New Jersey:

Published: Tuesday, July 24, 2007

They say big things come in small packages and that is a saying most appropriate for the state of New Jersey. Occupying only a small piece of land nestled near the shoreline borders of the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey nevertheless has a diverse set of landforms that includes mountains, hills, and plains made accessible by a modern highway system, which should enable RV-boarded travelers to explore these attractions with great ease.

A View of the Regions

New Jersey, sometimes referred to as the "Garden State", is a land divided into six regions. These are the Skylands Region, the Gateway Region, the Delaware Region, the Shore Region, the Southern Shore/Cape May Region, and the Greater Atlantic City Region.

The Skylands Region

Set on the northwestern side of New Jersey, the Skylands Region is an area rich in history typified by the Washington Crossing Historic Park based in Trenton. Other than that, RVers will find the region a geographical paradise where mountains and lakes are in great abundance.

Several cities in the Skylands Region are certified RV-friendly and these include Newton, Sussex, Andover, and Columbia. The latter is especially recommended since its RV park, Camp Taylor Campground, lies next to a famous regional attraction, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, but RVers will most likely want to stay within the campground premises as there are many outdoor opportunities available therein including hiking trails that stretch for miles and wildlife viewing, particularly of wolves, foxes, and bobcats at nearby Lakota Wolf Preserve.

The Gateway Region

Just like Skyland, the Gateway Region features a rich historic landscape with museums and historical landmarks occupying much of the entire area. Nestled northeast of New Jersey, the region offers visiting RV riders a good look at New York City which would otherwise be accessible by land if not for the Hudson River, which separates the Gateway Region from the "Big Apple".

A dominating regional presence is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge where its unique wetlands virtually surround the whole area as they cover over 7,000 acres. An exploration of this particular attraction ought to be quite exciting for RVers although for a more sober tour, they can opt for the Edison National Historical Site in downtown West Orange where the laboratory of Thomas Edison is enshrined.

For a place to park in the RV, travelers can visit Jersey City where Liberty Harbor Marina is housed. There are 50 RV sites found here, with visitors having convenient access to another renowned regional attraction, the Liberty State Park lying near the New York Harbor.

The Delaware Region

The region serves as the borderline of New Jersey on its western front for beyond that is Pennsylvania territory. Its landscape is a virtual mixture of wartime landmarks and modern-day recreational arenas but in between are several natural wonders led by the famous Delaware River.

RVers should enjoy a boat cruise across the famed river just like what Washington did along with his men during the 1776 Revolutionary War on their way to Trenton. Otherwise, they can play golf in the many regional golf courses. Meanwhile, for RV-boarded families, a visit to the Camden Waterfront at Adventure Aquarium ought to be exciting and for even more excitement, they can hop off to Clarksboro and check in at Timberlane Campground where family-focused activities are overflowing apart from having access to several nearby attractions like the Delaware Memorial Bridge which links the "Garden State" to Delaware.

The Shore Region

Quite obviously, sandy beaches stretching for miles are the principal features of this particular region where RV-boarded tourists can expect a wide range of outdoor interests to be generally available including swimming, surfing, sailing, and fishing. Yet, beyond the beaches are the lures of shopping centers, modern campgrounds, theaters, and amusement parks, making the region the perfect getaway destination for many RV-boarded families as well.

Theme parks are most definitely abundant here with Six Flags Great Adventure at the helm. Complementing it are Old Bridge Raceway Park, Freehold Raceway, and Monmouth Park but for RVers who want access to an RV park that is close to such entertainment forms, they can head off to Wading Pines Camping Resort in Chatsworth where a scenic train ride called Jersey Devil awaits the excited visitor. For the kids, the classic Kids Carnival is available all season through.

The Southern Shore/Cape May Region

The region features more of the sandy beaches of New Jersey but goes a step beyond by including the many seaside resorts lined up from afar. Additionally, the area boasts of several historic landmarks, notably 1850 Victorian buildings, set in the middle of the Bridgeton Historical District, that RV-boarded travelers can explore to discover how life was during the 1800s.

Cape May is the premiere regional city although technically, it is not a city but an island. In any case, Cape May has long been a top tourist destination in New Jersey owing to its closeness to Delaware Bay where ostensibly various water-based activities like fishing and whale watching can be enjoyed. Add to that are the many resort inns and hotels that occupy the Cape May skyline highlighted by many classy restaurants and small specialty shops.

