3 MONTHS FREEPlan your New Jersey trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Tent Camping near Cape May Court House, NJ

Search destinations
    Add dates

    The Pine Barrens region surrounding Cape May Court House, New Jersey offers tent campers several options for primitive camping experiences. Wharton State Forest, located about 40 miles north, provides multiple tent-only campgrounds including Batona, Goshen Pond, and Mullica River sites. Closer to town, Shellbay Campgrounds operates from May 15 to September 30 with designated tent campsites that provide beach access. Tent camping options extend into nearby Delaware with Redden State Forest Campground offering secluded tent sites in a forested setting.

    Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically have dirt or sandy surfaces with minimal grading, reflecting the Pine Barrens' characteristic sandy soil composition. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds like Batona offering hand-pumped water while others require campers to bring their own supply. Pit toilets or vault toilets are standard at most primitive tent sites, though facilities may close during winter months. Fire rings are provided at most locations, with firewood available through self-service honor systems at several campgrounds. Campers should be prepared for insects, particularly ticks, which are prevalent throughout the region.

    During weekdays and off-season periods, tent campers often experience significant solitude at these sites. One visitor to Goshen Pond noted appreciating the walk-in tent sites where "you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time." At Batona Campground, campers report the sites are "best suited for tent campers" with direct access to the 50-mile Batona Trail, though privacy can be limited when the campground is busy. The unique ecosystem of the Pine Barrens creates comfortable tent camping conditions with soft ground surfaces that are "not rocky at all," according to a Hawkins Bridge camper. Backcountry tent camping options like Lower Forge require hiking 5-7 miles in but reward with greater seclusion and river access.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Cape May Court House (14)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Shellbay Campgrounds

      4.3(3)1mi from Cape May Court HouseRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Looking for a trip to the Jersey shore (near Stone Harbor, Avalon, Wildwood, Cape May, & more) - look no further than Shellbay Camping Resort."

      "I remember my excitement to go camping, meet other kids at the campground, and have plenty of things to do close by (beach, shopping, swimming pool)"

      Check Availability

      2. Shady Oaks Campground

      Be the first to review11mi from Cape May Court HouseTents
      Check Availability

      3. Sleepy Hollow Family Campground

      Be the first to review21mi from Cape May Court HouseRVs, Tents
      Check Availability

      4. Redden State Forest Campground

      4.4(7)39mi from Cape May Court HouseTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There is firewood, but it is not free. You pay for it on the “honors system”. Bring cash. There is no water, no electric, no bathroom. This is primitive camping/boondocking."

      "Quiet primitive campsites with slight road noise. We didn’t hear any train during our stay. We stayed at site 10 on the left branch where the newer gravel tent sites are in the pines."

      from $28 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Batona — Wharton State Forest

      4.3(12)50mi from Cape May Court HouseTents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      6. Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest

      3.8(8)44mi from Cape May Court HouseTents

      "You’re right next to the wading river/creek with that amazing cedar water. As well as a quick drive Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake."

      "Bodine Field is one of several camping locations within Wharton State Forest. I am writing this review over a year after our stay so forgive me if the details are lacking."

      Check Availability

      7. Red Wing Lakes

      5.0(1)36mi from Cape May Court HouseTents

      "Swimming lake catch and release lake sells wood has bath houses, electric, water and sewer hookups. They always have something going on. And a skeet range http://www.redwinglakes.com/lakes.html"

      8. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

      4.7(6)47mi from Cape May Court HouseTents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      9. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest

      4.0(5)45mi from Cape May Court HouseTents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      10. Blackbird State Forest Campground

      4.8(6)50mi from Cape May Court HouseTents

      "This is a good free state forest with maybe 10 (or less) designated tent-camping sites, and designated areas for deer hunting."

      "Spent a weekend in BO1, spacious campsite, grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it."

      from $25 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 14 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Cape May Court House Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cape May Court House, NJ

    23 Photos of 14 Cape May Court House Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Tent Camping Reviews near Cape May Court House, NJ

    600 Reviews of 14 Cape May Court House Campgrounds

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Redden State Forest Campground

      Quiet primitive campsites with slight road noise. We didn’t hear any train during our stay. We stayed at site 10 on the left branch where the newer gravel tent sites are in the pines. The potalet is nearby. It’s was dark at our campsite when we arrived. Nice and level gravel pad with plenty of room - sites are large enough to pull into and k turn if needed (although we saw the sign saying to park parallel to the site entrance in the morning- we have a roof top tent on our vehicle). When I put my headlamp on there were all these tiny sparkles on the ground out among the pine trees surrounding our campsite. When I walked up really close to one and shined my lamp on it, I saw that they are pretty big spiders. A little unnerving but also pretty? Told my brain I was in a glittery fairy forest and slept fine. 🤣

