Prepare for Jersey Camping in East Windsor

Written by Kathleen Reilly

The simple life: Camping, with no television, no computers, no cellphones.

Well, maybe a cellphone.

While you might think throwing a sleeping bag in your yard counts as a campout, perhaps it’s time to consider a more adventurous exploit. Experiencing a night or two outdoors doesn’t necessarily warrant a lengthy car ride. It doesn’t even have to be an overnighter.

Nearby wilderness areas, nature preserves and hiking trails can supply your camping comrades with a full day of outdoor exploration, which may or may not include roughing it with outdoor cooking or an overnight stay in a tent or lean-to. While there are no campgrounds in Mercer and Middlesex counties where you can stay overnight, there is a campground right outside of Mercer County in Little York called Mountainview Campground. 

Hot dogs, bratwurst or the sausage of your choice can easily be prepared using a stick and flames from your expertly prepared campfire. Isn’t it about time to use the bonfire techniques you may have gleaned from your scouting escapades, childhood camping trips, or even—gulp—YouTube?  

Head on over to Eastern Mountain Sports in Princeton to get some great camping gear and essentials. Then, head to Target or Walmart in East Windsor to grab camping essentials, such as flashlights, lanterns, water bottles, and more.

Snacks and desserts can range from homemade treats to small store-bought delicacies. Nostalgic campers will be tempted by the tried-and-true combination of cooked marshmallow, chocolate bar, and graham cracker, fondly known to most of us as s’mores. Be sure to stop by the ShopRite in East Windsor to stock up on snacks before you hit the road. 

Brushing up on some scary ghost stories can add a dash of unexpected excitement to the evening. Even bad weather shouldn’t hamper the fun. Listen to the quiet fall of rain, a sound substantially more agreeable than local traffic. To avoid tent flooding, you can dig a trench (call it a moat, if you prefer) to divert any deluge. Zip the tent and play cards.

Don’t feel like purchasing the camping gear or even packing it? Rent a cabin in the woods or near a lake.

Glamping, anyone?

If the idea of roughing it outdoors is truly unpleasant, you can always try camping’s more luxurious cousin, “glamping”—also known as glamorous camping. Glamping provides the high-maintenance explorer with a combination of indulgent comforts in or near a pastoral setting. The best known glamping spot in New Jersey is at Belleplain State Park in Woodbine. They have enclosed yurts with wooden floors and beds. The park also has a place with showers, flush toilets, and laundry machines. 

If camping is in your near future, make sure to pack enough water to douse your fire before your departure. And consider establishing your camp spot before nightfall. It’s easier to pitch a tent during daylight.