Despite its classification as an island, RVers will be pleasantly surprised to know that Cape May is actually accessible via RV travel and that there are even several RV campgrounds situated right within the island, of which Cape Island Resort is among the more prominent ones. Covering about 175 acres and shrouded by forest trees, the RV park can accommodate relatively large trailers and provides convenient access to several Cape May attractions like Cold Spring Village, Cape May County Park and Zoo, and Cape May Nature Center, among others.

The Greater Atlantic City Region

Set in the southeastern side of New Jersey, the region can be generally classified as the urban center of New Jersey with its attendant urban modern accommodations. More accurately, however, it is regarded as a resort village where vacationers are the most common personages apart from the local residents.

Leading the cast of regional cities is Atlantic City, for which the region has been named after. Renowned for its beaches and resorts, the city experienced a significant dip in its tourist trade but bounced back with its legalization of casino gambling. These days, the casinos work hand-in-hand with the beaches in bringing visitors, including RVers, back to Atlantic City.

For RV-boarded travelers who love the thrill of casino games, one regional town near Atlantic City that they should check out is Egg Harbor. It plays host to Holly Acres RV park from where Atlantic City is only about 20 minutes away. For attractions suitable for children, Storybook Land is accessible in just 15 minutes, while outdoor enthusiasts like golf lovers should expect to play their games shortly as the nearest golf course is a mere ten minutes away.

The "Garden State" and Her Cities

New Jersey hosts a great number of cities that have become quite popular among tourists. For RV-boarded travelers, however, exploring other lesser-known cities may be a good option as these often provide surprises that can surpass those being offered by the more popular New Jersey cities.

Barnegat

A little-known place found in the Shore Region of the "Garden State", Barnegat is classified as a township in New Jersey that has gained a certain degree of prominence among family vacationers due to several nearby attractions like the lovely Barnegat Bay. Its prized possession, though, has to be Barnegat Lighthouse State Park which houses several diverse features headed by the Maritime Forest Trail. Stretching only 1/5 of a mile, the trail is loop-shaped and should offer RVers /hikers some real excitement as they explore the forest area that is enveloped in trees of American Holly, Black Cherry, Eastern Red Cedar, and Sassafras. Other interesting activities here include bird-watching as the area has become a popular resting ground for migrating birds.

Picnicking is one other popular outdoor activity in the park with picnic tables usually found near Barnegat Inlet. The picnic site features a jetty where fishing for a striped bass, a weakfish, a winter flounder, a summer flounder, and a bluefish is not uncommon.

RV-boarded travelers who find the park attractions quite irresistible but worry about possible parking problems need only to go to Scrubbie Pines Family Camping Resort. Situated near the Barnegat Lighthouse and State Park, the RV park features 150 RV sites and provides visitors immediate access to several other township attractions like the Pinelands National Reserve and the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Jackson

Named after US President Andrew Jackson, the town holds the distinction of being the third biggest municipality of New Jersey. Founded in 1844, Jackson generally evokes a small-town atmosphere but has recently become a favorite destination for many tourists, including RV riders. In fact, the town presently boasts of five beautiful RV parks, all strategically located and considered by some as among the best in New Jersey.

The sudden influx of tourists to Jackson is due largely to Six Flags Great Adventure, considered as the greatest amusement park ever created, which has set up camp in the central part of town. Complementing it are two other popular theme parks, including the newly-created Hurricane Harbor and Wild Safari Park. Adding further attraction are well-known specialty stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Nike, and Brooks Brothers which is ably contrasted by natural wonders like the Pinelands National Reserve where approximately half of the total land area of Jackson falls under.

In general, Jackson is one New Jersey town where RVers are recommended to bring along their families and loved ones once they decide to pay it a visit. Its many attractions are geared for family entertainment with one RV park, the Butterfly Camping Resort, set just minutes away from the three renowned amusement parks. Additionally, the RV park lies next to another prominent town attraction, the Butterfly Bogs State Wildlife Refuge, where various water activities are available for enjoyment, including canoeing and fishing.

