Best Campgrounds near Burlington, NJ
State parks and forests within an hour of Burlington, New Jersey provide diverse camping experiences ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations. Wharton State Forest, located in the Pine Barrens about 20 miles southeast of Burlington, offers multiple campgrounds including Atsion Family Camp with spacious sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township provides pull-through sites with electric hookups and forest views across its 2,283 acres. For campers seeking proximity to Philadelphia, the Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA sits just 20 minutes west of Burlington and offers tent sites, cabins, and RV spots with full hookups, making it a convenient base for exploring both natural areas and urban attractions.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Wharton State Forest's sandy terrain can create challenging conditions after rainfall, with several reviewers noting the need for extra cleaning to manage sand tracked into tents and RVs. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger coverage near urban areas and spotty reception in the Pine Barrens. As one camper at Atsion Family Camp noted, "There are no electric hookups and cell service is low, but manageable. Bring your solar powered generators and cell signal boosters if you need to stay connected." Advance reservations are essential during summer weekends and holidays, particularly for waterfront sites, which tend to book quickly.
Water access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the area. Sites along lakes and rivers are consistently rated highest by visitors, with kayaking opportunities frequently mentioned in reviews. At Goshen Pond in Wharton State Forest, one camper reported, "Our site was right next to the Mullica River with excellent views. We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient." Privacy between campsites varies considerably, with state parks generally offering more separation than private campgrounds. Many facilities feature swimming pools, fishing ponds, and family-oriented amenities like playgrounds and scheduled activities. The region's proximity to both the Jersey Shore and Philadelphia provides campers with diverse day-trip options, from beach excursions to urban exploration.
