Cape May Camping & Glamping Guide: The Best Campgrounds, Safari Tents & Outdoor Stays

Cape May Daily News

March 9, 2026

8 min read

Cape May County has more campsites per square mile than almost any other resort destination in New Jersey — over 15,000 sites spread across a patchwork of family campgrounds, state parks, and glamping resorts within a short drive of the beach. For travelers who prefer the sound of crickets to the creak of Victorian floorboards, or who want to stretch a family vacation budget without sacrificing the Cape May experience, camping and glamping here offer a genuinely compelling alternative to the town's hotels and B&Bs.

This guide covers the best options across every style of outdoor accommodation — from no-frills tent sites to fully furnished safari tents with king beds and Keurig machines.

Why Camp Near Cape May?

The geography of Cape May County is ideal for camping. The barrier islands and coastal marshes that define the landscape create a natural buffer between the campgrounds and the developed resort areas, meaning you can pitch a tent in genuine pine-scented woodland and still be 20 minutes from Cape May's Victorian streets and seafood restaurants. The flat terrain makes cycling between campgrounds and the beach easy, and the proximity to Cape May Point State Park — one of the best birdwatching sites on the East Coast — adds a wildlife dimension that few coastal camping destinations can match.

The season runs from April through October, with July and August being the busiest months. Spring and fall camping — particularly September and October — offer the best combination of mild weather, lower crowds, and spectacular wildlife activity, including the famous Cape May hawk and songbird migration.

The Best Campgrounds Near Cape May

Sun Outdoors Cape May — The premier glamping destination in the Cape May area, Sun Outdoors offers a range of accommodation options from standard tent and RV sites to fully furnished safari tents. The safari tents are the standout: 16x20 canvas structures with king beds, twin bunks, a small refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, and air conditioning. The resort has a swimming pool, a camp store, and organized activities for children. Located in Cape May Court House, approximately 10 miles from Cape May Point. Glamping rates from approximately $150/night; tent sites from $45/night.

Beachcomber Camping Resort — A family-owned resort on 100 wooded acres in Lower Township, the Beachcomber is one of the most popular campgrounds in the region. The property offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, along with a swimming pool, mini-golf, and a camp store. The wooded setting provides genuine shade and privacy — a rarity in coastal New Jersey. Located approximately 4 miles from the Wildwood and Cape May beaches. Tent sites from approximately $55/night.

Cape May Point State Park — The park itself does not offer overnight camping, but it is the essential day-use destination for any camper in the area. The park's trails wind through coastal dunes, freshwater ponds, and maritime forest — some of the best birdwatching habitat on the Atlantic flyway. The historic Cape May Lighthouse is within the park boundaries. Admission is free.

Ocean View Resort Campground — A large, full-service resort campground located 3 miles from the Wildwood beaches, Ocean View offers over 1,000 sites for tents and RVs, along with cabin rentals. The resort has multiple swimming pools, a waterslide, mini-golf, a restaurant, and a full activities program. A good choice for families who want resort amenities at campground prices. Tent sites from approximately $50/night.

Acorn Campground — A smaller, quieter option for campers who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Acorn is located in Cape May Court House and offers wooded tent sites and RV hookups. The campground is well-maintained and the staff are friendly. A good base for exploring both Cape May and the surrounding county. Tent sites from approximately $40/night.

A family camping near the Cape May beach at sunset, with colorful Adirondack chairs and the Cape May lighthouse in the background

Glamping: The Best of Both Worlds

Glamping — glamorous camping — has transformed the outdoor accommodation market, and Cape May County has embraced it enthusiastically. The appeal is straightforward: you get the experience of sleeping outdoors, under canvas, surrounded by nature, without sacrificing the comfortable bed, hot shower, and morning coffee that make a vacation feel like a vacation.

Beyond Sun Outdoors' safari tents, the Hipcamp platform lists over 180 glamping options in the Cape May area, ranging from bell tents on private farms to yurts in the Pine Barrens. The variety is remarkable — you can book a waterfront glamping site with a kayak included, a treehouse platform in a maritime forest, or a converted Airstream trailer steps from the beach.

For couples, a glamping stay in September or October — when the weather is ideal and the crowds have thinned — is one of the most romantic ways to experience Cape May. Pair it with a whale watching cruise in the morning and dinner at one of Cape May's BYOB restaurants in the evening.

Essential Camping Gear

If you're tent camping rather than glamping, the right gear makes an enormous difference. A few essentials for a Cape May camping trip:

A quality tent — The Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent is a reliable, affordable option that handles the coastal humidity and occasional summer storms well. For couples, the 2-person version is lighter and easier to set up.

A sleeping pad — Even in summer, ground temperatures drop at night near the coast. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad is lightweight, packable, and provides excellent insulation.

A headlamp — Essential for navigating campgrounds at night. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is the gold standard for camping headlamps.

Insect repellent — Cape May's coastal marshes are mosquito country, especially in July and August. Pack a DEET-based repellent and apply it before dusk.

A camp chair — The Helinox Chair One is the best packable camp chair on the market — lightweight enough to carry on a bike, comfortable enough for a full evening around the fire.

Planning Your Camping Trip

Book early. The best sites at the most popular campgrounds sell out weeks in advance for summer weekends. Many campgrounds open reservations in January for the following summer season.

Check the weather. Cape May's coastal location means weather can change quickly. Always check the forecast before your trip and pack a rain fly even if clear skies are predicted.

Bring a bike. Many of Cape May County's campgrounds are connected to the county's extensive network of bike paths. A bike transforms your camping trip — you can ride to the beach, into Cape May town, or along the bayshore without moving your car.

Respect the wildlife. Cape May's campgrounds are embedded in some of the most ecologically sensitive habitat on the East Coast. Follow Leave No Trace principles, keep food secured, and stay on marked trails in the dunes and marshes.

For families, camping near Cape May combines perfectly with the activities in our Cape May Family Guide — the county zoo, the lighthouse, and the beaches are all within easy reach of the major campgrounds. And if the kids want to try their hand at beachcombing, the Cape May Diamond Hunt is a perfect rainy-day activity that starts right at the shoreline.

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