How to enjoy nature’s lazy river ride
Atlantic and Cape May counties are known for their proximity to beaches, but there’s another local water pastime for those who want a different kind of experience. Everyone likes floating on a lazy river on hot summer days. Check out tubing options on the Great Egg Harbor River for a fun sunny day activity.
Fun fact: the Great Egg Harbor National Scenic & Recreational River is designated as a national park! Established by Congress in 1992, the river is home to a plethora of recreational water activities that the shore’s vacationers and residents alike can go to.
The Great Egg Harbor River is the main waterway throughout the Pine Barrens with a majority of its 129-mile river system resting in it.
It begins as a rivulet in Berlin, Camden County, and widens as it continues for about 60 miles to the Atlantic Ocean, picking up water from 17 different streams along the way.
The Great Egg Harbor River is one of the best places in the Northeast for birding. It also is a popular place to kayak. Of course, it is the perfect location for tubing in the summer too.
Here’s a guide to tubing on the Great Egg Harbor River.
Where to tube: Two outfitters and their differences.
The Palace Restaurant and Outfitters on the Black Horse Pike in Mays Landing and Winding River Campground on Weymouth Road, Mays Landing, offer tubing along with other watersports.
Both locations offer rentals (and fees for those who bring their own tube) with transportation to the drop-off point. Both places have a price point of $30 for renting a tube. However, The Palace’s includes fees and taxes while the campground’s doesn’t.
Winding River Campground offers rentals to campers and non-campers.
Once you make a decision and know where to go, whether it’s with an outfitter or not, here’s what’s needed to have the best time possible.
Preparing for the day on the river
Preparation is key to making sure a day on the river is both safe and fun.
Since outfitters take care of everything for you in terms of equipment, you only have to worry about a few details.
First, make sure the day you decide to go is a clear day with calm water conditions. Even if it’s the perfect day, a recent heavy rainfall could make the river too deep to tube in.
Eat a full meal before going — because hours on the river can be draining. Remember the saying, “food is fuel!”
Many people bring drinks (both alcoholic and non-) and snacks for their trips. Both The Palace and Winding River Campground offer tubes with a cooler. Just make sure to leave the glass containers at home and clean up after yourself.
If you decide to go the BYOT (Bring Your Own Tube) route, you’ll need to invest in a tube for yourself and the additional river accessories.
Along with the obvious sunscreen and bug spray for protection, water shoes are recommended over flip-flops because they protect your feet from rocks and rough particles. They also stay on better in the river.
The Palace sells any equipment you may need such as sunscreen, water shoes and sunglasses.
Bringing rope and scissors is also a good idea if you want to stay with your group. Just make sure it’s nylon so it doesn’t rot.
Make sure you allow enough time to finish your trip before dark and keep a cell phone in a dry bag to protect it from the water.
If you want to amplify your experience, bring a waterproof speaker or even water-friendly toys like a foam football!
Now that you know all about planning and preparing for a day floating on the Great Egg Harbor River, it’s time to pick a day for your tubing trip!
Photos courtesy of Maribel Vazquez
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
