NJ Family Vacation Ideas

Planning Your NJ Fishing Family Vacation

You can take the family freshwater fishing for walleye while enjoying the serenity of a glacial mountain lake, or spend a few days fishing from the salty surf near Sandy Hook for striped bass. The number of fishing family getaways you can plan in New Jersey might surprise you.

Whichever type of family vacation you have in mind, either relaxed or active, New Jersey offers plenty of options. Plus, a convenient combination of state park campgrounds and family-friendly hotels equals accommodations for every budget and preference.

New Jersey Skylands Vacation Ideas

For New Jersey family vacations that include fishing, hiking, biking, and camping, consider visiting the Skylands in northwestern New Jersey. The scenic Skylands region is home to numerous state parks, campgrounds, and family-friendly attractions. While there many vacation spots to choose from, you may want to add these two family-friendly destinations to your fishing getaway list.
 

• Pequest River, Warren County. Choose from multiple campgrounds or one of the area's historic inns and spend a few days on the Pequest River. This well-known family trout fishing spot is regularly stocked, offering a rewarding fly fishing experience for anglers of all levels. Prior to spending a day on the water, families can visit the Pequest Trout Hatchery to learn exactly how fry grow into mature rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
• Swartswood Lake, Sussex County. Surrounded by the Kittatinny Mountains, Swartswood Lake is a top New Jersey walleye fishing destination. Several campgrounds and hotels are located within just a few miles of the lake, making for convenient access. Due to the fact that the lake permits electric motors only, it is an ideal place to unwind while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

If you are looking for additional family getaway ideas for the NJ Skylands region, don't forget to check the places to boat and fish map.

Southern New Jersey Vacation Ideas

If your crew prefers sandy beaches and saltwater, Southern New Jersey vacation spots like Cape May, Wildwood, and Ocean City are cited as being some of the most family-friendly. Walk the beach boardwalks, explore the amusement parks, and book a New Jersey fishing charter on Delaware Bay.
 

• Cape May, Cape May County. Stay at a local campground, guest house, or hotel and take advantage of the charming atmosphere on this small island. While beach fishing is limited to the one-quarter mile stretch east of the Brooklyn Avenue storm pipe, there are charter boats that can take the entire family out for a day of fishing for species like striped bass, black drum, bluefish, and tautog.
• Ocean City, Cape May County. Located on New Jersey's coastal shore, Ocean City is probably known best for its amusement parks, but families can also enjoy the convenient pier and bridge fishing spots. Sections of the Longport Bridge have been converted into a fishing pier, and the Ocean Drive/Rush Chattin Bridge was designed specifically to offer access for anglers. If you can, plan your visit around the spring or fall run of striped bass or bluefish.

Use these New Jersey fishing trip and getaway ideas to inspire your next family adventure. Remember to get your NJ fishing licenses and check the state fishing regulations as part of the family vacation planning process.