New Jersey’s mix of coastal marshes, forests, and urban parks, combined with its location along the Atlantic Flyway, has made the state a popular destination for both camping and birding enthusiasts.
Cape May tops the list for serious bird watchers, drawing thousands of visitors each year who come to witness hawk migrations, warblers, and shorebirds.
National Geographic has recognized Cape May as one of the world’s best spots for birding, with prime viewing from September to November.
For campers who prefer birding near cityscapes, the Meadowlands area provides trails and waterways where visitors can spot wading birds and raptors with views of the New York skyline.
Early mornings are recommended for the best chance to see species such as Great Blue Herons, Marsh Wrens, and egrets.
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, spanning 47,000 acres in Galloway, also offers critical habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors.
Winter months attract peak numbers of snow geese, bald eagles, and various ducks, making it a year-round destination for bird watchers.
Another key stop is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Basking Ridge, known for hosting migrating birds in spring and summer. Visitors often spot red-shouldered hawks, great horned owls, and wood ducks throughout the forested wetlands.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park draws birders in late fall through early spring, offering the chance to see sea ducks and gulls along the coastline.
Harlequin ducks and common eiders are frequently seen near the park’s historic lighthouse.
Garret Mountain Reservation in Paterson is also a convenient spring migration hotspot close to urban centers. Warblers, thrushes, and tanagers pass through the area in April and May, attracting local birding groups and families alike.
The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary offers guided tours on weekends during the summer season. Birders can look for Black Crowned Night Herons, Brown Thrashers, and Northern Mockingbirds among the protected coastal vegetation.
Throughout the year, different seasons bring varied species to New Jersey. Spring brings migratory songbirds, summer supports breeding herons and woodpeckers, fall highlights raptor movements, and winter features sea ducks and snowy owls.
Resources like the New Jersey Audubon Society and eBird help visitors locate recent bird sightings and plan trips. Field guides such as “The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America” are popular among locals and tourists alike.
For camping options near prime birding sites, the New Jersey Campground Owners Association recommends visiting www.gocampingnj.com.
Since 1963, the association has supported independently operated campgrounds across the state, promoting outdoor recreation for families and birding enthusiasts alike.
Featured image by New Jersey Campground Owners Association