Lazy River Campground

- 103 Cumberland Ave, Estell Manor, NJ 08319

For New Jersey residents dreaming of a consistent, accessible summer escape without the skyrocketing costs of owning a traditional beach house, Lazy River Campground in Estell Manor, NJ, presents a remarkable and often overlooked opportunity. This isn't your typical short-term tent or RV park; it’s a unique, deeded campground community where residents have the distinct advantage of owning their own land (condominium ownership of the site), creating a stable and highly desirable seasonal retreat.

Lazy River Campground is frequently described by local owners as a "hidden gem" of the Jersey Shore region. With approximately 98 meticulously maintained campsites, the community offers a harmonious blend of privacy, natural beauty, and social engagement. The community is designed for people looking for a dependable weekend or summer retreat, providing a welcoming environment where neighbors quickly become friends and the stunning natural atmosphere of the Pinelands National Reserve is enjoyed daily.

The sites at Lazy River often feature existing, well-maintained mobile homes, park model trailers, or destination trailers, which include amenities like screened porches, comfortable bedrooms, and climate control. This setup provides a true 'home away from home' experience, completely furnished and ready for immediate enjoyment during the prime New Jersey camping season, which typically runs from April 1st to November 1st. The transparent and community-focused management, run by dedicated board members, ensures that the park is well-kept, safe, and governed by the interests of the owners, contributing to its consistently positive reputation among locals.

Lazy River Campground is perfectly situated at 103 Cumberland Ave, Estell Manor, NJ 08319, USA, placing it deep enough into the serene, natural landscape of Atlantic County to feel like a genuine escape, yet close enough to major roadways and attractions to offer ultimate convenience. Estell Manor itself is known for its proximity to the vast expanse of the Pinelands and its numerous nature trails and county parks, including the adjacent Estell Manor Park.

For the South Jersey local, the location is unbeatable for seasonal recreation:

• Proximity to the Shore: The campground is only about 30 minutes away from the famous beaches and boardwalks of Ocean City, NJ. This easy drive allows owners to enjoy the tranquil woods one day and the vibrant Jersey Shore the next, providing the best of both worlds.
• Quick Access to Atlantic City: The entertainment, dining, and casino action of Atlantic City are also within a comfortable driving distance, making it convenient for a night out or special event.
• Highway Connectivity: The community benefits from good access to regional roads, ensuring that the drive from Philadelphia or other parts of Central and Northern New Jersey is manageable for weekend visits.
• Surrounded by Nature: The direct proximity to the natural beauty of the Pinelands ensures a pristine atmosphere, where owners can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking immediately outside the gates.

The sense of a secluded, natural retreat, combined with the short commute to major shore points, makes Lazy River Campground a highly valued locale for seasoned New Jersey campers and vacation homeowners.

The Lazy River Campground operates as a "Condo Resort," where owners pay reasonable annual dues that cover essential services and the maintenance of extensive common areas. This fee structure streamlines the ownership experience, covering costs that would otherwise be the individual’s responsibility.

The annual dues typically include:

• Community Water and Sewer/Septic: Essential utility services are covered, which is a major convenience for seasonal living.
• Common Area Maintenance: This ensures the pristine condition of the roads, green spaces, clubhouse, and all recreational facilities.
• Security Gate and Management: The dues help fund the management and security features of the community, including a gated entrance, to provide a safe and controlled environment for all owners.
• Recreational Facility Access: Full access and maintenance of all amenities, including the large man-made lake, swimming pool, and clubhouse, are covered.

Additional on-site services provided within the community facilities include:

• Clean Bathhouses and Laundromat: Recently renovated working bathhouses and a laundromat are available, ensuring modern convenience for all owners and guests.
• Small Store/Convenience: A small on-site store helps with quick purchases of essentials during the season.
• Year-Round Clubhouse Access: While on-site water is typically shut off from November to April, the front clubhouse facilities often remain open year-round, allowing owners restricted access to the property even in the off-season (usually a limit of 21 days access between November 1st and April 1st).

Lazy River Campground is highly praised for a number of features that distinguish it from standard campgrounds, making it a truly exceptional investment for locals seeking a seasonal property.

• Own Your Land: This is the most significant highlight. Unlike many campgrounds where you only lease the site, owners at Lazy River own the land their trailer sits on (condominium ownership), providing greater stability and a real estate investment asset, often with low annual property taxes paid directly to the Estell Manor Tax Office.
• Lake Clemenson and Water Activities: The community features a large, man-made lake, often referred to as Lake Clemenson, which is perfect for swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, and fishing, providing a beautiful focal point for summer fun.
• Olympic-Size Swimming Pool: A spacious, in-ground swimming pool is available for owners and guests, typically open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, offering a refreshing alternative to the lake.
• Strong Sense of Community: Reviews consistently highlight the "terrific neighbors" and the transparent, open, and concerned nature of the board members, fostering a friendly, tight-knit, and engaging park atmosphere.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The campground is well-equipped for families, featuring a playground, picnic areas, and a community room/game room, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
• Customized Retreats: The ability to permanently install structures like screened porches, large decks, sheds, and fire pits on your owned lot allows owners to fully customize their site into a true seasonal home base.

For inquiries about lot availability, annual dues, and community specifics, please use the provided contact details.

• Official Name: Lazy River Campground
• Address: 103 Cumberland Ave, Estell Manor, NJ 08319, USA
• Phone: (609) 476-2540
• Mobile Phone: +1 609-476-2540

It is important to note that all property inquiries should confirm the current status of annual fees, seasonal access rules, and the details of the site ownership model.

Lazy River Campground is uniquely suitable for New Jersey locals because it provides a highly desirable blend of affordability, stability, and premier recreational access that is difficult to find elsewhere in the state. For families, couples, or retirees who love the Jersey Shore lifestyle but recoil from the prohibitive prices of traditional real estate, owning a lot at Lazy River is a brilliant compromise.

The ability to own the land provides a level of stability and long-term investment often missing from typical campground leases. With reasonable annual dues covering essential services and access to a lake, pool, and clubhouse, the cost of an entire summer of vacation is dramatically lower than weekly rentals or second home ownership. It’s a solution that turns a temporary vacation into a dependable, customized, and community-driven seasonal home. Located just a short, manageable drive from Ocean City, this "hidden gem" allows New Jerseyans to embrace the natural beauty of the Pinelands while keeping the iconic Shore just 30 minutes away, making it the perfect year-after-year summer haven for the local user.

Lazy River Campground

103 Cumberland Ave, Estell Manor, NJ 08319, USA