M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Tent Camping near Willingboro, NJ
1 campground with availability this weekend
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State parks and forests surrounding Willingboro, New Jersey provide diverse tent camping options within a short drive. Wharton State Forest offers several tent-only campgrounds including Goshen Pond, Batona, and Mullica River campgrounds, all operating from April 1 to October 31. Round Valley State Park Campground in Lebanon presents backcountry tent camping with sites accessible only by hiking or boating. Fort Washington State Park in Pennsylvania, approximately 25 miles northwest of Willingboro, features walk-in tent sites with basic amenities. These tent campgrounds vary in their proximity to water features, trail access, and level of seclusion.
Most primitive tent sites in the region require advance reservations, with few offering first-come, first-served options. Wharton State Forest campgrounds feature sandy soil with flat tent pads shaded by pine trees. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering drinking water from pumps while others require campers to filter water from nearby rivers or reservoirs. Pit toilets are standard at most primitive tent camping areas, though maintenance quality fluctuates. Fire rings are provided at most sites, but campers should verify current fire regulations, especially during dry summer months. Bears frequent several campgrounds, particularly in Wharton State Forest, necessitating proper food storage.
According to reviews, Goshen Pond in Wharton State Forest offers particularly secluded tent sites. One camper noted, "Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time." At Round Valley, tent campers frequently mention the challenging but rewarding access. A visitor reported, "The hike in was a tough one with couple of steep hills and a little rocky, but once we reached the campsite it was absolute perfection." Weekday visits generally provide more solitude than weekends. The unique ecosystem of the Pine Barrens creates comfortable tent camping conditions, with one reviewer highlighting that "the ground is soft and comfortable to sleep on" at Hawkins Bridge campground. Water access is a significant feature at many sites, with tent campers often filtering water directly from reservoirs or rivers rather than hiking to distant water pumps.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Willingboro (23)
1. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
2. Batona — Wharton State Forest
"Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage. "
"The Batona Campground is in the northern area of the Wharton State Forest and is a bit removed from most trails and other campgrounds in the park."
3. Alverthorpe Private Park
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
4. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"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"
"The give you firewood—-if you bring your own, leave with any left over."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
5. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest
"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."
"The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time."
6. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest
"This campground is hike-in or boat-in only, no car access. We camped here for one night on an overnight loop in Wharton State Forest. Wild blueberries abound during summer months!"
"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."
7. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"Terrific space for exploring"
"well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
8. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
9. Lower Forge Camp
"Looking for a place to escape without having to drive out of your way to get to? Lower forge is the place."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
10. Tip Tam Camping Resort
"Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."
"It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."
Drive Time
- 16 min from Trenton, NJ
- 18 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 49 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr from Atlantic City, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Willingboro, NJ
37 Photos of 23 Willingboro Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Lower Forge Camp
Mullica River — Wharton State ForestR
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Blueberry Morning
Evansburg State Park Campground
Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Round Valley State Park Campground
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Tent Camping Reviews near Willingboro, NJ
651 Reviews of 23 Willingboro Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Andrea B.
TravelerColonial Meadows Family Campground
Great park
Many long term seasonal sites. Good community. Large shower house good and clean . Pool. Game room. Off leash dog park. Wooded/shady sites or no shade sunny sites. Lots of area to walk or play. Large field, basketball couture, frisky golf, play area and laundry room. We were here all summer (June-october). Lots to do in the area. Good food nearby. Ocean city 10 minutes away.
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
- Adeline M.Guide
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Guide to Willingboro
Tent camping opportunities in Willingboro, New Jersey extend beyond the Pine Barrens into diverse woodland settings within a 40-mile radius. Summer temperatures average 85°F during peak camping season with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. Sandy soils throughout the region's campgrounds drain quickly after rain, making most tent sites usable even after heavy precipitation.
What to do
Hiking the Batona Trail: Access this 53-mile trail directly from Batona — Wharton State Forest for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. The trail connects multiple campgrounds through relatively flat terrain. "Located right off the Batona trail you're bound for adventure," notes James R., who appreciates how the trail network allows campers to "disappear for a weekend."
Historical exploration: Visit Washington Crossing State Park to experience Revolutionary War history through interpretive programs. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware! It was VERY cold the year I went," shares David S. The park contains both natural areas and historical sites, with Olivia M. noting there are "farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view."
Reservoir activities: At Round Valley State Park Campground, filter water directly from the reservoir for drinking rather than using the well pumps. "We just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," reports James R. The reservoir features exceptionally clear water, as Riley K. confirms: "the water is very clean and crystal clear."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest, many tent sites offer seclusion despite the open layout of the campground. "The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded," reports Ashley R. This makes the campground popular even during peak summer weekends.
Easy water access: Campers frequently mention the convenience of putting watercraft directly into the water from their campsites. Anna D. shares that at Goshen Pond, "We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient." Wayne S. similarly notes about Washington Crossing State Park: "The camp ground is secluded and right on the Delaware River. Very enjoyable."
Pine forest environment: The distinctive Pine Barrens ecosystem creates a unique camping atmosphere unlike other East Coast forests. Alyssa D. emphasizes this at Batona Campground: "It is so easy to get lost in these woods and I LOVE IT! If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT!" The pine forest creates natural site separation and distinctive camping conditions.
What you should know
Aggressive insects: Ticks and chiggers pose a significant risk throughout the region from April through October. "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails... Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks," warns Eldad K. about Goshen Pond. Campers should bring appropriate repellents and conduct regular tick checks.
Reservation challenges: Most tent sites in the region require advance booking through the New Jersey State Park reservation system, with limited first-come sites. Weekend slots fill 2-3 months in advance during summer. "Checking in is slow so come early," advises Dania J. about Mullica River — Wharton State Forest.
Access limitations: Many of the region's most desirable tent sites require physical effort to reach. At Round Valley, campers face significant hiking distances. Janine W. explains: "Some of the sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across." For certain campgrounds, gear transport requires planning and physical readiness.
Primitive facilities: Most tent campgrounds feature basic amenities only. "Bathrooms are very basic. Fresh water pump is located at entrance to campground," reports Meghan G. about Batona Campground. Campers should expect pit toilets, limited water access, and pack-in/pack-out trash policies at most sites.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible recreation sites: For families with young children, Tip Tam Camping Resort offers amenities designed specifically for kids. "The place was fun.. they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full!" reports Jenn M. Dave B. adds that there are "two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board" among the activities available.
Early rising expectations: Family campgrounds tend to become active early in the morning. "Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am," warns Bill V. about Tip Tam, noting that by "7am place was already loud" with routine campground activities starting shortly after sunrise. Families should plan accordingly with early bedtimes or noise-canceling solutions.
Day-use alternatives: Several parks allow non-campers to access swimming and picnic facilities for daily fees between $5-10 per vehicle. Seth S. describes Washington Crossing State Park: "The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Tips from RVers
Group sites for larger vehicles: Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park accommodates small to medium-sized RVs in its group camping areas. "I love camping at Ridley creek. Very peaceful," notes Chuck C. The park offers electric hookups and water connections, though space is limited to designated group camping zones.
Road conditions to primitive sites: Access roads to many of the region's tent-focused campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. At Batona Campground, "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," explains Meghan G., who adds that "The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."
Site surface considerations: Sandy soil throughout regional campgrounds affects RV leveling and stabilization. Some sites offer firmer surfaces than others, and seasonal conditions can impact stability. Even at more developed campgrounds like Tip Tam, Jenn M. notes "there are no trees. It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around."
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Willingboro, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Willingboro, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Willingboro, NJ is Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024 with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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