But nothing can be further from the truth.Once you get past Newark, Elizabeth and other big cities, there are attractions, farmlands and campgrounds. The N.J. Campground Owners Association operates a web site that has become the most complete source of information regarding camping in New Jersey.
No matter what type of camping you choose, tenting, RVing or cabin rentals, New Jersey has something for you. There is even a campground in very urban Jersey City that is a hop, skip and a jump away from Manhattan.
One of the state's more popular areas is the Delaware River Region that includes the N.J. State Aquarium at Camden and Trenton, the nation's second-largest state capital in continuous use. It is the site of one of George Washington's greatest Revolutionary War victories.
The region is home to the Pine Barrens, a million acres of preserved forests and waterways. It is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.
Inside these forests you can camp, hike, fish or paddle a canoe. You can visit the historic town of Batsto, a preserved 19th-century bog-iron town where craftsmen still ply their trade.
There are many campgrounds and state parks in New Jersey, many of which rival the best of those in other areas of the United States.
For more information about camping and attractions write to the N.J. Campground Association at Box 808, Marmora, NJ 08223, or call (609) 545-0145 or toll free at 1-(800) 222-6765. Visit www.newjerseycampgrounds.com
