Cape May Lighthouse: An RV Traveler's Guide
PickRV Editorial
The small team behind PickRV
Cape May Lighthouse rises from Cape May Point State Park at the southern tip of New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic. Built in 1859, the tower is opened to the public by the nonprofit Cape May MAC, which leads climbers up 199 steps of the original cast-iron spiral stair. Surrounded by a state park of trails and birding ponds, it's a rewarding stop on a Jersey Cape RV trip.
Can you climb Cape May Lighthouse?
Yes. Cape May MAC opens the 1859 tower for public climbs of 199 steps up the original spiral staircase. The lighthouse sits in Cape May Point State Park; check the official site for current hours and admission before visiting.
- ·Built 1859, 199-step spiral climb
- ·In Cape May Point State Park, NJ
- ·Operated by nonprofit Cape May MAC
State
New Jersey (Cape May Point)
Built
1859
Climb
199 steps (cast-iron spiral stair)
Setting
Cape May Point State Park
From the watch gallery the view sweeps across Delaware Bay, the Atlantic, and the dunes and freshwater ponds of the surrounding state park — a vantage that explains why this corner of New Jersey draws so many visitors each year.
Cape May Point is one of the most famous bird-migration crossroads on the East Coast, so an RV trip timed to spring or fall pairs the lighthouse climb with hawk watches and shorebird activity along the park's trails.
Climbing hours and admission are set seasonally by the nonprofit that operates the tower, so confirm current schedules on the official site, and check state-park rules and nearby campgrounds when planning your stay.
Official sources
- Cape May MAC — Cape May Lighthouse state-parks
Nearby & related
Keep planning New Jersey
Sourced costs, campground directories, and the places worth a detour — the next layer of New Jersey trip planning.
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