    • Andrea B.
      Oct. 8, 2026

      Colonial 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.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 5, 2026

      Ocean View Resort Campground

      One of the best campgrounds I have ever stayed in

      This is one of the largest, if not the largest, campgrounds in Southern New Jersey. While on the pricier side, everything is top-notch. The roads are all paved, and not gravel (I hate trying to sleep and listening to the sound of stones grating together). The sites are more spacious than most campgrounds, so it doesn't seem so crowded. The bathrooms are all modern and spotless. There are numerous bathrooms which means most sites have one nearby. They do charge a quarter for showers to encourage water conservation and donate the money to conservation causes. The pool is large, as is the lake. Both are well-maintained. The camp store is enormous and is really nice and well-stocked with everything one might need from food to pool and beach stuff to camping supplies and equipment. There is a nice cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The camp store has a lending library of books and DVDs. There are numerous activities that appear to be well-run, The grounds are shaded with many trees for a great wooded campground feel. The campground is so large that it has an internal shuttle with stations scattered about to help people go between the various important sites such as at the pool, the lake and the store. I found other campers, particularly the seasonals, to be more friendly than other campgrounds at the shore. This requires constant tree care including removing dead trees and branches which they do regularly. The staff is friendly and well-trained. I was in a tent, and when a rare October nor'easter came through, I was offered the opportunity to use a cabin free-of-charge. Fortunately my tent and equipment made it through days of rain and high winds just fine . On my first stay in May, I had to run my dog back to Baltimore towards the end of my trip where he was sadly diagnosed with incurable metastatic cancer. When I returned, I was late and unable to check out by 11, but they allowed me to take as much time as needed to clear the site, as nobody was staying there the next day, which was deeply appreciated - I was an emotional wreck. Oh, and I found the complimentary Wi-Fi to be a great service, and sufficiently fast to allow me to stream ultra-high-definition movies at my site - Most campgrounds charge extra for less-than-good service - a lot more. I find that a big bonus. Overall, I LOVE this campground and highly recommend it.

    • bThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 30, 2026

      Atsion 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.

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 21, 2026

      The Depot Travel Park

      Enjoyed my stay

      I’ve stayed here multiple times over the past 15 years and I have enjoyed each trip.

      Depot Travel Park is a well-maintained family-owned campground. It is also reasonably priced, especially given the location that is within a bicycle ride to the beach, the ocean, and lots of shops and restaurants in Cape May. It is the only campground on the Cape May side of the canal.

      Please note that this is not a resort campground and it doesn’t have a pool. There is so much to do in Cape May that is doesn’t need to be a resort.

      Since it’s not a resort campground, there are not many golf carts, so most people use their bicycles or cars to get around. That also makes the campground pretty quiet, even during the peak of summer.

      The campground sells firewood and propane, but there is no camp store. Again, it doesn’t really need one, since there is a farmers market at the end of the driveway, and a CVS and an ACME supermarket within bicycle riding distance.

      If your site doesn’t have a sewer hookup, the dump station is a little awkward to access, but they have a daily honey wagon for a reasonable fee, which is great. If you notify the office the day before you need it and they are usually there in the morning.

      They close for the season n October, but they reopen briefly during the Cape May Christmas Parade weekend in December. That’s one thing that I’d like to do soon.

      I really like this campground and I am always recommending it to friends.

    • christian G.
      Sep. 13, 2026

      Delaware Seashore State Park Campground

      Fin beach trip

      Pretty easy camping trip, plenty of room to set up camp. Level spots. We stayed on south inlet campground. They have small camp store multiple laundry and bath houses. Great stay if you enjoy fishing, as. You can fish the inlet at the campground. They have a very nice playground for kids as well! Only negative is no camp fires allowed, they do have a community area you can have a camp fires allowed. Also no wifi

    • Taylor
      Aug. 16, 2026

      Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park At Delaware Beaches

      Yearly goers

      Love it every year . We g for mother's Day. And the schedule for the events they do during even just the weekend make for fun filled hassle free weekend

