The New Jersey Campground Owners Association (NJCOA) recognized campgrounds and operators across the state during its annual membership meeting and awards presentation, held Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Lake Kandle Campground in Sewell.
The awards ceremony, part of NJCOA’s Fall Tour, highlighted achievements in marketing, events, photography, and visitor engagement. Nominations were reviewed by a panel of New Jersey tourism professionals before winners were announced by NJCOA President Justin Crane.
Indian Rock RV Park & Campground in Jackson Township received the award for Best Brochure. Ponderosa Campground in Cape May Courthouse was honored with Best Event for its “Campers Crawl.”
The Best Photo category resulted in a tie, with “Spring Snow” by Kymer’s Camping Resort in Branchville and “Happy Fourth of July” by Little Oaks Campground in Cape May Courthouse both earning recognition.
Best Website also produced a tie. Sleepy Hollow Family Campground in Egg Harbor Township was recognized for its site at sleepyhollowcampground.com, while Lake Kandle Campground in Sewell earned the award for lakekandle.com.
In the category of Most Creative Activity, Harmony Ridge Campground in Branchville won for its HRC Tea Boil, and Four Seasons Family Campground in Pilesgrove was recognized for “The Labyrinth Corn Maze of Myths & Legends Weekend.”
Four Seasons Family Campground also earned Best Social Media Presence for its efforts on fourseasonscamping.com and across Instagram and Facebook.
This year’s Fall Tour, held Sept. 9-10, took place in the Delaware River Region, with Four Seasons Family Campground serving as host park. Attendees toured regional attractions and campgrounds while sharing industry insights.
According to a press release, Joann DelVescio, NJCOA’s executive director, reported that 61 campground operators representing 27 parks participated.
“Last year we enjoyed the Southern Shore Region of New Jersey, known for its ocean-side beaches,” she said.
“This year we enjoyed the fruits of the harvest in the Delaware River Region, making stops along the way at a William Heritage Winery to sip local wines and Mood’s Farm Market to pick apples. We also visited the new Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University for a guided tour, and attendees could spend pre-tour time on their own visiting the Flea & Farmer’s Market at Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove,” DelVescio added.
DelVescio added, “The more our members learn from their fellow campground operators and what we have to offer all around us, the more ideas they generate for better camper experiences.”
In addition to Four Seasons, the Fall Tour included visits to Oldman’s Creek Campground in Monroeville, Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, Jellystone Park South Jersey in Williamstown, and Lake Kandle Campground in Sewell.
Sponsors of this year’s Fall Tour included Northeast Campground Brokers, Merchantry Tourism LLC (doing business as Anderson’s Brochure Distribution Service), Fine D. Zine, Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance, and Bergholz’s Tree Experts.
During the annual membership meeting, NJCOA members elected John Robinson of Four Seasons Family Campground and William McCormick of Tamerlane Campground to at-large seats on the board of directors.
Looking ahead, NJCOA announced it will host The Campground Conference from March 2-4, 2026, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. More information is available at campgroundconference.com.
Featured image by New Jersey Campground Owners Association
