This is a review
Before I dive into our journey at Chesnut Lake Campground, I want to emphasize that this perspective is shared from the lens of a Thousand Trails member. Every traveler’s experience may vary, but here’s our story from this cozy nook in Port Republic, NJ. Nestled in the heart of South Jersey, this Thousand Trails gem provided us with twenty days of adventure in early July, and one more delightful day in mid-August.
Location and Things to Do
Chesnut Lake Campground is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the freeway, making it accessible even for those with an itchy pedal foot. For your everyday necessities, Galloway is a mere 10-minute drive away, boasting markets that will cater to your every need. But the real charm lies a little further down the road in Atlantic City, less than 30 minutes away.
Atlantic City isn’t just a paradise for gamblers; it’s a haven for foodies, shoppers, and entertainment enthusiasts. While the casino restaurants might lighten your pockets, they’ll also dazzle your taste buds. We recommend Cuba Libre Restaurant at The Tropicana Casino for an unforgettable dining experience.
But for a taste of history and charm, a visit to Smithville Historic Village, just 6 minutes from the campground, is a must. You’ll find quaint restaurants and shops, and if you time it right during the summer, a delightful farmers market on Thursdays.
For those yearning for sun and sand, Chesnut Lake Campground is within a 30-minute drive of various beaches. Our comedic beach tour took us to Atlantic City beach, which, despite being free, left us with mixed feelings. The atmosphere was buzzing, but it wasn’t the most family-friendly scene. If you’re in the mood for a more lively beach party, this might be your spot.
However, for a more relaxed beach day, Ocean City, also 30 minutes away, offers serene shores. The $7 fee for a day of parking is a small price to pay for the calm, uncrowded beaches. There’s just the right amount of hustle and bustle to keep things interesting.
For a tranquil escape without the tides, we stumbled upon Harry Bowen Memorial Park, just 5 minutes away, where a peaceful pond beach offered a serene retreat.
And if you’re into live music, Motts Creek Inn became our unexpected find. The atmosphere was electric, even if the food was just passable. But when the drinks are flowing and the company is lively, who can complain?
Booking Experience
Now, let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of the adventure. Our booking journey began with a rather short notice, just before the 4th of July. Understandably, this is a busy time, and our initial booking was for 6 days, with a 4-day gap, followed by another 7 days. However, a bit of creative maneuvering later, we managed to elongate our stay without gaps by calling Thousand Trails for a few days in a row.
Check-In
Arriving at Chesnut Lake Campground, we weren’t sure what to expect. As first-time Thousand Trails adventurers, we were pleasantly surprised. Our Thousand Trails card hadn’t arrived yet, but a friendly smile and our driver’s license were sufficient for check-in. They handed us a pack with a campground map, activity list, and a vehicle registration paper for those all-important RV and vehicle tags. A gate code ensured easy entry.
Unlike some campgrounds where spots are pre-assigned, here it was first-come, first-served. We chose a spot by the lake, and as expected, the spaces closer to the entrance filled up quickly. Fortunately, there were several spots available towards the back of the campground.
Amenities
Chesnut Lake Campground offers full hook-up sites, and they’re decently leveled. Some have grass or dirt, while others are covered in gravel. While the sites aren’t enormous, they comfortably accommodated our 31-foot RV, leaving enough space for a picnic table and fire ring. Be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors, as the sites aren’t overly wide.
The campground boasts nearly 200 sites, and while it tends to get busier on weekends, there’s a fair amount of mid-week activity. The pool, though lacking a dedicated kids’ area, beckons on hot summer days, even if the chlorine scent is a bit overpowering. The playground is serviceable, though not particularly baby-friendly, and features slides without swings. Basketball and volleyball courts
entertained the kids, while a board game and card game room was a haven for adults or supervised children.
The lake, though lovely with its scenic walking path, can become a battleground against relentless mosquitoes. Prepare your defenses accordingly!
Internet Connection
For those who can’t quite unplug completely, cell phone reception wasn’t great, with AT&T struggling at one bar and Verizon offering a modest two bars. The campground offers Wi-Fi, but don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. Picking a site with a clear view of the sky, we were able to get our Starlink working like a charm.
Ambiance
The campground’s vibe was one of friendly camaraderie. Whether it was the welcoming staff or fellow campers, there was a sense of community. A few permanent residents occupied a separate area, leaving the rest of us to make new friends. For the kids, there w
ere craft activities and other fun events on the agenda, though we didn’t partake. We made some friends and exchanged contacts with people we hope to meet again in the future!
Issues
No adventure is without its quirks, and here, it was the persistent mosquitoes and flies. Arm yourself with the best bug-fighting gear you can find. Otherwise, the mosquitoes will nibble you to pieces, and the flies will claim your RV as their kingdom. We even had an unexpected wasp nest as a souvenir from our stay.
In conclusion, our escapade at Chesnut Lake Campground was filled with adventures, culinary delights, and moments of camaraderie. While every traveler’s tale may differ, our Thousand Trails experience in Port Republic, NJ, left us with smiles on our faces and couple of “Old Fashioned” drinks for future RV journeys.
