Mr.Chipotl
Ok, so me and a few friends want to go camping to celebrate our first year of college completed and I'm in charge of arranging everything. Personally, I've never been camping but wanted to since I was a kid. Ideally, I'd like to find a nice camping area in New Jersey that isn't "family-oriented," in other words, secluded but environmentally beautiful. Somewhere where we can build a small camp fire for barbecuing, preferably near a lake where we can swim and/or fish. Are there any sites like this in New Jersey? (Out of state sites are fine too; We're willing to make the trip) Where and what do I have to do to arrange this? Do I have to call and reserve a spot? Also, how much money do we need in order to make this trip as comfortable as possible? (We have 4 people going, including myself). If we go, it'll probably be for a weekend or so (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Please, help me make this trip memorable! College sucks...
Answer
I live and frequently camp in NJ, and it's sad to say that there are few opportunities for this type of camping in our state.
If you are looking for secluded, scenic and near water, your best bet will be the primitive campsites in Wharton State Forest in the Pinelands (Atsion, NJ). Bodine Field, Hawkins Bridge, Batona, Mullica River and Goshen Pond have hand pumps for water and pit toilets. Buttonwood Hill and Lower Forge sites have no water. Mullica River and Lower Forge can only be accessed by hiking, canoeing or horseback; motor vehicles are not permitted. All other areas are accessible by motor vehicles. Most campsites are on or a few yards from a river, creek or pond. Some of these sites require traveling a distance over unimproved sand roads, where loose sand and water holes as deep as 12" may require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, but most can be safely accessed by an AWD SUV, CUV or Pick-Up truck.
Note that it is illegal to possess or consume alcohol in NJ parks and forests. My experience is that if you are otherwise behaving in a mature and responsible manner and being discreet, most rangers will not bother you, though there are no guarantees. But if you are noisy, have a bonfire large enough to land aircraft by, or have cans/bottles of beer or alcohol in plain view, expect to get a ticket ($75). It is also illegal to swim in any water not supervised by a lifeguard, but "wading" is permitted and, to be frank, I've never seen this enforced except when attempting to swim in an unprotected area visible from a protected one.
Reservations are accepted in-person at the ranger station or via mail using the application form listed below. Cost is $2 per person per night for primitive campgrounds. Aside from the camping fees, you'll need gear, firewood, stove fuel and food/drinks. How much this all costs you depends on how extravagant your needs. You can get by on $5 worth of food and fuel a day eating Ramen Noodles, Hot Dogs and Beans, or over $35 dining on Roast Beef Subs, King Crab Legs and Filet Mignon.
There are many other state forests and parks with camping on or nearby water; check the list on the Camping Reservations page listed below. Note that these are family-oriented campgrounds, usually with full bathrooms including hot showers, one or more playgrounds, and are frequented by families in camping trailers. But some do offer reasonable amounts of privacy and great views of rivers, lakes and mountains. Some noteworthy areas are Stokes State Forest, Highpoint State Park, Worthington State Forest (right on the Delaware River). Camping in these locations is a bit more expensive at $20/night per site, max 6 people and 2 tents. Unfortunately, Byrne (aka Lebanon) and Allaire are not on or near any water features.
Round Valley Reservoir has a unique camping area that has full facilities but is not accessible by car. You need to backpack (3 to 6 miles, depending on the site) or access the camp by water (small boat, canoe or kayak). While still a "family" campsite, there won't be any RV's and few if any small children.
Finally, if you are up for a hike, you can section-hike the Appalachian Trail and camp overnight (one night per location) for free. You would need to be completely self-sufficient including water and toilet facilities, pack out all your trash and solid waste, and move to a new location each day. In return you get to test your endurance and self-reliance while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys and Delaware River.
Expanding out from NJ there are many great places in PA and upstate NY for remote camping. Perhaps someone local to those areas can suggest some spots that are legally open to the general public.
(P.S., Possibly hard to believe now, but you'll look back at college as one of the best times of your life.)
(P.P.S., No state parks/forests have hookups, electrical or otherwise. The State University of NJ is Rutgers, centered in New Brunswick NJ, not Madison, WI. The State College of NJ is in Ewing, NJ, formerly Trenton State College. Drew University is located in Madison, NJ and is a state institution, but has never been referred to as "the state university." All total there are 12 state colleges and universities and 19 accredited community colleges in NJ.)
I live and frequently camp in NJ, and it's sad to say that there are few opportunities for this type of camping in our state.
