Wharton State Forest dominates the camping landscape near Blackwood, with its 122,880 acres of Pine Barrens ecosystem creating a distinctive camping environment just 20-25 miles east. The area's sandy soil and pine forests create unique camping conditions with moderate temperatures that range from 80-90°F in summer to 30-40°F in winter nights. Campers can access sites with varying levels of amenities, from primitive backcountry locations to yurt camping options with more creature comforts.
What to do
Tubing and kayaking on Wading River: At Wading Pines Camping Resort, the Wading River offers excellent water recreation. One reviewer noted, "You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other" while another recommended "Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride."
Explore historic sites: Near French Creek State Park Campground, visitors can explore Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, which showcases 19th-century iron-making. A camper shared, "French Creek State Park is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
Fishing in multiple lakes: The region offers various fishing opportunities. At French Creek State Park, "There are two lakes, Hopewell and Scott's Run and each contain many species of fish." Another camper at Parvin State Park noted, "Good fishing and nice trails. Nice campsites, some big enough for trailers."
Hiking the Pine Barrens trails: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers extensive trail systems through unique Pine Barrens ecology. A reviewer mentioned, "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones," while another highlighted the isolation: "It's at least 10 miles away from anything more than a single house in the woods. 5 miles away from the main road."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers secluded camping spaces. One camper raved, "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." Sites are "spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking!"
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain excellent bath facilities. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease." Another camper appreciated that "Bathrooms were clean but most of the faucets on the sinks were broken."
Diverse accommodation options: Beyond standard camping, several parks offer alternative shelter. At Parvin State Park, "The cabins are more rustic than most, which I enjoyed. While there was a stove the heating, which was necessary in November, was accomplished via a stove." For those seeking yurt camping near Blackwood, New Jersey, options exist at multiple parks.
Access to water recreation: Many campgrounds feature lakes or rivers. At Atsion Family Camp, a reviewer celebrated the waterfront access: "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)."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close during winter months. At Parvin State Park Campground, the season runs "April 1 to October 31." One reviewer specifically noted about another site, "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have water concerns. A camper at Parvin State Park warned, "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in prime season. A Lums Pond visitor shared, "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond. I don't know if it's the host campers or the management, but they're definitely doing something right."
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. At Wading Pines, a reviewer cautioned, "Never stayed at Wading Pines, but have camped in the state park next to it and their live music (a terrible cover band) blasts every weekend until midnight into the park."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Old Cedar Campground provides family-friendly facilities. A reviewer shared, "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."
Child-oriented activities: Some campgrounds organize regular activities for children. At Wading Pines, "They have a fishing pond, nice playground, and a train that only runs on the weekends." Another camper at Old Cedar mentioned, "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids."
Swimming opportunities: Several parks offer swimming areas. French Creek State Park features "a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake," while at Atsion, "you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)."
Bug preparation: The Pine Barrens area requires insect protection. One camper at Brendan Byrne warned, "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!" Another advised, "Bring bug spray, usually see ticks."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and access: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At French Creek, "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room." Another camper noted that at Parvin State Park, "Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large."
Hookup configurations: Hookup locations can present challenges. At Wading Pines, "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."
Leveling considerations: Some sites require more extensive leveling. A camper at Lums Pond mentioned, "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," while at Old Cedar, someone noted their "site that was sandy mud."
Road conditions: Interior roads vary greatly between campgrounds. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "The dirt/sand roads were horrible," while at Old Cedar, a reviewer reported that "The roads are dirt but well maintained."
