I must preface this narrative with a reminder that what you’re about to read is a singular perspective—a glimpse into a Thousand Trails member’s journey. Each traveler’s odyssey through Acorn Campground in Green Creek, NJ, is as unique as a fingerprint. During our nearly two-week sojourn in mid-August, we discovered the nuances that make this campground a hidden gem for some and a quagmire for others.
Location and Things to Do
Nestled in the picturesque Green Creek, NJ, Acorn Campground isn’t the kind of place you stumble upon by accident. It’s a deliberate choice, situated a little further from the freeway, which means a leisurely drive through side streets to reach this suburban oasis. The surroundings are an intriguing blend of “suburban city” conveniences—24-hour gyms, shopping centers, major grocery stores, and fast-food chains—intermingled with a rustic farm vibe. Some roads are hushed, with fewer buildings dotting the landscape, providing a welcome contrast to the urban hustle.
For fitness enthusiasts, Planet Fitness, a mere 20-minute bike ride away, offers a chance to burn off those extra calories before indulging in the local culinary delights.
Cape May, just 15 minutes from the campground, is a crown jewel you can’t afford to miss. The town exudes a charming, almost fairy-tale atmosphere, where cobblestone streets lead to hidden treasures. The shopping is exquisite, and the food options are as diverse as they are delectable. Here’s a culinary pro tip: make a beeline for Uncle Bill Pancake House for a mouthwatering breakfast. For a farm-to-table brunch that’ll leave your taste buds singing, The Beach Plum Farm is a must-visit.
Cape May Downtown and Washington Street Mall offer walking-friendly shopping malls brimming with delightful stores and a myriad of food choices. It’s a shopper’s paradise.
Venture slightly beyond the downtown area, and you’ll encounter two breweries: Cape May Brewing Co. and Cold Spring Brewery. The former’s ordering process is as unique as a well-crafted punchline – you jot down your order on a piece of paper and select a few flavors for your flight. While the beer delivers, the ambiance leaves something to be desired, lacking an outdoor patio to bask in the sunshine. In contrast, Cold Spring Brewery is nestled in a charming Historic Village, where you can stroll amidst old buildings and, if you’re fortunate, catch some live music. With an outdoor patio and cozy indoor seating, it offers a diverse range of beer to tickle your taste buds.
For those willing to explore beyond the tourist hotspots, North Cape May holds a secret: a narrow beach facing the west bay, seemingly free for the taking. While we didn’t partake in this adventure, we did visit a free beach, a mere 20 minutes from the campground in Wildwood. It was a family-friendly delight, although a long walk from the boardwalk to the beach. If you’re laden with beach gear, there’s a handy “cab” service – a golf cart that’ll whisk you and your beach paraphernalia to and from the beach. The boardwalk offers a variety of food options, although it leans more towards fast food and carnival fare.
But for those who savor a serene sunset by the water, Pearl’s Beach is a breathtaking spot. It’s tranquil and secluded, a slice of paradise for those in the know.
And if you’re a peanut butter aficionado, Cape May Peanut Butter Co. is a mandatory stop. They offer an overwhelming variety of flavors and products that’ll leave you in a creamy, nutty haze.
Booking Experience
Our adventure began with a modest reservation for five days, but the whims of travel beckoned us to extend our stay to twelve days. The process was refreshingly smooth, even in the heart of mid-August. The campground appeared fairly empty, with just a sprinkling of campers here and there.
Check-In
Navigating the quirks of Thousand Trails, we soon learned that this particular campground assigns campsites for its guests. However, due to the campground’s relative emptiness, we managed to secure a change of campsite to one that was less encumbered by trees, ensuring a clearer sky for our Starlink connection. A vital note for fellow travelers: Acorn Campground follows the Thousand Trails tradition of not providing full hookups, meaning that sewer connections are not included. Be prepared to make the journey outside the campground to empty your tanks every four days.
Amenities
Our humble abode for the duration of our stay was equipped with water and electricity, but full hookups were notably absent. The campsites were fairly level, although most were cocooned by trees, which, while providing shade, also obscured the sky. 
Each site offered a picnic table and fire ring, with enough room for a canopy, an extra table for an outdoor kitchen, and various other paraphernalia. Despite the cozy confines, it was more than enough to accommodate our 31-foot RV.
The campground, home to around 200 sites, features a swimming pool that includes a section for babies and toddlers, complete with an array of inviting sun loungers. An impressive arcade room beckoned the kids, while a well-stocked shop ensured you wouldn’t go without the essentials. The campground’s crowning jewel, a scenic lake that you can leisurely stroll around, boasts the eerie beauty of gnarled, seemingly dead trees that are nothing short of mesmerizing.
Internet Connection
AT&T struggled to muster a single bar, while Verizon offered a modest two bars. The campground provides Wi-Fi, but don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. We strategically selected a site with a relatively unobstructed view of the sky, allowing us to set up our Starlink. However, to achieve the perfect connection, we had to position the Starlink 70 feet away, through a thicket of bushes, to access an open site.
Ambiance
Perhaps due to the campground’s relative quiet during our stay, the atmosphere lacked the vibrancy and bustling camaraderie of other campgrounds. Interactions were scarce, and the event calendar was rather barren. The ambiance, it seems, was not the star attraction here.
Issues
No adventure is without its hiccups, and Acorn Campground had its share. Mosquitoes and flies, ubiquitous and tenacious, required a well-armed defense. A canopy with a net was a must-have to ward off these voracious bloodsuckers, ensuring you could enjoy the great outdoors