If you are looking for secluded, scenic and near water, your best bet will be the primitive campsites in Wharton State Forest in the Pinelands (Atsion, NJ). Bodine Field, Hawkins Bridge, Batona, Mullica River and Goshen Pond have hand pumps for water and pit toilets. Buttonwood Hill and Lower Forge sites have no water. Mullica River and Lower Forge can only be accessed by hiking, canoeing or horseback; motor vehicles are not permitted. All other areas are accessible by motor vehicles. Most campsites are on or a few yards from a river, creek or pond. Some of these sites require traveling a distance over unimproved sand roads, where loose sand and water holes as deep as 12" may require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, but most can be safely accessed by an AWD SUV, CUV or Pick-Up truck.
Note that it is illegal to possess or consume alcohol in NJ parks and forests. My experience is that if you are otherwise behaving in a mature and responsible manner and being discreet, most rangers will not bother you, though there are no guarantees. But if you are noisy, have a bonfire large enough to land aircraft by, or have cans/bottles of beer or alcohol in plain view, expect to get a ticket ($75). It is also illegal to swim in any water not supervised by a lifeguard, but "wading" is permitted and, to be frank, I've never seen this enforced except when attempting to swim in an unprotected area visible from a protected one.
Reservations are accepted in-person at the ranger station or via mail using the application form listed below. Cost is $2 per person per night for primitive campgrounds. Aside from the camping fees, you'll need gear, firewood, stove fuel and food/drinks. How much this all costs you depends on how extravagant your needs. You can get by on $5 worth of food and fuel a day eating Ramen Noodles, Hot Dogs and Beans, or over $35 dining on Roast Beef Subs, King Crab Legs and Filet Mignon.
There are many other state forests and parks with camping on or nearby water; check the list on the Camping Reservations page listed below. Note that these are family-oriented campgrounds, usually with full bathrooms including hot showers, one or more playgrounds, and are frequented by families in camping trailers. But some do offer reasonable amounts of privacy and great views of rivers, lakes and mountains. Some noteworthy areas are Stokes State Forest, Highpoint State Park, Worthington State Forest (right on the Delaware River). Camping in these locations is a bit more expensive at $20/night per site, max 6 people and 2 tents. Unfortunately, Byrne (aka Lebanon) and Allaire are not on or near any water features.
Round Valley Reservoir has a unique camping area that has full facilities but is not accessible by car. You need to backpack (3 to 6 miles, depending on the site) or access the camp by water (small boat, canoe or kayak). While still a "family" campsite, there won't be any RV's and few if any small children.
Finally, if you are up for a hike, you can section-hike the Appalachian Trail and camp overnight (one night per location) for free. You would need to be completely self-sufficient including water and toilet facilities, pack out all your trash and solid waste, and move to a new location each day. In return you get to test your endurance and self-reliance while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys and Delaware River.
Expanding out from NJ there are many great places in PA and upstate NY for remote camping. Perhaps someone local to those areas can suggest some spots that are legally open to the general public.
(P.S., Possibly hard to believe now, but you'll look back at college as one of the best times of your life.)
(P.P.S., No state parks/forests have hookups, electrical or otherwise. The State University of NJ is Rutgers, centered in New Brunswick NJ, not Madison, WI. The State College of NJ is in Ewing, NJ, formerly Trenton State College. Drew University is located in Madison, NJ and is a state institution, but has never been referred to as "the state university." All total there are 12 state colleges and universities and 19 accredited community colleges in NJ.)
Summer Camp Packing List?!?
Em
Mk, whats the ultimate summer camp check list?! Im 13 and im going to a summer camp in like 3 weeks and i dont want to forget anything!! help!!
Answer
Here is my standard list. I went to summer camp for ten years as a kid, and then I became a camp counselor. So here is what I recommend (assuming you are a girl), some of these things may or may not work depending on what kind of facilities your camp has. This list is made for a more rustic camp:
Enough clothes to last you the entire time plus a few extras (half the time if there is laundry service):
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Pajamas
Double the amount you think you will need of:
- Socks
- Underwear
Also:
- Sturdy athletic shoes that will be good for hiking
- Extra pair of junk shoes
- Flip flops for the pool area and in the shower
- A couple hoodies for night time
- Jeans and boots with a 1" heel if you will be going horseback riding
- A bandana: Keeps hair out of face and covers it when there is no time for a shower
- Two bathing suits (one to use while the other is drying out)
- Poncho/raincoat (a good poncho is what i recommend...covers the most area and you can put your backpack underneath it)
- Laundry bag to put all your dirty clothes in
Toiletries (pack in a ziploc or plastic-lined cosmetic bag to carry back and forth to shower areas):
-Shampoo and Conditioner
-Soap/Body Wash
-Toothbrush/Toothpaste
-Facewash
-Comb and brush
-Hair ties
-Deodorant
-Sunscreen
-Bugspray
-Shaving gear (if needed)
-Tampons/pads (if needed)
-Extra glasses/contacts (if needed)
-Sunglasses
-Medication (must be turned in to camp nurse)
Gear:
-Sleeping bag
-Pillow
-Extra blanket
-Twin fitted sheet
-Tarp or groundcloth for sleepouts
-Lantern for tent/cabin
-Flashlight for night hikes
-Extra batteries
-Backpack for carrying everything around camp during the day
-Crate or box to use as a nightstand (can pack things inside it)
-At least 2 bath towels (one to use while the other is drying)
-2 Hand towels
-Clothesline and clothespins (can tie to a tree or inside cabin to dry towels, wet bathing suits, etc.)
