The appeal of the great outdoors is, well, great — especially in the Garden State. From sandy shores to blooming fields and pine forests, we have our pick of natural wonders to take part in, though for many, taking part in pitching a tent or squatting in the woods is a strong deterrent from spending the night there.
Luckily for the effort-adverse among us, campsites have evolved, like humans, to feature ready-made shelters with a few luxuries from home, such as AC and Wi-Fi. (Is it really a vacation if you can’t scroll TikTok before bed?) Some even have indoor plumbing!
If you’re considering a camping trip this year, why not make it a little easier on yourself? These campsites, gathered from four corners of New Jersey, will convert you into a glamper.
Sun Outdoors is an all-ages and pet-friendly resort offering families a unique chance to camp in style at the Jersey Shore. Photo courtesy of Sun Outdoors
Sun Outdoors, Cape May , 491 U.S.-9, Cape May, N.J. 08204
Formerly Holly Shores, this all-ages and pet-friendly resort offers families a unique chance to camp in style at the Jersey Shore, just 4 miles from the beaches of Cape May and The Wildwoods. The yurts are carpeted with rugs and include a full-size bed and seating area that can sleep up to four — plus your pup — from $190 per night. All units have air-conditioning as well as heat, but guests must bring their own bed and bath linens. Resort amenities include a heated swimming pool, hot tubs, a playground and a camp store offering made-to-order smoothies and milkshakes. Set across 38 acres of woodlands, guests can enjoy themed events and activities to bond at the campground as well as the convenience of free Wi-Fi. The Sun Outdoors season runs from mid-April through the end of October.
The yurts at Camp Griffin are carpeted with rugs and include a full-size bed and seating area that can sleep up to four — plus your pup. Photo courtesy of Hipcamp
Camp Griffin, Pittstown, Near the intersection of Croton and Oak Grove roads (host provides exact location upon booking for privacy purposes)
Keeping it elevated — literally and figuratively — the platformed yurts (circular tents) at Camp Griffin in Hunterdon County are an ideal way to glamp year-round and are perfect for a couple’s retreat. The yurts are carpeted with rugs and include a full-size bed and seating area that can sleep up to four — plus your pup — from $190 per night. Bathrooms are located nearby, and heaters are available, if needed. A fire pit is on the grounds for nights around the campfire while, in the spring, wildflowers bloom in the adjacent fields. Pittstown is an unincorporated community at the intersection of Union, Franklin and Alexandria townships. Beneduce Vineyard is located in town; the charming shopping streets of Frenchtown are just a few miles away; as are the parks peppered along the Delaware River. The yurt campsites are set on land that has been family owned for 50 years; they’re available to reserve on Hipcamp.
Tents at Heaven’s Landing have an elevated wooden platform and full beds with a memory foam mattress and extra blankets. Photo courtesy of Tentrr
Heaven’s Landing, Vernon Township, 442 N.J.-94, Vernon Township, N.J. 07462
There are some who still don’t know the Appalachian Trail passes through New Jersey — are you one? There are multiple trailheads in Sussex County that access approximately 72 miles of the trail, and Pochuck Crossing in Vernon Valley is one. At the base of the Wawayanda Mountains in Vernon is Heaven’s Landing, a campground with prefabricated tents operated by management company Tentrr. Starting from $150 per night (pets are an additional $60), tents have an elevated wooden platform and full beds with a memory foam mattress and extra blankets. Adirondack chairs and a picnic table are available to watch the sunset with a barbecue and fire pit available for use, though bathrooms are portable toilets. At the entrance to the campsite is a farmstand to stock up on fresh goodies, or walk two minutes to Heaven Hill Farm, which comes alive in the fall with apple and pumpkin picking as well as haunted hayrides.
Wading Pines has air-conditioned log cabins with a ceiling fan, which sleep up to five and offer charcoal grills and fire pits. Photo courtesy of Wading Pines
Wading Pines, Chatsworth, 85 Godfrey Bridge Road, Chatsworth, N.J. 08019
Burlington County is home to New Jersey’s famed Pinelands National Reserve, and Wading Pines welcomes friends and family to its sprawling camp resort from April 1 to Nov. 1. Kids under 11 can stay for just $10, and leashed pets with updated vaccines are welcome for $25 per day. A variety of accommodations are available, from tent sites to RV pull-throughs, but the glampy among us are looking for the air-conditioned log cabins with a ceiling fan, which sleep up to five and offer charcoal grills and fire pits from $125 per night. It’s BYO bath towels and linens, but there is cable TV as a tradeoff. Swim in the saltwater pool or picnic on Wading Pines’ private island one day, and go fishing or attend a concert the next. Kayaks, canoes and golf carts are all available to rent on the premises. Don’t skip a ride on the Jersey Devil train, which provides a great overview of the campground.
