Imagine a sea of golden retrievers charging at you like furry missiles of pure joy. Welcome to Camp Goldie in Millstone Township, New Jersey — where stress disappears faster than ice cream in July.
This golden retriever paradise offers two-hour sessions that’ll have you questioning why you ever thought cats were cute. Seriously, who needs therapy when you have a pack of tail-wagging therapists?
The Hottest Spot for Dog Obsessed Humans
Camp Goldie — about an hour from both New York City and Philadelphia — opened this past July. Since then? Completely booked most weekends. This place is harder to get into than your favorite brunch spot, and honestly, way more rewarding.
Think cat cafes or goat yoga — but with actual golden retrievers who genuinely want to be your friend. These aren’t just any dogs either – they’re professional happiness dispensers with four legs and slobbery kisses.
Social media can’t get enough of this place. Every visitor becomes a content creator, and frankly, the dogs are natural influencers. Will your visit go viral? Maybe. Will you have the time of your life? Absolutely.
The Power of Puppies
These aren’t just cute dogs – they’re furry antidepressants. Co-owner Patrick Marini gets it. After losing his 13-year-old golden Molly, he found healing at Camp Goldie. “Quite a few of our visitors have shared similar stories,” he explains. “The fact that I get to see how much joy our experience brings to people really is the icing on the cake.”
The eight “full-time campers” come from nearby Ruff Life Goldens. Sometimes extra pups join the party because apparently, there’s no such thing as too much golden retriever energy.
The website calls them “the happiest dogs on Earth.” Challenge accepted – try finding evidence to the contrary.
Three Acres of Pure Magic
First, dogs race out of the ‘Bestie Barn’ like they’ve been waiting their entire lives to meet you. Then it’s off to the ‘Zoomie Zone’ or ‘Lake Wagmore’ for splashing adventures.
Later, things get calmer. You’ll feed, clean, and pet the dogs while they look at you like you’re the greatest human who ever lived. Every visit ends with a signature Camp Goldie “doggie-bag” because souvenirs matter.
Throw balls? Check. Watch dock jumping? Double check. Receive unlimited cuddles? Triple check. Two hours flies by, but the memories and Instagram content last forever.
Animal therapy isn’t just feel-good nonsense – it’s scientifically proven. These boundlessly happy dogs decrease stress levels and lower blood pressure. Consider this your mental health prescription with a side of adorable chaos.
New Jersey Gem Worth the Trip
Spaces are few and far between. Malls are closing faster than a hungry venus fly trap, and it’s getting tougher to find hangout spots that aren’t just each other’s couches. In New Jersey, Camp Goldie offers a refreshing alternative — a place where you can disconnect from your daily grind and reconnect with pure, uncomplicated joy.
The camp accommodates around 20 visitors per session. All ages welcome, making it perfect for family visits or birthday parties that don’t suck. Sessions run weekends from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations required – this isn’t a walk-in situation. And at $85 per person, it’s cheaper than therapy and infinitely more effective. (Disclaimer: we’re not licensed therapists, just really good at belly rubs.)
Bottom line: whether you’re local or planning a little road trip, Camp Goldie is the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed. Book your spot, embrace the slobbery kisses, and prepare for the best two hours of your month.