Ponderosa Campground

- 18 W Beaver Dam Rd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Introduction / Overview: Your Wooded Retreat at the Jersey Shore

Ponderosa Campground, nestled within the beautiful, wooded landscape of Cape May Court House, New Jersey, is widely recognized as one of the premier family camping resorts on the Southern Shore. Spanning approximately 20 to 30 acres, this welcoming establishment offers a tranquil, natural setting while boasting unmatched proximity to some of the most sought-after beaches in the state. For local New Jersey families, it provides a perfect, easily accessible escape that blends the fun of a coastal vacation with the relaxation of a dedicated, secure community.

Operating seasonally, generally from early April through mid-October, Ponderosa Campground offers diverse accommodation options to suit every style of traveler. With over 260 total sites, the campground caters to a mix of RV enthusiasts, long-term seasonal residents, and vacationers who prefer the comfort of cottage-style log cabins. The dedication to a clean, well-maintained environment is often highlighted by guests, ensuring a quiet and relaxing stay even during the peak summer months. Staff commitment, including that of the General Manager, is frequently praised, contributing to the professional and friendly atmosphere that defines the Ponderosa experience.

What truly sets Ponderosa apart is its unique blend of traditional campground features and resort-level amenities. Visitors can expect more than just a place to stay; they are welcomed into a lively community with an on-site animal farm, a huge saltwater pool, and planned activities that maximize the vacation experience. Its strategic location makes it an ideal central hub for maximizing your time exploring the Cape May County coast.

Location and Accessibility: Closest to the Sand

Ponderosa Campground’s address at 18 W Beaver Dam Rd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA, confirms its highly desirable, central Cape May County location. Its position is a significant advantage for New Jersey residents, offering the tranquility of a forested setting mere minutes from the oceanfront action.

Accessibility from central and northern New Jersey is straightforward via the Garden State Parkway. Travelers can take Exit 13 and follow a short series of local roads, minimizing in-town traffic and quickly reaching the resort's entrance. The location’s true selling point is its incredible proximity to the beach—it is noted as the closest campground to Avalon Beach, a mere three miles away. This short, convenient drive allows families to easily go "back and forth twice a day" between their comfortable campsite or cabin and the pristine shores.

The campground also acts as a perfect home base for exploring the wider Jersey Shore region. Sea Isle City is extremely close, and Avalon is practically on its doorstep. Day trips are simple, with iconic destinations like Wildwood and Historic Cape May just a 20 to 30-minute drive away, granting easy access to famous boardwalks, water parks, and historic sites. Furthermore, a major point of convenience for campers is the immediate access to essential services—with an Acme supermarket and a Dollar General located right across the street—making grocery runs and supply restocking exceptionally quick and easy.

Services Offered

Ponderosa Campground is equipped with an extensive list of services designed to ensure comfort and maximize convenience for all guests, whether they are renting a cabin or staying in an RV. The focus is on providing a full-service experience that minimizes logistical worries.

• RV and Full Hookup Sites: Dedicated sites for RVs and travel trailers, complete with electric, water, and sewer hookups.

• Cottage-Style Cabin Rentals: Multiple levels of cabins (Rustic, Deluxe, Premier) and Deluxe Trailers featuring amenities like air conditioning, small refrigerators, microwaves, and cable TV. Premier and Deluxe cabins include private bathrooms.

• Utility Services: Free WiFi is provided across the campground, and free cable TV is available in all cabins and trailers.

• Laundry Facilities: A convenient on-site laundry facility utilizing a modern 'My Magic Pass' system, eliminating the need for quarters.

• Bathroom and Shower Facilities: Clean, well-maintained bathhouses offering free hot showers for guests in rustic cabins and tenting areas.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome in all cabins and throughout the campground (excluding the pool area), with a policy that pet fees are donated to local animal shelters at the end of each season.

• Essentials and Rentals: A General Store with ice cream, as well as on-site rentals for beach tags (for nearby Avalon Beach), bikes, and gas grills for easy barbecue cooking at your site.

Features / Highlights

The unique features of Ponderosa Campground are specifically tailored for family fun and relaxation, making it a standout choice among South Jersey camping resorts. These highlights create a vacation experience where there is truly something for everyone.

• Large Saltwater Pool: A huge, clean saltwater swimming pool offers a refreshing, often less-crowded alternative to the ocean, providing a perfect place for relaxation and family fun.

• Little Hooves Farm: A truly distinctive on-site feature, this small animal farm allows guests, especially children, to visit and interact with animals daily, fostering a unique connection to nature and providing a memorable, educational experience.

• Dedicated Play Areas: The campground features two separate playgrounds, including an engaging Pirate Ship playground, alongside a large sports field, two basketball courts, and a volleyball net, ensuring ample space for active play.

• Mini-Golf and Arcade: For family competitions and evening entertainment, a dedicated mini-golf course and an arcade are available, which are perfect activities before or after dinner.

• Planned Family Activities: The resort hosts organized activities, including arts & crafts and planned weekend events in the covered pavilion, fostering a lively and friendly community atmosphere, particularly during the summer season.

• Wooded, Spacious Sites: Situated on 20 acres of wooded landscape, the sites offer plenty of shade and a sense of privacy and separation, enhancing the relaxing 'getaway' feel.

• Affordable Glamping Options: The range of immaculately clean cottage-style log cabins and deluxe trailers, featuring air conditioning and private facilities, offers a comfortable 'glamping' experience for those who prefer not to tow their own RV or set up a traditional camp.

Contact Information

To inquire about reservations, seasonal site availability, or cabin rentals, please use the following contact details:

Address: 18 W Beaver Dam Rd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA

Phone: (609) 465-7794

Mobile Phone: +1 609-465-7794

Conclusion: Why Ponderosa is Suitable for Local New Jersey Residents

For New Jersey locals seeking the quintessential Jersey Shore experience without the logistical hassle or high expense of traditional rentals, Ponderosa Campground is an ideal solution. Its suitability stems directly from its perfect marriage of location and amenity richness. As the closest full-service campground to Avalon Beach, it grants residents the ability to enjoy some of the state's best shoreline moments within a quick, three-mile drive, transforming a simple weekend trip into a maximized, action-packed vacation. The proximity to the Acme and Dollar General right across the street also cannot be overstated, offering a level of convenience that eliminates travel stress for daily necessities, a huge benefit for families looking to save time and money.

The variety of clean, well-appointed accommodations, from full-hookup RV sites to Premier Cabins with private baths, means locals can easily book a comfortable stay whether they own a recreational vehicle or are just looking for a cozy, air-conditioned cottage base camp. The unique features—especially the Little Hooves Farm and the saltwater pool—ensure that the campground itself is a destination, not just a layover. Families can fill their days with on-site activities like mini-golf and planned events, or venture out to Wildwood and Cape May, making it a central hub that helps guests "maximize their time." The consistent focus on cleanliness, friendly staff, and the strong community feel make Ponderosa Campground the reliable, go-to local retreat for crafting unforgettable summer memories right here in the Garden State.

Ponderosa Campground

18 W Beaver Dam Rd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA