Let’s Go 'Glamping' In New Jersey This Summer

NEW JERSEY — Are you seeking an outdoor getaway overnight, weekend or week adventure this summer but want something that’s a step up from camping, surrounded with more of the comforts of home?

Stepping out into the woods or even camping near the beach doesn’t mean you have to rough it.

Many campgrounds these days aren’t just about hitting the outdoors without luxuries.

The camping franchise KOA differentiates camping from glamping, or “glamorous camping,” with the latter having accommodations that are a step up, depending on what you want, whether it’s a private bath, electricity, TV, comfortable furniture, air conditioning in the summers and heat when it’s cooler, kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, restaurants on-site and more.

Deluxe cabins, cottages, teepees, tree houses and yurts - a circular tent - are among some of the more upscale glamping places to stay.

The New Jersey Campground Owners Association is a resource for campgrounds of all kinds throughout New Jersey, with their website at: GoCampingNJ.com.

Where in New Jersey can a person find a glamping location? Here are just a few of the many glampgrounds in the Garden State at:

King Nummy Trail Campground, Cape May - The campground boasts cabins that sleep up to four, with bunkbeds, a futon, air conditioning, a mini fridge and private toilet. There’s a charcoal grill, fire ring, porch and picnic table. Their one-bedroom for up to six guests includes a full-size bed and screened-in porch, as well as a kitchen and private bath with shower. Even their “rustic” cottage for up to four guests, has AC, a porch, picnic table, fire ring and grill.

Indian Rock RV Park & Campground, Jackson - The dog-friendly (for “friendly dogs” they stress) campground not far from Great Adventure, offers glammed-up cabins, for two adults, one of the single-room cabins comes complete with a flower box and seating on the porch; and linens, lamp, locking door and a fan inside.

Pleasant Valley Family Campground, Estell Manor - For $135 a night or $810 a week plus tax, a family of four can rent a “cozy cottage” at Pleasant Valley and sleepy comfortably with one private bedroom and a double bed, futon, blankets and pillows that they provide for you. Kitchens are stocked with dishes and flatware, pots, three-burner stove, double sink, small fridge, toaster and a coffee pot. The cabin has a ceiling fan and AC, plus cable TV. Outside, there’s a screened-in front porch, charcoal grill, fire ring and picnic table.

Frontier Campground, Ocean View - Frontier Campground welcomes glampers to enjoy a night in the trees in their treehouse, which sleeps up to six, starting at $150 per night or $400 on a Friday or Saturday. This glamping experience features three twin beds, a cot, sofa-bed and a half-bathroom. There’s also a kitchen with a stove, microwave, toaster, fridge, coffee maker, sink, utensils and eat-in-table with five chairs. Outside is a covered deck, with a picnic table beneath the house, a fire ring and grill.

The Great Divide Campground, Green Township - Nestled in the forests of Sussex County, The Great Divide classifies their glamping selections as “Kinda Camping.” There are unique floor plans for each, with even styled like a Conestoga Wagon, complete with a wagonwheel, glass-topped table. Some offer queen and full-size beds, they have kitchen and dining areas, heat and air, some have lofts, there’s cable TV, outdoor seating, charcoal grills, tables and fire rings, among the works.

Adventure Bound Camping Resort, Elmer - In New Jersey’s Southwest, the family-friendly resort has deluxe and lodge-style cabins that are bright and airy, the deluxe cabin even equipped with a shower/tub combination. The lodge sleeps up to eight and has a wood-burning fireplace and full-size fridge. There are also efficiency and “rustic” cabins. Guests can additionally rent premium and deluxe RVs, with all the comforts of home in the great outdoors.

Long Beach RV Resort & Campground, Barnegat - Long Beach boasts a gated property with controlled access, as well as Wi-Fi, cable TV and more for guests. Visitors with their own RVs can stay at their site. There are also cabin rentals with the works, some sleeping up to seven. The yurt rental for up to four guests, has heat, AC and a kitchenette with mini fridge and microwave.

Harmony Ridge Campground, Branchville - Up in New Jersey’s Skylands Region, there’s a two-day minimum for cabins in the gated Harmony Ridge, with guests required to stay up to three for holiday weekends. It’s a $100 minimum per night in the single and $300 for the double cabins. Cabins are nestled in the woods, with sliding glass doors and porch and picnic table, to enjoy nature and be comfortable.

Old Cedar Campground, Monroeville - In New Jersey’s Southwest, not far from the Delaware is Old Cedar, where even their “primitive” cabins are still pretty glamping-friendly. The wood-trimmed cabins run $60 per day and $420 weekly, with two sleeping styles, electricity and air.

TripleBrook Camping Resort, Blairstown - This campground is in the Northwest in New Jersey's Warren County; and was given a beaming review by YouTubers RV East Coast, who called it a “hidden gem.” They’ve got cozy, luxury, premium and deluxe cabins, with wood-trim inside that are cutely-decorated with curtains, have built-in bunks for sleeping, comfortable bathrooms and all of the amenities in the mountains. Cabins range from $80 to $170 nightly.

Explore all of NJ COA’s cabins, cottages and other glamping getaway options here.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at jennifer.miller@patch.com