Best Tent Camping near Berlin, NJ
Tent campsites at Wharton State Forest provide the primary camping options near Berlin, New Jersey, with several tent-friendly areas including Goshen Pond, Batona, and Mullica River campgrounds. These primitive tent setups are located within the expansive pine barrens, offering walk-in access and secluded sites away from the busier areas. Most tent campgrounds operate seasonally from April 1 to October 31, with reservations typically required for overnight stays.
Individual tent sites vary in privacy and terrain, with many featuring sandy ground typical of the pine barrens region. Most campgrounds provide basic fire rings but limited other amenities. Potable water is available at some locations like Batona Campground, but several primitive areas like Goshen Pond lack drinking water. Outhouses or vault toilets are present at most established sites, though the condition varies significantly. A visitor commented, "Sites are nicely in the trees" at Goshen Pond, where tent campers park in designated areas and walk to their sites.
The walk-in tent sites at Lower Forge Camp and Mullica River campground represent the more remote backcountry camping options, requiring hikes of 5-7 miles to access. According to one visitor, "Lower Forge is the place for those looking to escape without having to drive out of your way." These hike-in sites are positioned along the Batona Trail, a 50-mile route through the pine barrens, making them suitable bases for extended backpacking trips. The Batona Campground features more accessible drive-in sites while maintaining a primitive feel with tent pads situated in pine forest. Wildlife is common throughout the region, with several reviews noting the prevalence of ticks, especially during warmer months. During peak seasons, weekends can become busy at the more accessible tent campgrounds, while the backcountry sites generally maintain their solitude even during popular periods.