Remembering Our Time as Full-Time RVers in New Jersey

New Jersey might not be the first place that comes to mind for RVing, but during our travels, we found it to be a great spot to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.

Join us as we visited twice—once in the fall and once in the summer—each time experiencing a different side of the state.

Fall at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Our first stay was at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation County Park, tucked away in the woods for just $25 a night. The sites were quiet, private, and surrounded by trees showing off their autumn colors. It had everything we needed—water and electric hookups, a sanitary dump station, bathrooms, and showers.

One of the most unforgettable moments of our stay happened while driving down a neighborhood road near the campground. Sitting right in someone’s front yard was our very first black bear sighting. It looked so comfortable just lounging there, like it belonged as much as the mailbox and the garden gnome.

We also spent time geocaching around the campground, which led us to some great trails and hidden spots we wouldn’t have found otherwise. 

And while Scott has connected with people in recovery all over the country, the AA group he found nearby was something special. The men there not only welcomed him in, but they also helped him navigate his veteran’s benefits, offering guidance and support that meant a lot to him.

Lake Hopatcong is just a short drive away, and while we didn’t get a chance to visit, friends have recommended it as a great place to explore. This part of New Jersey is full of hiking trails, small historic towns, and peaceful spots that make it a perfect place to spend time during the changing seasons.

Summer at Naval Weapons Station Earle

When we returned in the summer, we stayed at Naval Weapons Station Earle, which had a really nice campground. It was in a great location, close to everything, and the base had a military road that let us bypass traffic—a huge perk in New Jersey!

Fourth of July

One of the highlights of our stay was the fireworks show at Bucks Mill Park in Colts Neck. We went to celebrate my daughter’s friend’s 16th birthday—and, of course, the Fourth of July. 

It was one of the most incredible displays we had ever seen, lighting up the night sky in a way that felt like a fitting kickoff to such a meaningful visit. 

Standing there, surrounded by good friends and laughter, was one of those moments that made us pause and take it all in—how God had woven these relationships and experiences into our journey in ways we never could have orchestrated ourselves.

Friendship

This trip was especially meaningful because we came to celebrate my daughter’s friend’s birthday—the friend she had met in Pensacola just a year before, after I had prayed for God to bring her a good friend. It felt like such a full-circle moment, seeing how their friendship had grown and deepened over time.

But my daughter wasn’t the only one with connections here—our whole family had made friends. Seeing them again in New Jersey made the trip even more special.

Beach Trips

One of the best days of the trip was when we went to Point Pleasant with our friends. It was a fun, chaotic, laughter-filled day. Even though we were just sitting on the beach, we ended up completely soaked from the mist rolling in. 

The kids didn’t care, though—they went straight into the ocean, and then we all walked the boardwalk filled with rides, food, and games.

We also explored Keansburg, which has seen better days, but you wouldn’t know it from our beach photos (other than Scott’s face). The view was still beautiful, and we made the most of our time there.

My Birthday

My birthday happened during this trip, and my family made sure it was special. They took me to Almost Home General for breakfast, where I had delicious food and a specialty tea drink that was just what I wanted. 

Afterward, we went to the Deep Cut Gardens to walk around. The gardens were beautiful, though the heat made it a bit of a challenge to enjoy for long.

Later that day, our dear friends we met back in Pensacola invited us over and cooked me an authentic German meal for my birthday. 

Their generosity, kindness, and humor made the evening even more special. With a family of 11, their house is always full of energy, and we love every minute we get to spend with them. 

After dinner, we walked down to the bay from their house and got to see the lights of New York City shimmering across the water.

A Prayer Answered

• During our travels, my daughter had been feeling lonely, and I found myself praying that God would bring her a good friend—someone she could truly connect with. Just a couple of days later, while we were in Pensacola, she met this friend. Now, they talk every single day.

• This reminds me of Matthew 6:8, where Jesus says, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” 

• The full context of this verse is about prayer—not praying to be seen by others, but coming to God with the trust that He already knows and cares about our needs. 

• Sometimes, we pray and wait. Other times, He answers so clearly and quickly that it takes our breath away. 

• Since I have been journaling my prayers, I have noticed that God answers every single one of them...and that His ways are better than my own. 

• Seeing my daughter’s friendship blossom has been a sweet reminder that God is attentive to the details of our lives. 

• He saw her need for companionship and provided exactly what she needed, exactly when she needed it. It encourages me to keep praying, even about the small things, trusting that He is always at work—even in ways we don’t yet see.

I’m reminded of this quote by John Piper:

“God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.”

Looking Back

Spending time in New Jersey as full-time RVers reminded us that sometimes the best places aren’t the most obvious ones. Whether in the fall or summer, we found beauty, adventure, and a chance to slow down and appreciate the season we were in. 

And along the way, we met incredible people who made our time even more meaningful. 

Looking back, I can see God’s hand in all of it, weaving together experiences, friendships, and answered prayers in ways we never could have planned ourselves.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for the journey—for the places we’ve seen, the people we’ve met, and the ways You’ve provided for us in every season. Thank You for answered prayers, both big and small, and for reminding us that You are always working behind the scenes for our good. Help us to trust You more, embrace each moment, and walk forward with gratitude for the story You are writing in our lives. 

In Jesus name, Amen.