7 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In New Jersey

New Jersey is the fifth-smallest US state and has the country’s highest population density, with over 9.5 million people in an area of 8,700 square miles. Still, the state is home to dozens of off-grid travel destinations. From Clinton to Highlands, these towns are ideal places to detach from the rest of the world, connect with nature, or just relax all weekend without constantly dodging pedestrians or getting stuck in heavy traffic. Meanwhile, these towns may be off the radar, but they host a considerable number of attractions, proving that tranquility can be enjoyed alongside fun activities. In one town, for instance, travelers will be at the state’s westernmost point, around 35 minutes from the nearest major city, yet in proximity to exciting attractions, including a riverfront park with a historic fort dating to the 1890s. Read on to learn more about this town and others that promise authentic off-grid experiences in New Jersey.

Clinton

This tiny town on the south branch of the Raritan River is a delightfully off-grid New Jersey destination worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Populated by fewer than 3,000 people, Clinton is peaceful and full of historic structures and adorable attractions, including the famous Red Mill Museum Village, which is basically the face of New Jersey’s small-town allure. Set right on the river, this 10-acre museum complex comprises several historic buildings, particularly the Red Mill, a red-painted four-story grist mill built in 1810 and notable for its several roles throughout its history, including as a wood-processing plant and a textile mill. The village also features a blacksmith shop and a quarry with a stone crusher and sorter, all highlighting the town’s rich agricultural and industrial history. Just across the river from Red Mill Village, art lovers will have fun exploring contemporary art, craft, and design at the Hunterdon Art Museum, housed in a 19th-century stone mill. As for adventurers, Clinton is the proud home of Spruce Run Recreation Area, where one can lose track of time with activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The park boasts 15 miles of shoreline on Spruce Run, the state’s third-largest reservoir, alongside picnic areas, multi-use trails, and dozens of well-equipped campsites.

Pennsville Township

The nearest major New Jersey city to this charming town is Camden, about 35 minutes away, making it a worthy off-grid destination. It is also the state’s westernmost town, located on the border with Delaware, and squeezed between the Delaware River and the Salem River. Here, remote travelers will enjoy peace and a couple of natural attractions, starting at Fort Mott State Park. Once the site of a 1890s fort on the Delaware River, the park invites visitors to wander through its old gun batteries and learn about the fort's history at a museum. Additionally, the park boasts trails for waterfront hiking and biking, picnic areas, and designated fishing areas. Similarly, Riverview Beach Park is a cool spot for picnics, hiking, and biking, with great views of the river, trees, and well-maintained fields. For wildlife enthusiasts, Pennsville hosts the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a massive area that’s part of the Delaware River estuary and comprises brackish tidal marshes and coastal forests, providing sanctuary for migratory birds. Back in town, one can always unwind with delicious Italian flavors at the Italian Kitchen, or make a quick stop at Pennsville Historical Society & Museum for a glimpse into the town’s history and more river scenery.

Cape May

Cape May is one of the most off-grid towns in New Jersey, ideal for a getaway from it all. Known as the state’s southernmost town, located right on the Atlantic Ocean, this town welcomes travelers with beautiful Victorian-era homes and exciting attractions, particularly the Cape May Beach. This beach is an amazing place to relax and play, with its two-mile sandy stretch and gentle surf, which makes swimming safe, in addition to the seasonal lifeguards. For lovers of shopping, there’s so much to enjoy in this town, particularly at Washington Street Mall. Located in the heart of town, this three-block outdoor pedestrian mall is lined with cute shops and restaurants, from Love the Cook, which features a wide selection of kitchen accessories and cookbooks, to Cape May Fish Market, which serves delicious seafood, soups, salads, BBQ, and more. In the meantime, history buffs are invited to the Emlen Physick Estate for a glimpse into the town’s history. One of the town’s most elegant Victorian structures, this 18-room mansion was built in 1879 and offers tours of its elegant interiors and a look at its story, including the strange occurrences that have made it one of the most haunted homes in New Jersey. And just outside Cape May, one can climb nearly 200 steps to the top of the 1859 Cape May Point Lighthouse for gorgeous views of the coastline. This lighthouse is located in the nearby Cape May Point State Park, which is also a premium bird-watching spot and offers surf fishing and trails winding through different habitats, including marshes and dunes.

