10 Reasons to Camp in New Jersey

There are literally hundreds of reasons to go campingJersey's state theater, the Paper Mill Playhouse.
in New Jersey, but there is one large, and I mean really6. Diversity characterizes the many playtime activities
large, reason:you'll find in the Gateway Region, plus being just
Where else in the country can you drive less then 3minutes away from New York City. It houses the
hours and go from the mountains, to the shore, to theMeadowland Complex with its colorful tapestry of
marshlands, to 3 different major metropolitan areas tosports and entertainment. Restaurants of all types for
several major lakes and everywhere in between?all tastes, extensive shopping centers with the best of
Camping in New Jersey is literally the best of alleverything, and activities for children of all ages round
worlds. There is just about nothing you cannot do whileout a vivid, exciting region. This is truly a gateway to
you camp in New Jersey. You have your choice ofmany vacation alternatives. That's why when people
over 120 campgrounds and State Park facilities toexperience all the Gateway has to offer they keep
choose from not to mention thousands of acres ofcoming back again and again.
public land to explore.7. Mention the Shore Region, and certain images
Just about every one of the privates campgrounds inimmediately pop into your head: over 60 miles of
the state have craft activities, pools, fishing ponds,pristine beaches from Sandy Hook to Holgate; surf
sports activities and so many other amenities I can'tfishing off Seaside Park; perhaps some bodysurfing
even count. Most of them are clean, modern and welloff Bay Head; or maybe a moonlit walk in Surf City.
suited to just about any type of camping. They are all8. On the northern fringe of the Gateway National
within a decent driving distance of dozens of cultural,Recreation Area at Sandy Hook stands the nation's
sports, historical, recreational and children relatedoldest operating beacon, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.
attractions. Having said that let me give you the all timeSeveral miles to the south are the Twin Lights of
Top 10 Reasons to camp in New Jersey:Navesink, the site of Marconi's first ship-to-shore
1. Atlantic City and its world-famous beach andbroadcast. Further south is Barnegat Light;
boardwalk, luxurious casino, non-stop gaming action, theaffectionately know locally as "Old Barney," built by
hottest entertainers, the best in dining, and qualityCivil War hero George Gordon Meade in 1857. And
sporting events.now the newly reconstructed Tuckers Island
2. Revel in bay heritage along a scenic waterfront inLighthouse in the Tuckerton Seaport.
Somers Point or visit the landmark mansion of original9. Gentle mountains, Skiing, Rock climbing, and
harbormaster Richard Somers, the oldest home in allHorseback riding. Can you really do all this stuff in New
of Atlantic County, it remains a museum today. MarvelJersey? Yes you can - and more can be found less
at the world's only 63-foot pachyderm with a visit tothan an hour's drive from New York City. The
Lucy the Margate Elephant. Or have your childrenopportunities of the Skylands Region have always
experience their favorite nursery rhythm characters inbeen one of New Jersey Camping's best-kept
life size at Storybook Land.secrets.
3. There's the 760,000-gallon open-ocean tank at the10. If its amusement park that make you happy, check
New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences Atout Mountain Creek in Vernon. Somewhat more
Adventure Aquarium in Camden, just one of thegenteel diversions can be found during the region's
fascinating exhibits depicting sea life from around thenumerous winery festivals or at the Sussex Farm and
state. Or Trenton, the nations second-largest stateHorse Show in August.
capital in continuous use and the site of one of George11. Walk along 30 miles of wide sandy beaches,
Washington's greatest Revolutionary victories. Today,experience the warmth of a Victorian inn, take a stroll
you can visit the spot where he crossed the Delawarethrough history and enjoy the fresh bounty of the sea
and tour the Old Barracks, used by soldiers in theat a gourmet restaurant.
French and Indian War. Or, stroll through the New12. All along the ocean, the beachfront towns of the
Jersey State Museum and its impressive art galleries.Southern Shore Region offer great fishing, boating,
4. The Delaware Region is home to most of Newbeaches and whale-watching cruises, plus fine
Jersey's Pine Barrens, a million acres of preservedrestaurants and accommodations - not to mention the
forests and waterways. It is, in fact, the largestwonderful campgrounds in the area, to pitch your tent
wilderness area east of the Mississippi.or set up your RV. Cape May County boasts itself as
5. Visit Thomas A. Edison's home and laboratories,one of the premium camping areas of the country. It all
where you will see some of his greatest inventions.adds up to marvelous fun.
Stop by a museum solely dedicated to the history ofOkay, so I lied.
flight. Known as one of the cultural capitals of theI couldn't stop at 10 things, I had to give you 12!
United States, the Gateway Region is the home ofIn this article I just barely scratched the surface of
people from all over the world, whose cultures minglewhat New Jersey has to offer and it can all be done
to produce a rich fabric of life. Here, you'll find theater,from the back of your RV or the middle of your tent!
dance and the best in classical music. Included is New