10 Reasons to Camp in New Jersey

There are literally hundreds of reasons to go campingtheater, dance and the best in classical music.
in New Jersey, but there is one large, and I meanIncluded is New Jersey's state theater, the Paper Mill
really large, reason:Playhouse.
Where else in the country can you drive less then 36. Diversity characterizes the many playtime activities
hours and go from the mountains, to the shore, toyou'll find in the Gateway Region, plus being just
the marshlands, to 3 different major metropolitanminutes away from New York City. It houses the
areas to several major lakes and everywhere inMeadowland Complex with its colorful tapestry of
between?sports and entertainment. Restaurants of all types
Camping in New Jersey is literally the best of allfor all tastes, extensive shopping centers with the
worlds. There is just about nothing you cannot dobest of everything, and activities for children of all
while you camp in New Jersey. You have your choiceages round out a vivid, exciting region. This is truly a
of over 120 campgrounds and State Park facilities togateway to many vacation alternatives. That's why
choose from not to mention thousands of acres ofwhen people experience all the Gateway has to offer
public land to explore.they keep coming back again and again.
Just about every one of the privates campgrounds in7. Mention the Shore Region, and certain images
the state have craft activities, pools, fishing ponds,immediately pop into your head: over 60 miles of
sports activities and so many other amenities I can'tpristine beaches from Sandy Hook to Holgate; surf
even count. Most of them are clean, modern and wellfishing off Seaside Park; perhaps some bodysurfing
suited to just about any type of camping. They areoff Bay Head; or maybe a moonlit walk in Surf City.
all within a decent driving distance of dozens of8. On the northern fringe of the Gateway National
cultural, sports, historical, recreational and childrenRecreation Area at Sandy Hook stands the nation's
related attractions.oldest operating beacon, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.
Having said that let me give you the all time Top 10Several miles to the south are the Twin Lights of
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,affectionately know locally as "Old Barney," built by
the hottest entertainers, the best in dining, andCivil War hero George Gordon Meade in 1857. And
quality 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
of Atlantic County, it remains a museum today.New Jersey? Yes you can - and more can be found
Marvel at the world's only 63-foot pachyderm with aless than an hour's drive from New York City. The
visit to Lucy the Margate Elephant. Or have youropportunities of the Skylands Region have always
children experience their favorite nursery rhythmbeen one of New Jersey Camping's best-kept
characters in 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,
New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences Atcheck out Mountain Creek in Vernon. Somewhat
Adventure Aquarium in Camden, just one of themore genteel diversions can be found during the
fascinating exhibits depicting sea life from around theregion's numerous winery festivals or at the Sussex
state. Or Trenton, the nations second-largest stateFarm and Horse Show in August.
capital in continuous use and the site of one of11. Walk along 30 miles of wide sandy beaches,
George Washington's greatest Revolutionaryexperience the warmth of a Victorian inn, take a
victories. Today, you can visit the spot where hestroll through history and enjoy the fresh bounty of
crossed the Delaware and tour the Old Barracks,the sea at a gourmet restaurant.
used by soldiers in the French and Indian War. Or,12. All along the ocean, the beachfront towns of the
stroll through the New Jersey State Museum and itsSouthern Shore Region offer great fishing, boating,
impressive art galleries.beaches and whale-watching cruises, plus fine
4. The Delaware Region is home to most of Newrestaurants and accommodations - not to mention
Jersey's Pine Barrens, a million acres of preservedthe wonderful campgrounds in the area, to pitch your
forests and waterways. It is, in fact, the largesttent or set up your RV. Cape May County boasts
wilderness area east of the Mississippi.itself as one of the premium camping areas of the
5. Visit Thomas A. Edison's home and laboratories,country. It all adds up to marvelous fun.
where you will see some of his greatest inventions.Okay, so I lied.
Stop by a museum solely dedicated to the history ofI couldn't stop at 10 things, I had to give you 12!
flight. Known as one of the cultural capitals of theIn this article I just barely scratched the surface of
United States, the Gateway Region is the home ofwhat New Jersey has to offer and it can all be done
people from all over the world, whose cultures minglefrom the back of your RV or the middle of your
to produce a rich fabric of life. Here, you'll findtent!