farmers markets. Jersey offers some of the best produce, perfect for cooking over the campfire. There are a considerable number of historic sites, from early American to WWII, to see all through the state along with an array of lighthouses that line the coast.

After you are done exploring all the region has to offer you can return to your campsite and relax by the pool or on the sandy beach of the swimming lake. If you prefer, relax at your campsite by the fire and enjoy the quiet of nature. Campgrounds have been highly creative in adjusting their activity schedules to accommodate social distancing and other new policies. Some activities for campers include, outdoor movie nights, crafts to go, virtual scavenger hunts, and special parades. Judy LaPorta, owner of Little Oaks Campground in Cape May Court House, said, "it was disappointing to have to cancel our activity schedule for the season, but we have created new socially distant activities for our campers to enjoy." LaPorta continued, "it has been challenging to conform to the new procedures, but it has ignited a new way of thinking." Her campers are delighted with the new activities and do not mind changes to old favorites like Christmas in July.

New Jersey campgrounds, spread throughout the state, offer a variety of modern amenities that will satisfy anyone's needs, Wifi, cable TV, swimming pools or lakes, mini golf, sports courts, camp stores, or golf cart rentals. If you prefer a more rustic camping experience, there are plenty of campgrounds that can accommodate your desire to 'get back to nature'. Your New Jersey CAMPCATION can include your furry family too. Most campgrounds are pet friendly and offer dog parks for your furry family to exercise. Baker's Acres in Little Egg Harbor has fully embraced pets camping and now host a pet parade with everything from dogs to an iguana and even a pig.

If you do not have an RV but still want to enjoy the great outdoors, New Jersey campgrounds offer a variety of unique outdoor lodging options. Campgrounds offer everything from tepees and safari tents to covered wagons and retro campers. Staying in one of the unique outdoor lodging options allow you to enjoy the expansiveness of the outdoors with creature comforts such as bathrooms, kitchenettes, or air conditioning. Most outdoor lodging sites include a fire ring so you can relax to the sounds of a crackling fire and make s'mores under the stars before turning in to your comfy bed. Campgrounds have improved their cleaning procedures that ensure a safe CAMPCATION in their outdoor lodging options.

New Jersey Campground Owners & Outdoor Lodging Association (NJCOA) Executive Director Joann DelVescio commented, "campgrounds are the perfect place to stay during these times of social distancing. Campsites naturally allow for social distancing as the average campsite is 60 feet by 30 feet." Campground owners have many policies and procedures in place to keep their campers and staff safe and with an average of 40 acres there is plenty of room for campers to roam. She continued, "camping is considered a low risk activity by the CDC. If people and families feel the need to take a vacation, we certainly hope they will choose a CAMPCATION at one of New Jersey's 95 privately owned campgrounds."