Camping options near Atco, New Jersey center around the Pine Barrens ecosystem, characterized by sandy soils, pine forests, and numerous waterways including the Mullica River and Batsto River. The terrain ranges from 50-100 feet above sea level with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Summer evening temperatures typically drop into the 60s, creating comfortable night camping conditions despite daytime highs reaching 90°F.
What to do
Water activities at Hospitality Creek Campground: Access to both pools and a swimming lake makes this campground versatile for water lovers. "The wonderful part was having them visit us - for $8 per day the grandchildren were able to play miniature golf, swim in the pool (they had pool toys to borrow) fish (and yes they caught bass)," notes Craig W. of Old Cedar Campground.
River paddling at Goshen Pond: Launch kayaks directly from riverside sites into the Mullica River. "This campground (Goshen Pond) was mostly empty while we were there in August. 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. Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent," shares Anna D. of Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest.
Hiking the Batona Trail: Access this popular Pine Barrens trail directly from multiple campsites. "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," explains meghan G. about Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest.
What campers like
Remote locations for disconnecting: Many sites offer true seclusion from urban environments. "I grew up at this camp ground. Spent every summer here. Some of my favorite things about this place are 1) it's far away from traffic noise. You can't here 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," shares Benjamin K. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Waterfront site selection: Sites with direct water access are highly sought after. "LOVE!!!! I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," recommends Alexa L. about Atsion Family Camp.
Lakeside entertainment options: Some campgrounds combine water access with organized activities. "A small koa but very nice, I stayed in a cabin for my MTB race weekend. Great! Pool is a tad small. Restrooms very clean and good looking tent sites," notes Joshua B. about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
What you should know
Tick and chigger prevalence: The Pine Barrens ecosystem harbors abundant insects requiring protection. "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 Eldad K. about Goshen Pond.
Sandy access roads: Vehicle access to remote sites often involves navigating loose sand. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle. Sites are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit," explains meghan G. about Batona — Wharton State Forest.
Primitive facilities at some sites: Bathroom amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Really liked this campground. 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. Vault toilets, but has potable water available and you're right off the water. Sites are nicely in the trees," shares Elliott B. about Goshen Pond.
Tips for camping with families
Book specific sites for privacy: Request sites away from common areas if possible. "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. 1 bathroom a short walk from the sites, and hiking trails are walkable," says Lindsay D. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Consider seasonal amenities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Atco have additional summer programming. "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids…. EVERYONE was extremely friendly," shares Craig W. about Jellystone Park South Jersey.
Pack for mixed terrain: The Pine Barrens features diverse ground conditions affecting site comfort. "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! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside! The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!" notes Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions apply: Many dog-friendly campgrounds in Wharton State Forest have limited access for larger rigs. "This was our first stay at this campground— and we're glad we went. The most unique aspect we found was the cow pasture. It was a lot of fun watching the cows eating and interacting. I intentionally reserved the site we had to be close. This row of sites lacked the trees for shade and privacy found at most other sites around the campground," describes Matt S. about Old Cedar Campground.
Bring extended water hoses: Some sites have shared water hookups requiring additional equipment. "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," advises Matt S. about Old Cedar Campground.
Site selection affects shade: Unlike more wooded alternatives, some RV-friendly sites have limited natural coverage. "Our lakefront site(#57) was superb! It was between a small, paved boat ramp and a row of arborvitae trees on the other side separating us from the neighboring site. The entire site was level and covered in mulch," shares Matt S. about Hospitality Creek Campground.