-Extra ziploc bags (to store wet towels and bathing suits while walking around camp)
-Water bottle
-Mess kit (plate, bowl, utensils) for cook-outs
-Mini hand-held fan
Fun Stuff (optional, but are good to have):
-playing cards
-camera! disposables are always best for camp, but make sure you put your name on it
-a few costumey items (wig, silly socks, funny hat etc.) for fun days or color war at camp
-Stationery, including envelopes, paper, pens, stickers, stamps
-Address book: put all your family and friends' addresses in beforehand so you can write to them while at camp, then you can put all your new camp friends addresses in there when you leave
-CD/MP3 player: depending on your camp, these may or may not be allowed. good to listen to during quiet time
-A few books or magazines
-A few bottles of nail polish to do with your friends during downtime
-Friendship bracelet string
-Glow sticks (can be found at any camping store or craft store)
-White t-shirt for tie-dying
And one last tip - make sure you put your name on everything!
Hope this helps, and have fun at camp!!
Here is my standard list. I went to summer camp for ten years as a kid, and then I became a camp counselor. So here is what I recommend (assuming you are a girl), some of these things may or may not work depending on what kind of facilities your camp has. This list is made for a more rustic camp:
Enough clothes to last you the entire time plus a few extras (half the time if there is laundry service):
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Pajamas
Double the amount you think you will need of:
- Socks
- Underwear
Also:
- Sturdy athletic shoes that will be good for hiking
- Extra pair of junk shoes
- Flip flops for the pool area and in the shower
- A couple hoodies for night time
- Jeans and boots with a 1" heel if you will be going horseback riding
- A bandana: Keeps hair out of face and covers it when there is no time for a shower
- Two bathing suits (one to use while the other is drying out)
- Poncho/raincoat (a good poncho is what i recommend...covers the most area and you can put your backpack underneath it)
- Laundry bag to put all your dirty clothes in
Toiletries (pack in a ziploc or plastic-lined cosmetic bag to carry back and forth to shower areas):
-Shampoo and Conditioner
-Soap/Body Wash
-Toothbrush/Toothpaste
-Facewash
-Comb and brush
-Hair ties
-Deodorant
-Sunscreen
-Bugspray
-Shaving gear (if needed)
-Tampons/pads (if needed)
-Extra glasses/contacts (if needed)
-Sunglasses
-Medication (must be turned in to camp nurse)
Gear:
-Sleeping bag
-Pillow
-Extra blanket
-Twin fitted sheet
-Tarp or groundcloth for sleepouts
-Lantern for tent/cabin
-Flashlight for night hikes
-Extra batteries
-Backpack for carrying everything around camp during the day
-Crate or box to use as a nightstand (can pack things inside it)
-At least 2 bath towels (one to use while the other is drying)
-2 Hand towels
-Clothesline and clothespins (can tie to a tree or inside cabin to dry towels, wet bathing suits, etc.)
-Extra ziploc bags (to store wet towels and bathing suits while walking around camp)
-Water bottle
-Mess kit (plate, bowl, utensils) for cook-outs
-Mini hand-held fan
Fun Stuff (optional, but are good to have):
-playing cards
-camera! disposables are always best for camp, but make sure you put your name on it
-a few costumey items (wig, silly socks, funny hat etc.) for fun days or color war at camp
-Stationery, including envelopes, paper, pens, stickers, stamps
-Address book: put all your family and friends' addresses in beforehand so you can write to them while at camp, then you can put all your new camp friends addresses in there when you leave
-CD/MP3 player: depending on your camp, these may or may not be allowed. good to listen to during quiet time
-A few books or magazines
-A few bottles of nail polish to do with your friends during downtime
-Friendship bracelet string
-Glow sticks (can be found at any camping store or craft store)
-White t-shirt for tie-dying
And one last tip - make sure you put your name on everything!
Hope this helps, and have fun at camp!!
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Title Post: First time camping experience...?
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Rating: 95% based on 981 ratings. 4,6 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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