chestnut lake (thousand trails)
Big Rig Tips & Unforgettable Day Trips to Cape May, NYC, and Atlantic City
When we stayed at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, the campground itself wasn’t the main attraction — and honestly, that’s exactly why this stop worked for us. Traveling in a 40-foot fifth wheel with kids, we’re always more interested in what a campground gets us close to than how flashy the park looks on paper.
We visited in May, when things were quiet, snagged a great site right by the playground, and used Chestnut Lake as a jumping-off point for some unforgettable adventures — including Cape May, Atlantic City, and even a full New York City day trip by train. Here’s what Chestnut Lake was really like for big rigs, and why the surrounding area made this stay worth it.
Map Overview of the Park- Small, but in a great location!
ARRIVING WITH A BIG RIG
Check-in was easy and the staff was kind and helpful, which always sets the tone for a stay. The park itself is a mixed bag when it comes to layout.
The front section of the park is the best area — more open, more pleasant, and closer to amenities.
We were lucky to get a site directly across from the playground, which was perfect with kids.
The back of the park felt cramped and a bit rundown, with tighter spacing and a more cluttered feel.
That said, because the park wasn’t busy during our stay, navigating with a big rig wasn’t stressful — just something to be aware of when booking.
Campsites, Amenities, and First Impressions
Chestnut Lake isn’t a “wow” park — but it does cover the basics well enough for a short stay or home base.
What we liked:
Laundry room with app-based payment (no quarters!)
Small camp store with basic RV and camping items
Friendly, helpful staff
Fishing access (more on that below)
FHU’s
Things to know:
The park feels uneven — front vs. back sections are very different
Some areas feel tight and cluttered
This is not a resort-style destination campground
One unexpected highlight was the fishing. Pickerel were easy pickings off a small, slightly uneasy dock, and because the park was quiet, it felt peaceful rather than crowded.
Why Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake Is All About Location-
This is where Chestnut Lake shines.
🚗 Cape May, NJ
Distance: ~40 miles | ~1 hour drive
We drove down to Cape May and absolutely loved it. From walking the clean, sandy beach to exploring the adorable town, this day alone made the stop worthwhile.
Highlights:
Walkable, charming downtown
Beautiful beach with clean sand
Cape May Lighthouse (a must-see)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WCKpm5wdLTVNK2E38
⛴️ Cape May–Lewes Ferry (Delaware)
You can also take the Cape May–Lewes Ferry over to Delaware. We wanted to, but ferry times didn’t line up with our schedule for a same-day return. If you plan ahead, this could easily be a full adventure day.
Sail between Cape May, NJ, and Lewes, DE, in just 85 minutes while enjoying
stunning views, fresh bay breezes, and the chance to spot dolphins and lighthouses along the way.
Whether you bring your car, bike, or just yourself, the Cape May–Lewes Ferry is the scenic shortcut to unforgettable adventures on both shores.
🎰 Atlantic City, NJ
If gambling or boardwalk vibes are your thing, Atlantic City and the Atlantic City International Airport are a quick hop from the park. It’s parks like these that make me love RV life- we didn’t have to plan this extensive trip, we can just park at an RV park for three weeks and soak up as much fun as we can. If you are feeling brave (or ask the park), you could even leave your rig and stay the night at their hotel for a little break from RV life.
Atlantic city is also more than just a casino! There’s a boardwalk, nightlife, family-friendly attractions like Lucy the Elephant and so much more! Feel free to check out the full guide on their website below.
https://www.visitatlanticcity.com/
🧺 Honey & Sweets Farm Stand (Right Outside the Park)
One of our favorite small stops was Honey & Sweets, a too-cute farm stand right outside the RV park. You truly can’t miss it.
They had:
Local produce
Fresh eggs
New Jersey honey
Seasonal flowers
We picked up a few items and were really pleased — these small, local finds are always a win and being only two miles away from our front door, how could we pass that up?
NYC WITHOUT THE STRESS (OUR FAVORITE HACK)
How We Did New York City Without Driving
Here’s the secret: don’t drive into New York City.
Instead, we parked in a nearby town and took the train from the Raritan station. This made the day feel like part of the adventure instead of a parking nightmare.
The train ride itself was fun:
Coffee and breakfast beforehand
Relaxing ride instead of stressful driving
Bonus: our first real slice of New York pizza right when we arrived (worth the hype!)
NYC HIGHLIGHTS (ONE EPIC DAY)
What We Fit Into One Long, Amazing Day
This was a big day — and completely worth it.
Ghostbusters firehouse
Walk to One World Observatory
9/11 Memorial
One World Observatory elevator experience (worth it alone!)
Sunset boat ride to Statue of Liberty
Times Square at night
When you reach the entrance of One World Observatory, they will tell you what percentage of the view is visible. Even though visibility was limited at One World Observatory, the digital elevator experience made it incredible.
FAMILY NOTES & SAFETY TIPS
A Few Things to Know With Kids
Expect a LOT of walking (we logged ~25,000 steps)
Watch out for costumed characters in Times Square — they may pressure kids into photos for tips
Our daughter spent her birthday money at the M&M Store and scored Disney Store deals
⚠️ Statue of Liberty ticket tip:
We did get scammed by a ticket vendor selling overpriced tickets. While we did end up on the boat, staff confirmed the tickets were weird and overpriced. If you go, buy tickets directly and avoid rushed sidewalk sales.
Despite the chaos, it was an unforgettable day.
INTERNET, CELL SERVICE & WORKING REMOTELY
Internet & Cell Service at Chestnut Lake
Cell service was usable
Quiet park made remote work manageable
Starlink would be ideal here if you need consistent connectivity
WHO THIS PARK IS BEST FOR
Chestnut Lake Is a Good Fit If You…
Want access to Cape May, Atlantic City, and NYC
Travel with kids and want quieter park days
Prefer experiences over resort-style amenities
Need a short-term base for exploring New Jersey
WHAT WE’D DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME
What We’d Change
Book front-section sites only
Plan ferry times earlier if doing Delaware
Avoid third-party NYC ticket vendors
Add an extra NYC day if possible
FINAL THOUGHTS
Is Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake Worth It?
On its own, Chestnut Lake is average.
But as a launchpad to incredible experiences, it absolutely delivers.
If you value location over luxury, this park makes sense — especially for big rig RVers who want access to iconic East Coast destinations without moving the rig every day.
