All camping trips are amazing, but what if you have only a few nights to getaway?

Luckily, we have a ton of first-hand, camping experience and with that question in mind, we’re sharing our favorite Easy Long-Weekend Camping Trips from New Jersey that meet the following criteria:

• approx. 4 hours drive from Central New Jersey (our camper van rental pickup location)

• offer quality campgrounds

• maximized fun in a 4-night rental

• local attractions and entertainment

Catskills

Drive Time: 2-3 hours

Suggested Destination: Woodland Valley and North South Lake

Suggested Campground: North/South Lake Campground

Our first extended, weekend camping trip is to the Catskills region which is located in the southeastern part of New York. The Catskills Mountain area is hugely diverse, so for this trip we’re focusing on Woodland Valley and North/South Lake located on the northern, east side section of the Catskills.

We really enjoyed our staying at North/South Lake Campground which is part of the NY State Park system. Easy drive, good hikes Ledges Trail around the lake from campground. Hike to Katterskills Falls popular destination. Town Tannersville. Woodstock Brewery. Last Chance Antique and Cheese Cafe. Close to Woodstock. Phoenicia, diner.

Delaware

Drive Time: 3 hours with ferry ride

Suggested Destination: Delaware Beach

Suggested Campground: Cape Hemlopen State Park right off ferry

There’s something extra fun starting a trip with a ferry ride, and the Cape May Ferry is no exception. Our camper vans easily fit as a regulars sized vehicle. The trip itself is memorable and there is a great bar at the ferry terminal and on the ferry itself.

For overnight, we recommend Cape Hemlopen State Park Campground which is seconds from the Cape May Ferry terminal. The campground is spacious, quiet and partially wooded. There are beautifully groomed bike trails and the park offers rentals, Disk golf. Beaches. Fishing. Closed to Lewes which has adorable downtown with shops and restaurant.

Day trip: Rehoboth Beach touristy, family boardwalk vibe. Dogfish Head. 25 minute drive.

Day trip: Milton - Dogfish Head OG location, cute downtown. 20 minute drive.

Green Mountains, Vermont

Drive Time: 4 hours

Suggested Destination: Green Mountains

Suggested Campground: Emerald Lake State Park (open May-October), Townshend State Park

You might assume Vermont is too far to enjoy in 4 nights, but the southwest corner of the state is perfect for travelers coming from New Jersey. It’s a beautiful, scenic drive of farmland, forests and mountain backdrop.

There are lots of state campgrounds, many with lakes catering to watersports, swimming and boating. We stayed at Emerald Lake State Park which surrounds a 20 acre lake perfect for swimming and paddling. The campground has tent and RV spots.

Hiking in wonderful in the state park and surrounding Green Mountain National Forest. One of our favorite experiences was the White Rock Ice Bed Trail. The 3 mile hike features natural occurring ice beds which freeze and slowly melt throughout the warmer months and causes an air conditioning effect to emanate from the rocks. Its the perfect end to a challenging hike!

Townshend State Park was another overnight stay during our trip to Vermont. It was such a cool location. The highlight here was listing to baby owls at dusk.

There is not too much of a central downtown area, but there are plenty of roadside establishments for burgers (Kelly’s Snack Shack), booze and ice cream.

Senaca Lake & Cayuga Lake (Finger Lakes Region NY)

Drive Time: 4-5 hours

Suggested Destination: Watkins Glen & Itaca

Suggested Campground: Watkins Glen State Park Campground

Watkins is at base of Senaca. Ithaca is at base of Cayuga. Cornell in town, restaurants/shops.

Both lakes are surrounded with cider, wine, beer. Dockside bar.

Hiking the glen. Speedway.

Taughannock Falls State Park campground. World famous waterfall