For us, this was truly an adventure because we had never been camping before. We were instructed to bring our own tent and whatever camping gear we needed so I went out and bought all the necessities after some heavy online research on tents and sleeping bags. We were all very skeptical about how this event would go being that the weather reports weren’t looking great. Because it was a Rain or Shine event, we knew it would happen regardless and sleeping on the boardwalk in tents during heavy rain didn’t sound too appealing. Luckily the rain stopped mid-day and the event was in full swing!

We headed down to Wildwood, which is about 2.5 hours from Staten Island, and upon arrival we were greeted by a friendly staff who gave us the rundown on the Boardwalk Bunkdown events. We were then escorted to the nearby camping area located at Adventure Pier under the Great White Roller Coaster. Once we found our spot, my husband opened the tent and read instructions while the kids ran around in excitement ready to head to Mariners pier for the rides. Of course I was taking photos and hoping for an easy set-up.  Thankfully, another camper noticed that we were novices to camping and asked if she could help us. She had our tent up in less than 5 minutes!

We quickly put our belongings in the tent and put on an extra layer of clothing because it was a bit chilly. We then joined the other campers at Mariners Pier for lots of fun rides. I mostly watched while my 10 year old and husband got on everything from the Moby Dick to the Giant Ferris Wheel, one of the largest on the East coast at 156 feet high with a fairly new super cool LED lighting system. The highlight was a  spooky ride called “The Ghost Ship,” that takes you for a slow skyline ride overlooking the beach and at sunset, the view was amazing. 

On our way back to the front of Mariners Pier to get dinner from Jumbo’s restaurant, we found an arcade where the boys spent lots of money playing games. After stuffing our faces with delicious boardwalk food, Philly Cheesesteaks, pizza, curly fries and Funnel Cake for dessert (they even had pumpkin funnel cakes that everyone raved about), we were ready to head back to the tent for some activities that would get us moving. 

On the schedule, the movie would begin at 9pm back at Adventure Piers where we’d curl up with complimentary popcorn and take in Jumanji, one of my favorite films. Also at Adventure Piers after 9pm, the three-point basketball challenge and Soccer challenge would begin. My boys were more interested in the sports challenges, so we made our way back to the campsite as quickly as possible. They enjoyed the entire evening and even caught the end of the movie after finally winning two soccer jerseys and a New York Knicks Frisbee. Trying to put the 2 year old to sleep in our cold, small tent was challenging. With all the fun and activity, my older son fell right asleep even in the somewhat uncomfortable conditions. (Next time I’ll get an air mattress) My husband and I tried to make our space as comfortable as possible for the little one and for ourselves but couldn’t seem to get it right. But we made it through the night!

We woke up around 6am ready to pack up and get back to our beds.  Coffee, Tea, and Hot Cocoa was set up at the front of the piers for the campers.  Everyone needed it after a long night camping outdoors in chilly weather. Next was a morning fitness walk towards the piers where breakfast at Morey’s Piers catering area on the beach would be served. Fully equipped with eggs, muffins, bagels, sausage, you name it, this was definitely the kind of breakfast fit for a night of camping.  

The Boardwalk Bunkdown was a great experience for my family and everyone we met seemed to be enjoying the weekend outdoors. It gave us a chance to just be together during the day enjoying the boardwalk and all of its splendor, and at night under the stars enjoying the sounds of the beach. It’s a great way to say Good Night to Morey’s Piers as this upcoming weekend it closes until next season. I’d definitely do it again, but not without an air mattress, or two!