Whippoorwill Campground

The Great Outdoors

Camping at the Whipporwill Campground is a great base for visiting the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, which provides critical habitat for both wildlife and migratory bird species. It encompasses more than 11,000 acres of the Cape May Peninsula, which is visited by thousands of shorebirds who come to rest and refuel each year on their journey to their Arctic breeding grounds. It’s been designated as a Wetland of International Importance, with highlights for birdwatchers including sightings of threatened piping plovers, yellow-throated warblers, and peregrine falcons, as well as ospreys, northern harriers, and American kestrels.Directly west of the Whipporwill Campground is the Belleplain State Forest, a 21,320-acre protected area that’s an ideal destination for hikers. It’s traversed by more than 40 miles of walking trails that meander through its pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar trees while accessing the reserve’s lakes and ponds. Fishing, boating, and swimming are also permitted within the state forest, while birdwatchers may be treated to sightings of barred owls, Cooper’s hawks, prairie warblers, and Baltimore orioles.Also nearby is the Lizard Tail Swamp Nature Preserve, which was established to protect a rare tract of Cape May lowland swamp. It lies at the headwaters of Bidwell Creek, with several hiking trails that meander through its stands of pine oaks, sweetgum, and red maples. Keep your eyes peeled for migrating birds as you explore the preserve, with songbirds and hawks both visiting the region on their annual migration north.

Exploring the City

Whippoorwill Campground is located in Marmora, which is home to a supermarket that’s well-stocked with grocery supplies. There are also several gas stations in the immediate vicinity where you can fill up your RV rental, together with a handful of fast-food restaurants and eateries for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking.Campsites at the Whippoorwill Campground are just 15 minutes' drive from Ocean City, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean along the Jersey Shore. You can while away your days on the sands and get your retail fix in one of the numerous shopping centers or the stores along the Ocean City Boardwalk. If you’re traveling with kids, head to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, which was originally founded in 1929 and features an exciting choice of both indoor and outdoor rides. Alternatively, you can visit Playland’s Castaway Cove to get your thrills on its adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters.Farther north along the Jersey Shore is Atlantic City, famed for its casinos and glitzy lifestyle. You can soak up the sights, sounds, and smells along the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and amusement arcades, then pick up discounted goods at the Tanger Outlets. Try your luck at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City or ride the towering Ferris wheel at Steel Pier. Another highlight of visiting Atlantic City is seeing Lucy the Elephant, a 19th-century statue that’s now listed as a National Historic Landmark.If you’re interested in the maritime history of the Jersey Shore, don’t miss a visit to the Absecon Lighthouse, which is the tallest lighthouse in the state. It was originally constructed in 1854 and deactivated in 1933, with a museum now occupying its replicated 1925 Keeper’s House. Learn about the shipwrecks that have taken place offshore and life for the keeper while browsing the local memorabilia and artifacts on display. After exploring the museum, climb the 228 steps that lead to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views across Atlantic City and the surrounding coastline.Whether you want to birdwatch in the reserves of the Cape May Peninsula or enjoy the family-friendly attractions of the Jersey Shore, book an RV rental in Cape May County and start planning your next vacation.