Shellbay Campground

- 227 W Shell Bay Ave, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

For New Jersey residents seeking the perfect balance between a quiet, community-focused campground environment and instant access to the Southern Jersey Shore, look no further than Shellbay Campground. Nestled in the picturesque, historic mainland town of Cape May Court House, Shellbay offers a unique and established vacation experience that caters heavily to families and seasonal campers. It is a long-standing, family-owned destination that provides a full suite of amenities and recreational activities, ensuring a stay is less about 'roughing it' and more about relaxing in comfort.

The campground operates with a philosophy rooted in tradition and community. With a significant number of seasonal sites, there's a strong, friendly neighborhood feel that visitors appreciate. The transient sites, available for short-term stays, benefit from the resort-level investment in facilities and maintenance driven by the community of long-term guests. Visitors consistently praise the upkeep of the grounds, the cleanliness of the air-conditioned bathhouses, and the quality of the on-site recreation. For those from North or Central Jersey planning a multi-day tour of the Cape May County beaches, Shellbay is the highly practical, centrally located, and amenity-rich base camp.

Shellbay is not a commercial mega-park; it retains a charming, old-school Jersey Shore atmosphere, right down to its welcoming, family-run staff and traditional camp store that sparks childhood memories. While this commitment to the 'old-fashioned way' means guests should be aware of a strict cash/money order policy upon arrival and a lack of online reservations, it contributes to the uniquely personal touch of the operation. This dedication to managing the resort personally is often reflected in the high marks given to the staff's service and accommodation.

Location and Accessibility: The Ultimate Cape May County Base

Shellbay Campground’s location in Cape May Court House is its greatest asset for New Jersey locals planning a shore getaway. Positioned at 227 W Shell Bay Ave, it provides exceptionally quick access to the region's most popular destinations, all without the traffic congestion and premium pricing of staying directly on the barrier islands.

• Southern Shore Central: Shellbay sits approximately 10 to 15 minutes from the nearest beaches. Crucially, it is conveniently located just minutes from Stone Harbor, a short 7-mile drive from Wildwood Crest’s famed boardwalk, and only about 10 miles from the historic Victorian town of Cape May. This allows visitors to easily dedicate different days to different shore experiences.
• Access from Major Roads: The campground is efficiently reached directly off of the Garden State Parkway (GSP) via Exit 9. Its proximity to both the GSP and Route 9 makes the drive highly manageable for residents traveling from all points in the state.
• Local Resources: As the campground is situated in the county seat, essential services are just minutes away. Grocery stores, medical facilities (Cape Regional Medical Center), and shopping centers in nearby Rio Grande ensure that any necessary supplies or services are quickly accessible.
• Area Attractions: Beyond the beaches, the campground is a short drive from the Cape May County Park & Zoo, Historic Cold Spring Village, and the Wetlands Institute, offering varied day trip options for the entire family.

Services Offered

The campground focuses on providing practical, high-quality amenities to ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay for all guests, particularly those using the transient sites.

• Extensive Site Options: Accommodations include spacious Tent Sites, pull-through RV Sites with full hookups (water, sewer, electric up to 50-AMP), and basic Cabin Rentals. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring for the classic camping experience.
• Clean and Modern Wash Facilities: Shellbay features clean, well-maintained, air-conditioned bathhouses. For convenience, showers are coin-operated (metered), a common feature in many South Jersey campgrounds to conserve resources.
• Essentials On-Site: A well-stocked Camp Store offers essential supplies and nostalgic treats. The Snack Bar provides convenient food options, and propane gas exchange is available for quick refills.
• Utility Services: Full laundry facilities are available for guest use. The property also has a central dump station for RVers, and a portion of the overnight sites offer sewer hookups.
• Dedicated Staff and Rules: The family-run staff is known for being accommodating, particularly with short-notice tent stays. The campground enforces strict but clear guidelines, including a low 5 MPH speed limit and an 11:00 PM quiet time, ensuring a peaceful experience across the resort.

Features / Highlights

Shellbay Campground shines with its variety of on-site recreational features, guaranteeing family fun without ever needing to leave the property.

• Water Recreation Complex: The centerpiece of the park is a beautiful pool area featuring a large, sparkling swimming pool, a separate hot tub for adults to relax, and a dedicated kiddie pool for the little ones.
• Miniature Golf and Game Areas: The campground features a fun, on-site miniature golf course, alongside extensive court facilities for organized and spontaneous play, including Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball, Shuffleboard, Horseshoes, and Bocce Ball.
• Organized Fun: A Recreation Hall (Rec Hall) and a Game Room provide indoor activities, while the outdoor grounds host events like Bingo Night and offer a playground for children. The entire family can enjoy time on the Softball/Baseball field.
• Themed Accommodations: For those who prefer comfort over canvas, small, cozy cabins are available near the main amenities, offering electric, air conditioning, and a porch, making them a great 'glamping' option for families of four.
• Community Atmosphere: The prevalence of permanent and seasonal campers creates a unique, welcoming environment that often results in repeat visits and a friendly atmosphere among neighbors, perfect for kids to meet friends year after year.

Contact Information

For reservations and inquiries about the upcoming season, New Jersey residents are encouraged to contact the Shellbay Campground office directly.

Address: 227 W Shell Bay Ave, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA
Phone: (609) 465-4770
Mobile Phone: +1 609-465-4770

Conclusion: Why Shellbay is Suitable for New Jersey Locals

Shellbay Campground is an exceptional fit for New Jersey residents, particularly those prioritizing location, community, and recreational value. Its primary advantage is its unmatched proximity to the three major pillars of the Southern Jersey Shore—Cape May, Wildwood, and Stone Harbor—making multi-day itineraries easy and driving distances short. It eliminates the logistical headache and expense of securing accommodations directly on the islands, providing a quiet, shaded retreat just 10 minutes away from the excitement.

Moreover, the resort’s commitment to a family-friendly atmosphere, underscored by its clean facilities, extensive sports courts, and popular pool complex, ensures that vacation time is always maximized. While potential guests should be mindful of the strong seasonal population and the potential for temporary external noise during local events—a reality of the area—the consistent, positive feedback on the staff, cleanliness, and value makes it a highly recommended alternative to higher-priced shore lodging. Shellbay offers New Jersey families a traditional, well-maintained, and strategically located option to create those classic summer memories year after year.

Shellbay Campground

227 W Shell Bay Ave, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA