The Pine Barrens region surrounding Absecon, New Jersey creates a unique camping environment with sandy soil and coastal proximity. Most camping cabins near Absecon sit within 30 miles of Atlantic City and Long Beach Island. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and reduced insect activity.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing: Winding River Campground offers river adventures with convenient transportation. "We have kayaking and tubing available with their own transport 2,3 and 5 hour trips and you come right back down to the campsite! Bring your own and just pay a small transport fee," notes Michelle F. about the paddling options.
Lake activities: Bass River State Forest provides lake access for fishing and boating. "A beautiful camping area that is affordable, each site is very large, very clean and well maintained, bathrooms and showers 24/7. We stayed at the site to kayak with our outdoor group called 'A Good Paddling'," shares Jeff J.
Family swimming: Ocean View Resort Campground features a swimming lake with a beach area. "They have a Great swimming Lake with a huge sandy beach," according to Harry L., while another visitor mentions, "First time camping at the Jersey shore. This campground had it all from a huge pool and unbelievable splash pad to a great swimming pond with a beach!"
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Baker's Acres Campground provides more secluded camping spaces. "Clean, private wooded sites. Clean bathhouse, friendly staff," writes Sharon S., while Joel adds, "Quaint and rustic, heavily wooded. Makes you feel like your camping, not just lined up next to a bunch of campers."
Family activities: Ocean City Campground offers ongoing activities for children. "The girls loved swimming in the lake and the pool. We were only a short drive from the beach, as well," mentions Gayle B. about the amenities. Stephen W. adds, "Sites are very nice n level. Beautiful landscaping. Gravel under the trailer and small river rock around the picnic table and fire pit."
Campsite size: Atlantic Shore Pines Campground (formerly Atlantic City North) features spacious pull-through sites. "The site we had was a pull through and very spacious. The whole place was quiet and clean," reports Dave B., while Jami notes, "The site was spacious and right across from the bathrooms. Bathrooms were very clean."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most cabin accommodations around Absecon operate from April through October with limited winter availability. "We visited this weekend. The campground is now known as Atlantic Shore Pines. This place is very close to Bass River State Park with lots of hiking and outdoor activities," shares Dave B.
Site conditions: Expect sandy sites throughout the region. "Ground is pretty level here and had minimal grass," notes Dorian P. about Bass River, while another camper mentions, "Your rig will be covered in sand and it's quite buggy. However, it has a state park feel with the trees."
Booking requirements: Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake uses a first-come system for site selection. "We weren't sure about this campground. We booked through Thousand Trails and you can't reserve sites. While we didn't have a problem finding sites, the first night we stayed our neighbors were partying late into the night," explains Gayle B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for different age groups. "The playground was nice. We enjoyed the scavenger hunt and Saturday night entertainment. We felt our daughter was safe to ride her bike," mentions Becca U. at Mays Landing Resort.
Variety of accommodation types: Whippoorwill Campground offers cabin options that appeal to children new to camping. Michael M. explains, "I took my 11 year old daughter to the campground I used to stay at when I was a child. We stayed in one of the cabins. Which was a perfect compromise when dealing with a child that doesn't want to sleep outside 'in the dirt' as she likes to say."
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, particularly in wooded areas near water. "The campground was clean and well maintained. It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience. There were a lot of ticks when we stayed in May so keep that in mind," advises Gennifer K.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request specific sites when making reservations. "We got put in the back lot near where they store RVs and boats. Our water tap was sawed off," warns Matthew I. about a difficult site.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as many sites require adjustment. "Our site was a little difficult to back into. Campground was clean and very quiet," notes Stacy D. Another RVer shared, "Site F 17 is the lowest point of the tent loop, which won't be a problem unless it rains. F15 is on the high side and slightly larger site, request it if you can."
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds can be narrow with tight turns. "Very nice campground, not as private as I would like but very well kept. They had canoe and kayak rentals at the lake. Some very easy trails for kids," mentions William W. about Bass River State Forest.
