One Tank Trip for New Jersey Camping

New Jersey is thought by many to be the gateway to New York, but the Garden State is so much more than that. First time visitors to New Jersey are invariably awestruck by the incredible views to be had from the eastern shores, particularly that of Manhattan as well as Ellis and Liberty Island. There’s nothing quite like seeing Lady Liberty from afar for the first time; it gives one a sense of what ship-bound immigrants must have felt upon arrival in America.
Jersey City makes for a great beginning for this southbound one tank trip through New Jersey, via the Garden State Parkway. From Jersey City, you can take a harbor cruise across New York Harbor and get some of those previously mentioned spectacular views of Manhattan and Liberty Island. Or, take a short ferry ride to Ellis Island, which greeted more than 12 million immigrants who would one day become American citizens. Today, Ellis Island serves as a monument and museum to those brave individuals who sought a fresh start in the Land of Opportunity. While seeing the Statue of Liberty from afar is truly amazing, seeing New Jersey and New York from the top of the statue is equally impressive. It’s a view you’ll never forget. While you’re in the neighborhood, how about a day trip over to Manhattan and get in some shopping, or maybe pick up tickets for a Broadway show?
Leaving Jersey City, take the New Jersey Turnpike west for 15 miles to the southbound Garden State Parkway, which you’ll take for 25 miles to the Atlantic City Expressway. Take the Expressway east for 8 miles until you pull into Vegas East, otherwise known as Atlantic City. In addition to providing more casinos than the wallet can handle, you’ve got your pick of a wide range of world-class, A-list entertainment that suits any taste, from Wayne Newton to Motley Cruë. The famous Boardwalk is a definite don’t-miss destination, with its classic arcades, delicious foods, and shopping galore. Take a walk on the Garden Pier, or rent a bike and go bicycling along the Boardwalk. The beaches all along the Jersey Coast are some of the most beautiful in the nation, so why not set up camp and enjoy some fun-in-the-sun for a day or two, then take in a show at night?
When you’ve had enough of flashy neon signs for a while, head west on the Atlantic City Expressway, then take the Garden State Parkway south for 20 miles to the town of Ocean View. This is a good spot for New Jersey camping. Pull over and set up camp, and spend a bit more time at the beach. Take a sightseeing cruise across the clear, blue ocean, or try a little deep sea fishing or crabbing. Bring a camera along if you go out on the water, as whales and dolphins are frequently spotted in these waters.
Continuing south on the Garden State Parkway, it’s another 20 miles before you come to your final destination on this one tank trip, Cape May. This town is widely renowned for its Victorian architecture, and one of the best – and most enjoyable – ways to see as much of it as possible is by taking an old-fashioned trolley tour of the historic Old Town district. The lighthouse at Cape May is also well worth a visit, and the view from its pinnacle has been described as truly spectacular. Originally built in the late 1800s and recently restored to its original condition, this historic lighthouse beckons you to climb its 200 steps to the top, where you can see the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean stretching for miles and miles into the distance. Afterward, why not head over to any of the local wineries and relax with a wine tasting, featuring several samples of the most excellent local vintages.
As you can see, while the Garden State may be thought to be the gateway to Manhattan, its got enough to keep us interested in New Jersey camping that a trip to the Big City can wait for just a little while.
Other Area Sponsors in New Jersey: Liberty Harbor RV Park Winding River Campground Timberline Lake Camping Resort Ocean View Resort Campground Seashore Campsites Woodall's Recommended New Jersey RV Campgrounds