Country Oaks Campground

The Great Outdoors

Camp in an RV near Dorothy and make the short drive south to the Belleplain State Forest, which encompasses 21,320 acres of pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar trees. The Civilian Conservation Corps was responsible for transforming the forest’s Meisle Cranberry Bog into Lake Nummy, which is now a hub for boating, fishing, and swimming. They also established the original forest headquarters, roads, and bridges, with more than 40 miles of hiking trails now winding through the protected area.Camping at Country Oaks Campground is also a good base for visiting the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1989 from land owned by the nature conservancy. It provides vital habitat for large numbers of migratory birds and wildlife, including more than 300 bird species, around 40 mammals, and 55 reptile and amphibian species. There are various interpretive trails where you can learn about the local ecology and the species that thrive here, including the Cedar Swamp Trail and the Songbird and Woodcock Trails. Drive in the other direction from Country Oaks Campground, and you’ll arrive at the Wharton State Forest. It encompasses a large tract of Atlantic coastal pines within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, with plenty of hiking trails to explore. Soak up the scenery while canoeing on the Mullica River or delve into the local industrial history at Batsto Village, an 18th-century bog iron and glass manufacturing site. The Wharton State Forest is also home to the Atsion Mansion, which was built in 1826 as a summer residence for Samuel Richards. 

Exploring the City

Dorothy campers can pick up grocery supplies in one of the supermarkets in nearby May’s Landing where you’ll also find gas stations if you need to fill up your RV rental. There’s a good selection of restaurants and cafes where you can dine out, with more eateries at the nearby Hamilton Mall where you’ll also find fashion retailers, department stores, and other big-name retailers. Country Oaks Campground is just 30 minutes’ drive from Ocean City, which lies along the Atlantic Coast of Jersey Shore. Aside from beaches that ignite during the summer months, the city is also clustered with shopping centers, restaurants, and amusement parks. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss a visit to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier that’s packed with family-friendly rides or brave the roller coasters at Playland’s Castaway Cove. A short drive up the coast is Atlantic City, another coastal beach resort that’s renowned for its glitzy lifestyle. Get your retail fix in one of the high-end shopping malls or find discounted bargains at the outlet mall, then hit the casinos if you’re feeling lucky. Families can head to the amusement arcades of the Atlantic City Boardwalk or visit Storybook Land, which is renowned for its rides themed after classic children’s stories. Also not to miss is Lucy the Margate Elephant, a six-story, 90-ton elephant that was initially constructed in 1881 and is now designated as a National Historic Landmark. A 20-minute drive northwest of Country Oaks Campground is Vineland, which was originally founded for its grape-growing potential. Discover the people and events that have shaped the region at the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society, then visit the junk-designed Palace of Depression that was constructed by an eccentric Alaskan gold miner, George Daynor. Vineland is also home to the Delsea Drive-In, which is the only drive-in theater remaining in the state of New Jersey (where drive-in theaters were first established).Whether you want to birdwatch in the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge or enjoy the family attractions of Ocean City, book an RV in Atlantic County and start planning your next vacation.