Planning a trip to New Jersey Beaches

Hi all,

We are a couple from Montreal, looking to hit the beach while on vacation in
New Jersey. ( in August)

We have a week, and we are hoping for advices :

Anybody have an idea at what time we should drive through NJ State without
getting
caught in traffic ( on a week day )?

Camping... should we reserve? ( we have a single tent )
Any quiet place to stay?
We've been told that the weather is hot, hot, hot... is it a bit cooler at
evening and nights?
Should we think about renting a cabin instead? ( air conditioned ).
If we want to get to the beach by car each day, will it be hell? ( having to
walk forever to get to the car/beach?)
We've heard that at Cape May there is a train getting near the beach each
day... is it better than taking the car every day?

I have many more questions but i guess i'll stop here for today,

Thanks in advance for your answers...

E & L