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.)
best camping supply stores?
tri1104
I KNOW I can do an internet search and come up with dozens, if not hundreds, of good campling supply websites... isntead, I'm asking for your opinions of what you think are the best, not just a random list of ones you quickly "googled" - thanks a ton! :-)
PS - by best, I mean, selection, quality, shipping, etc...
Answer
First Off: If you are not opposed to helping the local economy and getting usually really good service, I would always check out my local specialty camping store first. Unfortunately, independent stores don't have the buying power of REI and EMS, so you can at best maybe save 10% because you belong to the local hiking club.
Sierra Trading Post is usually the first place I look for clothing and accessories. The vast majority of the goods they sell are closeouts or seconds. I've purchased many things from STP via mail order and in the stores. Sometimes selection and colors aren't always the best, but I've never had a problem with any returns or exchanges when necessary.
I worked for Eastern Mountain Sports for a few years. Prior to working there, I shopped there for many years. I think EMS is overpriced on much of it's Lifestyle clothing and some of the brands it carries are not my favorite. However, when it comes to tents, packs, and sleeping bags many EMS products are very well designed and constructed. EMS always has some sort of deal or sale going on as well, so it's rare that the vigilant shopper would ever have to pay "fool" price unless it was an emergency. I still buy a lot from EMS but always during sales or clearance stuff. Customer service at EMS varies from store to store. Smaller stores are generally better. Stores close to a major trail can be really good to thru-hikers or they can be royal assholes depending on how the attitude of the thru-hiker is. Returns are generally no a hassle. The worse case is you'l get store credit without a sales slip.
I like REI for many things, but namely because the display merchandise is set-up to try out. You can walk into a freezer at REI and try out the sleeping bag. The co-op idea is nice, but you get 10% of your spending back. Why not just give me 10% off right from the get-go and spare me the "progressive-hippie-feel-good-mumbo-jumbo"? I've only bought clothes from REI or National Brands. REI clothes are well made, but I don't see any significant difference between REI and Royal Robbins or Ex Officico clothes. I've never been impressed by REI catalogs. They just seem to highlight things with the intent you'll visit the website or a store.
Campmor. Another favorite of mine. I actually go to Campmor when I want to see the stuff. My sister-in-law lives in the next town over from Paramus, so I rarely order anything from the catalog and use visiting my nephews an excuse to go gear shopping. Campmor's own products usually kick ass. My Campmore fleece vest is a good knock-off of The North Face Denali vest and I've had mine since 1999. I have a ski bib from Campmor I bought in 2002. That has seen it's share of repairs, but I use it for making snow and running lifts, so it gets beat up. Again..it takes a beating. I also like that Campmor has in-store specials that never make it to the catalog. I got a $300 backpack for $135 just because I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Again..awesome service and never any hassles with returns!
Cabelas is good for hunting, fishing, and RV camping. They don't know jack about backpacking, climbing, or serious kayaking/canoeing. Bass and Gander Mountain...worse than Cabelas when it comes to hunting and fishing and RV camping..even worse when it comes to adventure sports.
First Off: If you are not opposed to helping the local economy and getting usually really good service, I would always check out my local specialty camping store first. Unfortunately, independent stores don't have the buying power of REI and EMS, so you can at best maybe save 10% because you belong to the local hiking club.
Sierra Trading Post is usually the first place I look for clothing and accessories. The vast majority of the goods they sell are closeouts or seconds. I've purchased many things from STP via mail order and in the stores. Sometimes selection and colors aren't always the best, but I've never had a problem with any returns or exchanges when necessary.
I worked for Eastern Mountain Sports for a few years. Prior to working there, I shopped there for many years. I think EMS is overpriced on much of it's Lifestyle clothing and some of the brands it carries are not my favorite. However, when it comes to tents, packs, and sleeping bags many EMS products are very well designed and constructed. EMS always has some sort of deal or sale going on as well, so it's rare that the vigilant shopper would ever have to pay "fool" price unless it was an emergency. I still buy a lot from EMS but always during sales or clearance stuff. Customer service at EMS varies from store to store. Smaller stores are generally better. Stores close to a major trail can be really good to thru-hikers or they can be royal assholes depending on how the attitude of the thru-hiker is. Returns are generally no a hassle. The worse case is you'l get store credit without a sales slip.
I like REI for many things, but namely because the display merchandise is set-up to try out. You can walk into a freezer at REI and try out the sleeping bag. The co-op idea is nice, but you get 10% of your spending back. Why not just give me 10% off right from the get-go and spare me the "progressive-hippie-feel-good-mumbo-jumbo"? I've only bought clothes from REI or National Brands. REI clothes are well made, but I don't see any significant difference between REI and Royal Robbins or Ex Officico clothes. I've never been impressed by REI catalogs. They just seem to highlight things with the intent you'll visit the website or a store.
Campmor. Another favorite of mine. I actually go to Campmor when I want to see the stuff. My sister-in-law lives in the next town over from Paramus, so I rarely order anything from the catalog and use visiting my nephews an excuse to go gear shopping. Campmor's own products usually kick ass. My Campmore fleece vest is a good knock-off of The North Face Denali vest and I've had mine since 1999. I have a ski bib from Campmor I bought in 2002. That has seen it's share of repairs, but I use it for making snow and running lifts, so it gets beat up. Again..it takes a beating. I also like that Campmor has in-store specials that never make it to the catalog. I got a $300 backpack for $135 just because I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Again..awesome service and never any hassles with returns!
Cabelas is good for hunting, fishing, and RV camping. They don't know jack about backpacking, climbing, or serious kayaking/canoeing. Bass and Gander Mountain...worse than Cabelas when it comes to hunting and fishing and RV camping..even worse when it comes to adventure sports.
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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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