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.

Best Camping Sites Near Atco, New Jersey (115)

    1. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "Atsion Family Campground Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."

    "It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."

    2. Hospitality Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Winslow, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 629-5140

    "The park was easy to find and located a short distance from the highway. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay."

    "We love the lake side campsites."

    3. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "It's only a one minute walk from the parking area to the site. Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent."

    "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/ trucks. Pretty good boating/ fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks."

    4. Batona — Wharton State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "I grew up near the pine barrens and would camp here many times with friends.  If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT! You might even see the Jersey Devil :)"

    "Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve."

    5. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

    6. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1191

    $3 - $60 / night

    "Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"

    "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"

    7. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "Enjoyed a site away from the crowds. Quiet. Peaceful. Place is huge with many campsites to choose from. Checking in is slow so come early."

    "Walked from Batson to atsion 10 mile hike, campground was 5 miles in. The campground is open, it was closed because of covid in 2020"

    8. Wading Pines Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1313

    "The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground."

    "Very nice wading river next to the camp grounds. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."

    9. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "Quiet Getaway Weekend 

    We went to Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, New Jersey, for a quiet getaway weekend. This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

    10. Jellystone Park South Jersey

    2 Reviews
    Winslow, NJ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 629-5140

    "The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream 
    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    Absolutely, this is a nice place for a few days of downtime."

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Recent Reviews near Atco, NJ

618 Reviews of 115 Atco Campgrounds


  • Ali P.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Homestead Campground

    Here for a week

    Beautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.

    But yea, beautiful place

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    King Nummy Trail Campground

    Nice campground

    This was a nice campground. There are a lot of long term campers but they've got sites for weekenders too. Very close to local shops and attractions. The pool was great. They have 2 on site with a shallower one and an 8ft. No real activities or events when we were there. Bathrooms very clean and located throughout

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Sea Pirate Campground

    Lots to do

    The park was great. Very close to local sites like Tuckerton Seaport. Lots of activities on site including fishing, a heated pool, hot tub, and a couple of playgrounds. Bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. They had several activities and sent text reminders of what was going on

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Atco

Campers visiting Atco, New Jersey find themselves in the heart of New Jersey's Pine Barrens, characterized by sandy soil, dense pine forests, and tannic-stained waterways. The area's generally flat terrain makes for accessible camping, though the sandy composition can create challenges after rainfall. Most established campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter camping options in the region's variable climate that ranges from hot, humid summers to mild winters.

What to do

Trail exploration: The Batona Trail runs directly through several campgrounds and offers miles of hiking through distinctive Pine Barrens ecosystem. At Batona — Wharton State Forest, "trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," notes a visitor.

Water activities: The region's numerous lakes and rivers provide excellent paddling opportunities. At Hospitality Creek Campground, waterfront sites accommodate personal watercraft. "It was a lot of fun watching the cows eating and interacting. I intentionally reserved the site we had to be close," mentions a camper who enjoyed the unique setting by the water.

Historical exploration: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to preserved colonial-era sites. "Down at the Atsion office a mile away they can sell you firewood as well. Picalilli Inn isn't far, they have great wings. Batsto is a 15 minute drive," explains a camper describing local attractions near campsites in Wharton State Forest.

Fishing: Multiple ponds and lakes throughout the region offer fishing opportunities for various species. At Old Cedar Campground, visitors mention the fishing is "great" and children "caught bass" in the on-site fishing areas.

What campers like

Privacy levels: Many campsites near Atco provide well-spaced accommodations. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, "Nice and quiet, sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site," explains one reviewer.

Water access: Direct access to lakes and rivers ranks high among camper preferences. "We stayed at Atsion in 2015: had flush toilets and was close to the checkin station/store as well as the beach on the lake. Some sites were right on the water and the sites were very big," shares a visitor who enjoyed waterside camping at Wharton State Forest.

Natural setting: The distinctive Pine Barrens ecosystem creates a unique backdrop for camping experiences. "I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time. Sites are nicely in the trees," describes a visitor to Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest.

Distance from urban areas: Many campers appreciate feeling removed from civilization. "It's far away from traffic noise. You can't hear any cars or any other noise from civilization at all. It's at least 10 miles away from anything more than a single house in the woods. 5 miles away from the main road," notes a camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest.

What you should know

Bugs and ticks: Multiple campgrounds report significant tick and insect issues. "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/trucks. Pretty good boating/fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks," warns a camper at Goshen Pond Campground.

Limited services: Many primitive sites require preparation for minimal amenities. "Vault toilets, but has potable water available and you're right off the water," describes one camper at Goshen Pond, while another mentions at Mullica River — Wharton State Forest that there are "2 outhouses (hold your breath)."

Sandy roads: The region's terrain creates distinctive driving conditions. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," notes a camper at Batona Campground.

Variable site sizes: Campsite dimensions differ widely even within the same campground. "Our site was very quiet, but a lot of the sites are close together without any barriers, so if the campground got crowded it wouldn't be very private," reports a Goshen Pond visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Recreation facilities: Family-friendly campgrounds often feature dedicated play areas and organized activities. At Old Cedar Campground, "My grandchildren loved visiting us, pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great - playground was adequate. Mini golf was fun for all. There was also activities for the younger kids - making slime."

Weekend planning: Family-oriented sites tend to fill quickly during peak times. "In season tons of hourly activities for the kids. 1 thing i dont like is the excessively high prices. i think all sites should be for 2 adults and 2-3 kids. this Campground you must pay for even having one kid," mentions a visitor to Hospitality Creek Campground.

Swimming options: Lake swimming provides relief during summer months. "The pools are nice and have on-duty lifeguards all day. We rode our bikes around, enjoyed time on the lake in a rented paddleboat," explains a visitor describing family activities at Hospitality Creek.

Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "The most unique aspect we found was the cow pasture. It was a lot of fun watching the cows eating and interacting," shares a camper who stayed at Old Cedar Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Navigating to campsites requires advance planning. At Jellystone Park South Jersey, a visitor notes their site "included a nice concrete pad big enough to park our 45' motorhome+ toad" and was "roomy with plenty of mature shade trees."

Water connections: RVers should prepare for variable hookup configurations. "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," warns a visitor to Old Cedar Campground.

Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies greatly between campgrounds. One camper at Hospitality Creek reports, "The days of campgrounds not having to provide decent wifi are over (in my opinion). Lots of communications from the new owners of this campground describe the upgrades being planned."

Reservation requirements: Most full-service RV sites require advance booking. "This was part two of our shakedown cruise for our new RV. We stayed just for one night, but wish we could have stayed longer. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay," shares an RVer who stayed at Hospitality Creek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Atco, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Atco, NJ is Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.