Shellbay Campground

For New Jersey locals seeking the perfect blend of serene camping and exciting shore adventures, Shellbay Campground in Cape May Court House, NJ, presents an irresistible option. Nestled just a stone's throw from the iconic beaches and vibrant attractions of Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and Cape May, Shellbay offers a quiet, family-friendly retreat that consistently earns high praise from its visitors. It's a place where the charm of a classic camping experience meets the convenience of modern amenities, all managed by a welcoming family.

Many campgrounds promise a great escape, but Shellbay delivers on that promise with a consistent focus on cleanliness, comfort, and genuine hospitality. As one recent guest enthusiastically put it, "First off saying this place is very very clean. Very easy on the phone. And this is my first time camping and actually enjoyed it." Another reviewer highlighted its affordability and convenience, noting, "the 20 sites they do rent are nice size and reasonable in price for being close to Stone Harbor, Cape May, and Wildwood!" This article will explore what makes Shellbay Campground a highly suitable choice for New Jersey residents, detailing its prime location, the array of services it provides, its standout features, and how its dedicated staff ensures a memorable experience.

Location and Accessibility

Shellbay Campground is strategically located at 227 W Shell Bay Ave, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA. This address places it in the heart of Cape May County, making it an exceptionally convenient and accessible destination for residents across New Jersey. Cape May Court House serves as a central hub, providing easy access to the region's most beloved shore towns and attractions.

The campground's proximity to major coastal destinations is a significant advantage. It's located just off the island of Stone Harbor's renowned white sandy beaches, allowing for quick trips to enjoy the sun, sand, and quaint shops. The vibrant boardwalks, amusement piers, and nightlife of Wildwood are also just minutes away, offering endless entertainment for all ages. For those who appreciate historical charm and sophisticated dining, the beautiful and historic city of Cape May, with its Victorian architecture, lighthouse, and stunning sunsets, is a short drive from the campground.

Accessibility to Shellbay Campground is straightforward, typically involving a short drive west on Shell Bay Avenue from Exit 9 of the Garden State Parkway. This direct route makes it an easy journey for campers traveling from northern and central New Jersey. Beyond the famous beaches, the immediate area around Cape May Court House offers practical amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and local restaurants, ensuring that campers have all necessities within easy reach. The location also provides opportunities for local exploration, including golf courses, bike trails, and nearby spots for boating and fishing, making Shellbay Campground an ideal base for a diverse range of New Jersey shore adventures.

Services Offered

• Diverse Campsite Options: Shellbay Campground offers a total of 300 sites, providing a mix of full hook-up RV sites (with 20, 30, and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections) and sites with electric and water only, suitable for RVs and pop-ups. They also have designated tent sites, some offering a mix of shaded and sunny areas.

• Cabin Rentals: For those seeking more comfort or without their own camping equipment, Shellbay offers two cozy cabins that can typically sleep a family of four. These are available with a 2-3 night minimum stay, though pets are not permitted in the cabins due to allergy considerations.

• Seasonal Sites: A significant portion of the campground (approximately 250 out of 300 sites) is dedicated to seasonal campers, indicating a strong community of long-term residents and a stable, family-friendly environment.

• Swimming Pool and Hot Tub: The campground features a "great looking pool" and a hot tub, providing excellent options for relaxation and cooling off during warm New Jersey summers. There's also a kiddie pool.

• Clean and Maintained Bathrooms: Reviewers consistently praise the "clean and well maintained" air-conditioned bathhouses. A unique feature mentioned is "25 cents for 4 mins for showering was a plus! Very hot water," ensuring comfortable and efficient showering.

• Laundromat: An on-site laundromat adds convenience for campers on longer stays.

• Well-Stocked Camp Store: The "camp store brings me back to childhood memories of a typical camp store," offering a variety of essentials, snacks, and treats. Prices are noted as "very respectable."

• Recreational Courts: Guests can enjoy various sports with amenities like basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, a softball/baseball field, miniature golf, shuffleboard, ping-pong, horseshoes, and bocce ball.

• Playground: A dedicated playground ensures that younger campers have a safe and fun area to play.

• Recreation Hall and Corn Hole: A recreation hall provides an indoor space for activities, and corn hole boards are available for outdoor fun.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Shellbay Campground welcomes pets (up to 2 dogs per site), but they are restricted from trailer rentals, cabins, the pool area, and other buildings. Pets must be leashed and not left unattended, with owners responsible for cleanup. No vicious animals are permitted.

• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV campers.

• Firewood and Propane Exchange: Firewood is available for sale, and propane gas exchange is offered, ensuring campers have access to essential supplies.

• Family-Owned and Operated: The campground is family-owned and operated, contributing to the "very nice" and accommodating staff experience.

Features / Highlights

• Prime Shore Location and Accessibility: Shellbay's most significant highlight is its exceptional location. Being "just minutes from restaurants, golf courses, bike trail and the Wildwood boardwalk" and "close to Stone Harbor, Cape May, and Wildwood" offers unparalleled access to the best of the New Jersey shore, making day trips and excursions incredibly convenient.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to bustling shore towns, Shellbay is notably a "quiet place." This tranquility is maintained even with families and kids, making it suitable for those seeking relaxation after a day of shore activities.