Highlands

This pretty little town is the perfect off-grid destination for an oceanfront vacation. Located on Sandy Hook Bay, Highlands is almost surrounded by water and boasts many waterfront attractions, one of which is the Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant and Marina. More than a great place to enjoy delicious seafood with scenic water views, this establishment boasts a marina with fuel, bait, and tackle, and transient slips. A short drive south of this restaurant, the Hartshorne Woods Park is an amazing place to unwind in nature with exciting activities. Covering 736 acres, this park boasts a sandy beach with a fishing pier, over 15 miles of trails winding through lush forests and mountains, and scenic views of the Navesink River. As for history buffs, Highlands is the proud home of Twin Lights Historic Site, built in 1862 and now featuring a museum of lighthouse artifacts and the opportunity to climb its towers for breathtaking views of Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, a visit to this town is an opportunity to enjoy a scenic drive across the Highlands Bridge, which connects to the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, another incredible attraction. The recreation area features miles of ocean beaches, surf fishing, hiking trails winding through a variety of habitats, and Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, dating to 1764.

Red Bank

This off-grid town on the Navesink River offers more than just a laid-back experience: gorgeous natural scenery and one of New Jersey’s best downtowns, with notable attractions, including the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Located at the heart of town, this 1926 theater is a delightful venue for year-round concerts and other events in a historic setting. For outdoor buffs, Riverside Gardens Park offers a peaceful experience along the Navesink River. The park is spacious and features picnic facilities and walking paths. Even more exciting, downtown Red Bank is lined with beautifully-preserved buildings and a long list of establishments that make strolling a memorable experience. Here, travelers will find everything from Buona Sera, where authentic Italian food meets delicious wine and great service, to Five Dimes Brewery, which offers some of the area’s best craft beer. In the meantime, YESTERcades of Red Bank is an amazing place in downtown Red Bank to spend quality time with a plethora of games.

Lambertville

Lambertville is one of the most beautiful towns in New Jersey, and an ideal place for an off-grid experience. Situated on the Delaware River, this town has something for everyone, and history buffs can always begin with the Howell Living History Farm. This farm is just outside the town center and offers insights into seeds and historic farming methods, crop harvesting, and other farm chores, showcasing agricultural life from the 1900s. For outdoor enthusiasts, Goat Hill Overlook is just one of the town’s cool attractions to enjoy, offering fantastic views of the entire area, including the Delaware River, and nearby New Hope, Pennsylvania. The overlook can be reached via a short one-mile uphill trail, making it a quick and pleasant experience.

Furthermore, Lambertville is a haven for art lovers, featuring everything from galleries like A Mano Galleries, where one can shop for contemporary crafts, to Music Mountain Theatre, one of the region’s largest, which hosts up to 15 mainstage shows each year. Antique lovers will also be in paradise here as the town is full of cool establishments, including the Antique Center at the People’s Store, which displays an extensive collection of European and American antiques, art, furnishings, and much more.

Point Pleasant Beach

A true off-grid town positioned right on the Atlantic Ocean, Point Pleasant Beach is an excellent place for families and just about anybody to detach from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the pleasures of the Jersey Coast. Here, travelers can enjoy top-notch attractions like the Jenkinson’s Aquarium, which showcases a variety of aquatic mammals from around the world, including Atlantic sharks and African penguins. This aquarium sits on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, a mile-long stretch along the Atlantic Ocean featuring an amusement park, arcades, and a soft-sand beach open for swimming when lifeguards are on duty. The boardwalk is also lined with unique food establishments, from Inlet Bar, which combines ocean scenery with seafood, small bites, and cocktails, to Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop, where a variety of tempting treats await to lift the soul. In the meantime, treasure seekers will find a few establishments to explore here, including the Point Pleasant Antique Emporium with its two floors of diverse antiques and collectibles. And for those who love fishing, Point Pleasant Beach is a paradise, with several charters offering satisfying saltwater fishing experiences. Located at Kens Landing Marina, Norma K III is one of the highest-rated charters in town and is always available to offer opportunities to catch blackfish and sea bass, among others.

Where New Jersey Slows Down

For state residents or visitors alike, these towns are great places to step away from the noise and into a more tranquil world. In these off-grid towns, the atmosphere is laid-back, and attractions are less crowded, making vacations more intimate and relaxing. Whether you seek a place to spend quality time with family and friends, or somewhere to get away from it all and write a book or have fun in nature, these towns should be on your radar. From Lambertville to Cape May, visit these off-the-radar New Jersey towns today and enjoy the authentic New Jersey that’s often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of large cities like Jersey City and Newark.