Richard M. Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary · Cape May County Park North
1099 Route 9 South, Palermo (Marmora), NJ · ☎ (609) 390-8773
Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary — known officially as the Richard M. Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary and also called Cape May County Park North — is a hidden-gem nature park in Upper Township, Cape May County, New Jersey. Tucked behind the Cape May County Park & Zoo, it offers a peaceful escape with easy walking trails, lakes, and abundant wildlife. It's a delightful spot for hikers, families, birdwatchers, photographers, and anyone who just wants a quiet walk in the woods.
The park sits on land that was once a sand quarry along the old railroad line between the mainland and Ocean City. It was later purchased as a private hunting ground by the Cameron family, and when the last Cameron brother was no longer able to use the property, he donated it to the county to become a park for everyone to enjoy.
White-tailed deer roam freely. Egrets roost over the lakes, and warblers and kinglets flit through the pines at the water's edge.
A 1.2–1.7 mile lollipop loop through woodland, along lakes and wetlands. Half paved, half well-maintained dirt. Very stroller- and family-friendly.
Tons of benches — including swinging ones — plus a picnic area with scenic views of the lake and its lily pads.
The original Cameron house (circa 1930) now serves as the park office, with small nature displays to browse.
| ❄️ Winter | Lakes host wintering waterfowl; Canada geese are plentiful. With less foliage, the deer herd is easier to spot. |
| 🌸 Spring | Trees by the lakes welcome migratory songbirds — warblers, kinglets and more. Blooming trees are in their glory. |
| ☀️ Summer | The sanctuary can be buggy without a breeze — bring repellent. Look for turtles basking along the lake edge. |
| 🍂 Fall | Migrating birds return; Wood Ducks with bright heads are lake favorites, and the trees turn orange and gold. |
Two video previews of Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary — field trails tour by local creators.
The sanctuary is all about quiet calm — birdsong, wind through the pines, and still water. Bring that feeling anywhere: press play for a few minutes of forest birdsong, the kind you'll hear along the lollipop loop.
The trailhead is located at approximately 39.2402° N, 74.6726° W (sometimes listed as Palermo, Marmora, or Upper Township — all are correct for this address).
Get Directions on Google Maps Open Map in New Tab ↩
Getting there: Just north of the Cape May Park & Zoo entrance on Route 9. The entrance to the park is on the right, about 0.2 miles after you pass Butter Road on the left.
Wonder how long your walk will take? Cameron's loop is about 1.2 miles. Tell us your pace and we'll estimate your trip time (including photo stops).
Tell us what you're hoping to do, and we'll point you to the best of the sanctuary. Select an option for each question, then press Show My Plan.
Real words from people who've walked the trails at Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary.
"This is a BEAUTIFUL park / wildlife refuge. Only one other car was in the parking lot when I was there on a weekday in the summer… a hidden gem."
— Yelp review of Cape May County Park North (Marmora, NJ)
"It was awesome… a beautiful park and the first I've been to in a long time that didn't have a single piece of litter or graffiti ANYWHERE in the park."
— South Jersey Trails, total score 8/10 (Palermo, NJ hike write-up)
"Wooded park with small lakes offers a picturesque and calm setting. Picnic tables provide spots to rest… the atmosphere is quiet and natural, suited for relaxed outdoor time."
— Atly visitor guide, guest rating 8.1/10
Reviews are lightly edited quotes from public sources; links in the footnotes below.
Owners can bring well-behaved, leashed dogs to the sanctuary. It's a popular spot for local dog walks, and there's a large parking lot close to the trailhead. Please keep your pup on a leash, clean up after them, and note the gates lock at 4:00 PM sharp.