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Family Camping in New Jersey - What to Know Before You Go

September 19, 2011

New Jersey State Parks - 

New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, PO Box 404, Trenton, 08625-0404. 1-800-843-6420, 609-984-0370. Campsites, cabins, group cabins, lean-tos, shelters and yurts may be available depending on the park. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance either in person at the area office; by mail using an overnight application form (available online); or by telephone using a credit card, for a minimum of 2 nights to a maximum of 14 nights. Cabins must be reserved for 7 or 14 consecutive nights Memorial Day through Labor Day or for a 2 night minimum at other times.

A guide to activities and facilities at New Jersey's state parks and forests can be picked up at any state park service office or can be mailed by 
calling 1-800-843-6420. Information is also available online at www.njparksandforests.org

Ask for a Passport when visiting a state park, forest or historic site and collect an official passport sticker as you visit sites throughout the state. Each sticker represents a significant feature of the area. Collect a minimum of 10 different stickers to receive a prize.

National Park Service

Individual campsite reservations for National Park Service sites can be made up to 6 months in advance on a rolling basis. For Yosemite, individual campsites can be reserved up to 5 months in advance with inventory going on sale on the 15th of each month. Cabins and lookouts can be reserved up to 6 months in advance for all sites. Group facilities can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. Check the National Park Service reservation website atwww.recreation.gov for reservation and campground details. Reservations can be made online, by phone or in person at a site. Phone reservations are taken 10am-12am daily March-Oct; 10am-10pm Nov.-Feb. Call 1-877-444-6777. For customer service, phone 1-888-448-1474. For park information, visitwww.nps.gov. Additional information is available at www.nationalparks.org and www.americanparknetwork.com, publishers of visitor guides for national and state parks across America.
   Reservations for lodging at a number of parks can also be made via authorized concessionaires such as Xanterra Parks & Resorts, www.xanterra.com.

   Visit reserveamerica.com for campground information, trail maps, guidebooks and to make reservations at many public
and private campgrounds nationwide. 
   The Junior Ranger program, available at many National Parks, consists of completing an activity booklet while visiting the park and upon completion, earning a Junior Ranger badge. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm. For those who are unable to visit a national park, an on-line Junior Ranger program with activities and rewards can be completed at www.nps.gov/webrangers.
 

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September 19, 2011 By Kathryn Kvols

Family Camping in New Jersey - What to Know Before You Go
September 19, 2011