Our History: How Ponderosa Became a Family Favorite

The story of Ponderosa Campground began with a simple dream: to create a welcoming, family-friendly space where people could connect with nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Founded by a passionate family that loved the outdoors, our campground was designed to bring people together in a peaceful, serene environment. From its humble beginnings as a small campground with basic amenities, Ponderosa Campground quickly became a local favorite for its charming atmosphere and welcoming spirit.

Ponderosa Campground has been a family affair since 1979, when Robert “Big Boy” Kelleher and his wife Judy purchased the property to raise their five children. While Bob worked as a commercial fisherman off the Cape May coast, Judy and the kids ran the day-to-day operations, managing a small farmhouse, modest camp store, and seasonal trailer sites.

Over time, camping at Ponderosa evolved—from repainting picnic tables and hauling trash in a pickup truck to welcoming guests to luxury Park Models, a saltwater pool, and cozy cabins. 

In 1990, daughter Marci Kelleher took the reins, continuing the family legacy with her own children, Sydney and Brody, by her side. Today, Ponderosa remains proudly family-owned and deeply rooted in its original mission: creating affordable, memory-making vacations at the Jersey Shore.

Through it all, we remained committed to our mission of creating an experience that’s focused on family bonding and relaxation. Ponderosa Campground has evolved into a place where families can unplug, unwind, and reconnect with each other and nature.

For many, a visit to Ponderosa is an annual tradition. We’ve watched families grow, children return year after year, and countless memories made around the campfire. Our family-friendly activities, such as campfire nights, scavenger hunts, and animal feedings at our petting farm, have become staples of the Ponderosa experience. Whether you’re taking a spirited walk or simply relaxing under the stars, there’s something here for everyone.

The legacy of Ponderosa Campground is built on family, connection, and the love of the great outdoors. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we look forward to many more years of creating memorable moments for families to cherish for a lifetime.

Visit us today and see why Ponderosa Campground is a family favorite year after year!