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 Camden, NJ
26 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Tent camping options around Camden, New Jersey concentrate primarily in Pennsylvania and New Jersey state forests and parks within 20-40 miles of the city. Wharton State Forest offers several tent-focused campgrounds including Goshen Pond and Mullica River, both open from April 1 to October 31. Fort Washington State Park and Ridley Creek State Park in Pennsylvania provide group tent camping opportunities but do not offer individual tent sites.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require campers to pack in their own water and supplies, with varying levels of facilities available. Wharton State Forest's Goshen Pond features primitive tent sites with walk-in access but no drinking water or showers, while the Mullica River campground provides drinking water and basic toilet facilities. Fire rings are common at established sites, though fire bans may be enforced during dry periods. A visitor commented, "Our site was private and secluded" at Goshen Pond, reflecting the relative isolation these areas can provide compared to more developed camping options.
The tent camping experience near Camden emphasizes seclusion and natural settings rather than amenities. Sites at Wharton State Forest are surrounded by pine forests with access to hiking trails and paddling opportunities. Tinicum Island, accessible only by boat, offers the most primitive experience with free camping but absolutely no facilities - campers must be fully self-sufficient. A recent review noted that at Wharton State Forest's sites, campers should "check often for chiggers and ticks" - a practical concern during warmer months. Most tent-only areas are considerably quieter than mixed-use campgrounds that allow RVs, making them appealing for campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience, though this comes with the trade-off of fewer conveniences.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Camden (26)
1. 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."
from $57 / night
Check Availability2. 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."
from $28 - $72 / night
Check Availability3. 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"
from $1 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Tinicum Island
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. 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."
7. Evansburg State Park Campground
"Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek"
"You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently$9.90.The restroom facilities we're clean."
from $43 / night
Check Availability8. 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."
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability9. 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."
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 8 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 34 min from Trenton, NJ
- 37 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 9 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Camden, NJ
43 Photos of 26 Camden Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Evansburg State Park Campground
Blueberry Morning
Mullica River — Wharton State ForestR
Lower Forge Camp
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
Blackbird State Forest Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Camden, NJ
777 Reviews of 26 Camden 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.
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.
Kelvin R.ScoutTohickon Valley County Park
First time camping
As far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
Guide to Camden
Tent campsites near Camden, New Jersey cluster primarily in state forests and parks within 40 miles of the city. Most sites feature basic amenities with the Pine Barrens region offering the greatest concentration of primitive camping opportunities. Seasonal operation typically runs April through October, with many locations requiring advance reservations through the New Jersey State Parks system.
What to do
Birdwatching at hawk observation decks: Fort Washington State Park provides excellent raptor viewing opportunities from its designated observation platform. "There's 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista," notes one camper at Fort Washington State Park.
Kayak access to remote sites: Several campgrounds offer water-based entry points for paddlers seeking more remote experiences. At Round Valley Recreation Area, a camper explains, "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site. In-season rentals should be available on-site." The reservoir provides crystal clear water, though swimming restrictions apply at designated campsites.
Historical exploration: Washington Crossing State Park connects camping with Revolutionary War history. "Visit the park's historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it's easily the most memorable history lesson you'll ever get outdoors," reports a visitor to the park. The surrounding area features historical buildings, museums, and interpretive trails.
What campers like
Pine forest isolation: The dense Pine Barrens ecosystem creates natural privacy barriers between many sites. "Located in the middle of the pine barrens, 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!" writes a camper at Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest.
Easy trail access: Many campsites connect directly to hiking trail networks. "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," explains a reviewer at Batona Campground. These interconnected trails allow campers to explore without needing transportation.
Minimal light pollution: The relative distance from urban areas provides darker night skies than typical suburban settings. A Round Valley camper shares, "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature." The lack of electrical hookups at most tent sites helps preserve the natural darkness for stargazing.
What you should know
Access challenges for some sites: Several campgrounds require significant hiking or boat access. At Round Valley, "It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!" One camper cautions, "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven."
Insect prevention essential: The wooded environment supports active tick populations. "Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks," warns a visitor to Goshen Pond Campground. Long pants, insect repellent, and daily tick checks are necessary precautions, especially during summer months.
Limited water availability: Many sites lack running water. "We found one running spigot of water up here, but it was so gross we didn't use it," reports a camper at Tinicum Island. Bringing sufficient water or reliable filtration systems is essential when visiting more primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
Start with accessible sites: Begin with drive-in options before attempting hike-in locations. "This place is great for first time campers," mentions a visitor to Ridley Creek State Park, noting the "nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks feature diverse ecosystems ideal for nature education. At Evansburg State Park, a parent shares, "Since he was 2 years old I've taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for adventures."
Plan for mud: Seasonal conditions can create challenging terrain for children. "I find Evansburg to be the muddiest State Park I've ever experienced; I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots, as well as shoes and change of clothes for the little guy," advises a regular visitor to Evansburg State Park.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions limit options: Most tent-focused campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. "The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit," cautions a reviewer about Batona Campground. RV camping options are significantly more limited than tent sites in this region.
Consider group facilities: Some parks offer specialized group camping areas that can accommodate small RVs. "Fort Washington campground is located smack dab in the middle of five nearby hamlets," notes a visitor, who recommends exploring the surrounding towns for amenities not available within park boundaries.
Seasonal access limitations: Sand roads can become challenging for vehicles during wet periods. One Batona camper notes, "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle." Four-wheel drive is recommended for accessing many of the more remote campgrounds during early spring or after heavy rainfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Camden, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Camden, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Camden, NJ is Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Camden, NJ?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Camden, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Camden, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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