• Friendly, Family-Run Staff: Reviewers consistently praise the "family run and very nice" staff. Their accommodating nature, as evidenced by allowing a one-night tent site rental, contributes significantly to a positive and welcoming guest experience. Their kindness and hospitality are a recurring theme in reviews.

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: The campground is described as "very very clean," with specific mentions of "clean and well maintained" bathrooms and a "great looking pool." This dedication to cleanliness ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay for all guests.

• Good Value for Location: Given its desirable location near popular shore destinations, the "nice size and reasonable in price" rental sites and cabins are highlighted as excellent value compared to alternative accommodations in the area.

• Nostalgic Camp Store: The "camp store brings me back to childhood memories of a typical camp store" and offers "very respectable" prices, enhancing the classic camping feel and convenience.

• Heated Pool and Hot Tub: The presence of a heated pool and a whirlpool offers prime relaxation and recreation options, even outside of direct beach visits.

• Pet-Friendly (with restrictions): While pets aren't allowed in rentals, the campground generally welcomes furry friends on sites, acknowledging the importance of including pets in family travels, provided rules are followed.

• Mix of Permanent and Rental Sites: The campground's composition of "mostly retired people with permanent sites" alongside rental sites creates a stable and community-oriented atmosphere while still accommodating transient visitors.

• Variety of Recreational Amenities: Beyond the pool, the inclusion of miniature golf, basketball, tennis, volleyball, shuffleboard, and a game room ensures plenty of on-site activities for all ages, keeping boredom at bay.

Promotions or Special Offers

Shellbay Campground, like many popular New Jersey shore destinations, operates seasonally and focuses on providing value through its rates and amenities rather than frequently advertised deep discounts. However, based on available information and common practices, prospective campers might find value in the following aspects:

• Competitive Pricing for Location: As noted in a review, Shellbay offers "reasonable in price for being close to Stone Harbor, Cape May, and Wildwood!" This inherent value proposition serves as a significant draw, especially when compared to the cost of hotels or other accommodations in these prime shore areas. Base rates are listed at approximately $90 for all sites and $120 for cabins.

• Seasonal Site Availability: With 250 out of 300 sites being seasonal, Shellbay caters to those looking for a long-term, stable summer base near the shore. While specific "promotions" for seasonal sites aren't detailed, the availability itself is a key offer for New Jersey residents seeking a consistent getaway spot.

• Cash Payment Encouragement: One reviewer explicitly states, "Just bring cash and you will be a happy camper!!!" This might suggest that cash payments are preferred or could potentially lead to smoother transactions, though no explicit cash discount is stated.

• Bundled Amenities: The inclusion of access to the pool, whirlpool, various sports courts, game room, and playground within the base rate effectively acts as a promotion, offering a comprehensive recreational experience without additional per-activity fees (beyond metered showers).

• Family-Owned Hospitality: While not a monetary discount, the consistent praise for the "super friendly" and "accommodating" family staff can be seen as a promotional highlight, as excellent service significantly enhances the camping experience and provides added value.

For the most current rates, availability, and to inquire about any potential off-peak specials, multi-night stay incentives, or group rates, it is always recommended to contact Shellbay Campground directly. They are open seasonally, from May 15th to September 30th.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Shellbay Campground, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 227 W Shell Bay Ave, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA

Phone: (609) 465-4770

Mobile Phone: +1 609-465-4770

Email: shellbaycg@verizon.net

Website: For more comprehensive information, amenities details, and potentially online booking options, prospective campers are encouraged to visit their official website: shellbaycampground.com. Given their reputation for friendly and accommodating staff, direct communication via phone or email is highly recommended for the most accurate and personalized information regarding your potential stay.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For New Jersey residents, Shellbay Campground in Cape May Court House offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for their camping getaways. Its suitability stems from a perfect blend of a fantastic location, well-maintained facilities, and a genuinely welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.

Firstly, the prime location is a major draw. Being "midway between Court House, Wildwood and Cape May" means locals can enjoy the serene camping experience while having quick and easy access to the vibrant beaches, boardwalks, dining, and attractions of the famous South Jersey shore. This accessibility translates to less travel time and more vacation time, making weekend trips or longer stays truly relaxing and convenient for those living within the state.

Secondly, the campground's commitment to cleanliness and comfort is consistently praised. The "very very clean" bathrooms with hot water showers, the "great looking pool" and hot tub, and the general well-maintained appearance of the park contribute significantly to a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. This attention to detail ensures that campers can focus on relaxation and fun, rather than worrying about facility quality.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly for locals, the "family run and very nice" staff create a truly inviting and accommodating environment. The presence of many "mostly retired people with permanent sites" also fosters a stable, friendly community vibe, where neighbors look out for each other. This sense of belonging, combined with reasonable pricing for such a sought-after location, makes Shellbay Campground not just a place to stay, but a welcoming retreat that New Jersey families will want to return to year after year. It's a charming, convenient, and truly enjoyable slice of the New Jersey shore, perfect for a memorable local escape.

Shellbay Campground

227 W Shell Bay Ave, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, USA