The RV camping scene around Blackwood, New Jersey offers options within a 30-mile radius for travelers seeking convenient access to Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Situated in Camden County at approximately 59 feet above sea level, the area experiences warm summers and mild winters, with mosquitoes abundant near water features from June through September. Most campgrounds in this region feature sandy or gravel sites rather than grass.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake in Port Republic, campers can enjoy a stocked lake for fishing. One reviewer noted, "Good fishing, good people, nice shaded and sunny spots, beautiful pool," while also warning about bugs and suggesting to "stay away from the front middle spots, they flood when it rains."
Visit Cape May beaches: When staying at Sun Retreats Avalon, campers can access nearby Cape May beaches. A camper mentioned, "We were close to the Cape May beaches. Cold Spring Brewery wasn't too far and was fun," providing an option for both beach activities and local brewery exploration within a short drive.
Family activities: Children enjoy the water features at multiple parks, including the lake at Thousand Trails Sea Pines where a visitor shared, "A lot to do for the kids and have no complaints and the store is huge loved everything but hate the sand." The campground also offers a "nice pool and splash pad" that "kids love," according to another reviewer.
What campers like
Helpful staff: Multiple campgrounds receive praise for staff responsiveness. At Mays Landing Resort, a reviewer appreciated that "the staff was accommodating for getting my husband closer to the bath house," demonstrating flexibility with site assignments when needed.
Clean facilities: At Shady Pines Campground, reviewers specifically mentioned, "The bathrooms for shower convenience after the beach were SUPER clean," indicating regular maintenance of shared facilities, an important consideration for travelers using public amenities.
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds offer peaceful environments away from urban noise. One camper at Village Scene Park noted the location is "incredibly quiet and far enough away from busy traffic" despite being in a suburban area, making it ideal for those seeking a calm base for exploring Philadelphia without staying directly in the city.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many rv campgrounds near Blackwood, New Jersey have uneven sites. At Village Scene Park, sites have concrete pads spacious enough for large rigs, but at other parks like Shady Pines, a camper reported trying four different sites before finding one level enough for their motorhome.
Weekend noise levels: Several parks experience louder weekend environments. A camper at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake mentioned, "our neighbors were partying late into the night- not good when we have two young children with us," but was able to move to "a much larger and quieter" site the next day.
Seasonal camper atmosphere: Many facilities primarily serve long-term guests. One reviewer noted that Mays Landing Resort "gave more of a mobile home park feel" and was "more of a closed net group of people as we rarely had anyone wave to us," suggesting that occasional visitors might feel like outsiders at certain parks.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Sun Retreats Avalon offers "nice mini golf" that could use better maintenance but provides entertainment for children. A camper noted their "daughter enjoyed the scavenger hunt" at Mays Landing Resort, which also offers a playground suitable for younger children.
Confirm swimming options before booking: While Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake has "a nice pool and playground," not all facilities maintain their amenities year-round. One family arrived at Mays Landing to find "the pool was closed, as was the playground. We were not informed by management."
Consider tent sites with care: For families tent camping at Mays Landing Resort, a reviewer warned, "the tent loop is surrounded by water on 3 sides. There is no safety fence. The water is mostly standing water so expect mosquitoes," an important safety consideration for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Narrow roads pose difficulties at several rv campgrounds in Blackwood, New Jersey area. At Mays Landing Resort, a reviewer cautioned, "The exit is very tight to get out of and all lanes are one way so be careful if you have a big rig."
Site selection strategy: Request specific sites when possible based on your needs. At Echo Farms RV Campground, a reviewer suggested their experience would have been better with more communication, noting "large sites, close to Sea Isle City, quiet, friendly campers," but poor advance information about closed amenities.
Dump station limitations: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. One park charges $20 for dump station use, while Village Scene Park's dump station operates only "9-4pm M-F, but closed on the weekends," which caught some campers by surprise who noted, "we found this out too late!"
