Best Campgrounds near Atco, NJ
Wharton State Forest dominates the camping landscape around Atco, New Jersey, with multiple campgrounds including Atsion Family Camp and Goshen Pond offering diverse accommodations. The Pine Barrens region provides a mix of established campgrounds and more primitive sites within a short drive of Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate tent camping, while several like Atsion Family Camp and Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA also offer RV sites, cabins, and even glamping options. Brendan Byrne State Forest, located about 20 miles northeast of Atco, provides additional camping opportunities with both tent and RV sites.
Camping in the Atco area follows seasonal patterns, with many campgrounds operating from April through October, though some like Atsion Family Camp remain open year-round. "Atsion Family Campground offers spacious sites with a pic-nick table and fire ring grill. Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites early as they are popular," noted one visitor. The sandy terrain throughout the Pine Barrens creates level camping conditions but can become messy after rain. Cell service varies across the region, with most campgrounds reporting limited but manageable coverage. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds require pet registration, and some like Mullica River in Wharton State Forest prohibit pets entirely.
The Pine Barrens camping experience combines forest immersion with water recreation opportunities. Campers consistently praise the lakeside sites at Atsion, where swimming and paddling access enhance the experience. A visitor described Wharton State Forest as "a great getaway from the everyday rat race" and "one of the few places in New Jersey you have to backpack into." The region's extensive trail system, including the Batona Trail, provides hiking and biking opportunities directly from many campgrounds. While some sites offer privacy with trees and vegetation creating natural barriers, others are more open and communal. Proximity to historic sites like Batsto Village adds cultural interest to camping trips, with the preserved iron and glass community from the 1700s-1900s located just 15 minutes from some campgrounds. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water and toilets, though hookups and shower facilities vary significantly.
