Campgrounds in New Jersey's Shore Region

Mention the Shore Region, and certain images immediately come to mind: more than 60 miles of pristine beaches from Sandy Hook down to Holgate; surfcasting off Seaside Park; perhaps some bodysurfing off Bay Head; or maybe a moonlit walk in Surf City.

But while there? so much for beachgoers and water-sports enthusiasts to do in the Shore Region, history, culture and entertainment also abound here. Diversity is the hallmark of this part of the Garden State. So bring along more than a bathing suit or fishing rod if you want to enjoy all there is to offer.

For example, the land-based sports enthusiast will find fast-paced horse-racing action at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, or Freehold Raceway in Freehold. If you prefer under-the-hood horsepower, check our Raceway Park in Englishtown, or Wall Stadium in Wall Township.

The Shore Region is filled with possibilities that will literally take you to new heights. From the traditional roller coasters and sky-high rides of Seaside Heights to the latest thrill-a-minute wonders of Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, one of the country? largest theme parks and drive-through safaris, you?l be able to take in the region from a different perspective, a hundred feet or so off the ground, on one of the park? many roller coasters or get your feet wet at the new Hurricane Harbor Wate Park. If camping is your desire, there are many campgrounds in which to pitch a tent or set up your RV - especially around Jackson.

For a more tranquil high-rise look, tour any of the four historic lighthouses that tower over the region, each in a style all its own.

On the northern fringe of the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook stands the nation? oldest operating beacon, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Several miles to the south are the Twin Lights of Navesink, the site of Marconi? first ship-to-shore broadcast. Further south is Barnegat Light, affectionately know locally as "Old Barney," built by Civil War hero George Gordon Meade in 1857. And now the newly reconstruted Tuckers Island Lighthouse in the Tuckerton Seaport.

These lighthouses call you to revel in the beautiful beach towns where you?l find fantastic fishing, boating and all watersports as well as summer concerts by the sea, your favorite musicals and the annual New Jersey Seafood Festival each June in Belmar.

And some of today? top performers entertain at the 5,200-seat PNC Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, where a variety of ballets, concerts and musicals and a series of ethnic festivals are held all summer.

From rollicking Asbury Park to the genteel towns of Ocean Grove and Spring Lake to the rolling horse farms that dot the inland countryside, to Long Beach Island and Islane Beach State Park one of the longest natural dune beaches in the northeast, you won? have to look far to determine that the Shore Region is an inviting area of seashells and sand-and a whole lot more.

Used with permission from The New Jersey Campground Owners Association