Island Beach State Park

The state park primarily provides protection to Island Beach, a strip of sand covering nearly ten miles that is a consistently preferred destination of many beach lovers. RV riders need not be anxious, however, that sandy beaches are all that the public park can offer. On the contrary, the southern side is the gateway to Barnegat Inlet where anglers are a common visitors and where one can get a good view of historic Barnegat Lighthouse.

The vast majority of those who come to Island Beach do so to take a swim in its nearby waters. A few prefer to hunt for fish, but RVers can opt for something a little different like scuba diving, kayaking or hiking at the nearby trail. For RV riders bringing along their families, Island Beach is also suitable for picnicking and camping. RV parking problems are not really a big issue since Barnegat town is close by where its resident RV park, the Scrubbie Pines Family Camping Resort, is always ready to welcome visiting RVers.

Delaware River Scenic Byway

The usual path taken by many RV-boarded travelers is to camp out at one RV park and either explore nearby attractions or visit those situated inside the park premises. A few take on a shorter visit and simply tour a given state by traversing several scenic byways. In New Jersey, this is an option that RV-boarded tourists may want to consider.

There are actually two designated scenic byways in New Jersey including the Millstone Valley Byway and the Delaware River Scenic Byway. The latter is set along Route 29 near the shores of the famed Delaware River and involves a scenic tour, not only of the river, but also of Trenton, the state capital, from where the cruise begins. Heading northward, RVers can expect to see a multitude of amazing scenery, including vast farmlands, lovely beaches, and villages.

Meanwhile, a scenic drive down the Millstone Valley Byway is more for RV-boarded travelers who love history. The drive primarily involves a view of several historic landmarks, usually those depicting key events during the Revolutionary War, although it also provides RVers to have a good look at the narrow path that leads to the Millstone River Valley situated in the northern central part of New Jersey.

In between stops, RV riders can opt for other recreational activities, the most common of which are camping and picnicking. Additionally, they can engage in scenery photographs or simply view distant historic sites, but for those who prefer more action, hiking, and sometimes, biking, can be engaged in along the byways as well.

The Ideal Time for a New Jersey Visit

New Jersey generally does not experience any extreme weather condition although the summer months do tend to be quite hot with temperatures reaching as high as 95 degrees and extending down to the middle of September. Cooler weather comes along when autumn commences and this is usually the most ideal period to explore New Jersey particularly its 100 rivers and approximately 800 lakes. Ditto for spring time with its mild temperatures.

The New Jersey beaches, though, are best visited during summer since the coastal temperatures are usually about five degrees lower at around this time. Winter in the beaches is slightly higher when compared to the inland areas.

Turtle Run Campground

RVers who adore beaches and casino will definitely want to check in this RV campground because the sands of Long Beach Island alongside the glitter of Atlantic City casinos are both within view. Yet, those are not the only features that Turtle Run Campground can offer prospective RVers. For those who are concerned about endangered species , the Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge is likewise situated nearby. For outdoor lovers, two state forests, namely, Wharton and Bass River, are accessible quite easily.

Inside Turtle Run Campground, RVs are offered large, shady sites that are fully hooked-up while their owners are treated to hot showers in modern restrooms. For the children, a large playground awaits them while for adults thinking of having more fun on the water, the resident swimming pool in a unique turtle-shape form is situated nearby.

Perched in beautiful Wading River town, the RV campground is presently under new management. Promises of better facilities and more attractions should thus be expected.

Laurel Pond Luxury Cabin and RV Resort

Situated in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, this RV campground is perhaps among the better family-centered RV parks if only for its closeness to Six Flags Great Adventure, the "Garden State" amusement park that has attracted families from different parts of the US. Additionally, Laurel Pond is situated quite near prominent cities like New York, enabling RVers to conveniently travel back and forth in case business emergencies suddenly crop up.

More than that, however, what will attract most RV-boarded travelers to this RV campground is the relaxing atmosphere that it evokes, aided significantly by several nearby natural attractions like Assunpink Lake and Prospertown Lake where they have the option to sit back and engage in quiet recreational pursuits like fishing. The lakes, incidentally, can both be reached in as little as one minute, particularly in the case of Prospertown Lake, which is found less than a mile away. Indeed, for true relaxation, none can compare to Laurel Pond Luxury Cabin and RV Resort.
 
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