    • Patel D.
      Aug. 9, 2026

      Big Oaks Campground

      ⚠️ Think Twice Before Booking— Our Family Felt Targeted and Intimidated

       I am writing this review because I genuinely want to warn other families before they book this campground. What should have been a relaxing camping trip turned into an extremely upsetting experience for our family. From the beginning, we felt singled out and unwelcome. We arrived at our campsite and then went to the office. We did not know that the campground required every guest to go to the office before going to their site. This was an honest misunderstanding. Instead of simply explaining the rule and moving on, the situation became unnecessarily confrontational, and we felt like the staff was looking for reasons to have an issue with us. What was especially upsetting was how our children were treated. Our children were riding scooters and were stopped and told that scooters were not allowed. We were extremely confused because we could clearly see much younger children riding/driving around the campground. Our 14-year-old was not allowed to do so, while we observed significantly younger white children being allowed to ride. What made this even worse was the way our children were spoken to. They came running back to us scared and intimidated by the interaction. As parents, that was extremely upsetting to see. There is a huge difference between calmly explaining a campground rule to a child and speaking to a child in a way that makes them feel frightened. If there is a rule that scooters are not allowed, then the rule should be applied consistently to every child, regardless of age or background. What we witnessed did not feel consistent. As the experience continued, we felt increasingly targeted. We were left with the strong impression that they did not want our family there. At one point, it honestly felt like they were trying to find reasons to get rid of us, which made us question whether the campground had overbooked and was looking for a way to push us out. We also had a very concerning experience regarding payment. We were forced to pay in cash and were not provided with a receipt. As paying guests, we found this extremely troubling and unprofessional. The entire experience left our family feeling uncomfortable, intimidated, and unwelcome. Camping with children should be about relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and making good memories—not having your children come running back to you because they are scared of how an adult spoke to them. I cannot speak to anyone else's intentions, but**based on what we personally experienced and witnessed, we felt that our family was being treated differently because of our background. Seeing younger white children being allowed to do something that our children were stopped from doing made the situation even more concerning.I strongly recommend that families think twice before booking this campground. If you do decide to stay, make sure you understand every rule before arriving, document your interactions, and keep proof of every payment. We are sharing this review because other families deserve to know what our experience was like before spending their money and vacation time here. No family should leave a campground feeling intimidated, targeted, or unwelcome.

    Guide to Cape May Court House

    Tent campsites near Cape May Court House, New Jersey sit in the Atlantic coastal plain region with elevations rarely exceeding 60 feet above sea level. The area experiences humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, making April through October the primary camping season. Most primitive camping options require at least a 30-minute drive from town, with several state forest locations offering varied terrain and water features.

    What to do

    Kayaking on the Mullica River: Access points near Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest offer convenient river entry. "Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent. We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient," notes Anna D.

    Hiking the extensive trail system: The 50+ miles of trails in Wharton State Forest connect multiple campgrounds. At Batona — Wharton State Forest, "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," explains meghan G.

    Swimming at Atsion Lake: Located a 5-minute drive from Goshen Pond Campground, this lake offers a designated swimming area. "It's also a 5 minute drive from Atsion lake, a great place for kayaking and swimming," reports Anna D. about her stay at Goshen Pond.

    Fishing for pickerel: The cedar-stained waters of the Pine Barrens hold good fishing opportunities. At Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest, campers can access "the wading river/creek with that amazing cedar water. As well as a quick drive Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake. Good fishing for pickerel," according to Dan M.

    What campers like

    Secluded camping options: The Pine Barrens provide isolation from crowds during weekdays. Adeline M. notes about Bodine Field, "During the off season is in and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be." Primitive sites at Mullica River Campground offer true backcountry experiences, requiring a 5-7 mile hike to access.

    Walk-in tent sites for quieter experience: Some campers prefer sites away from vehicle noise. At Redden State Forest Campground, "This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed," explains BA K. The campground offers walk-in access to tent sites.

    Sandy, soft ground for comfortable tent setup: The Pine Barrens' characteristic sandy soil makes for comfortable tent camping. "Since the last review, it appears they've added 11 sites on a branch if you bear left after the gate. These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table," reports Evan C. about improvements at Redden State Forest.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: The unique ecosystem supports diverse plants and animals. "I did drive around the right branch (sites 1-7) in the morning to find that they are dirt/grass sites and probably would be ideal for tenting/staking. The area is densely forested with pines and is quite pleasant in that regard," adds Evan C.

    What you should know

    Seasonal facilities and conditions: Most facilities have limited seasonal availability. "Stayed at a primative group campsite during Philly Questival. Each site was clearly labeled and flat with a fire pit. It definitely met our needs!" shares Jennesys A. about Batona Campground.

    Variable water access: Water availability differs significantly between campgrounds. At Blackbird State Forest Campground, "There are a couple portapotties in the camping area, which are a few feet from one campsite, or a few blocks from another. There is one water pump," explains D R.

    Insect preparedness is essential: Ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the region. "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/ trucks. Pretty good boating/fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks," warns Eldad K. about Goshen Pond.

    Noise levels vary by season: Weekends and peak season bring more visitors and noise. Christian notes about Bodine Field, "The campsites are semi close together. Very sandy area. There is a little river area within the site which is fun."

    Tips for camping with families

    Swimming options for kids: Several campgrounds offer nearby water access for swimming. "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," advises Dania J. regarding Mullica River Campground.

    Family-friendly campgrounds near beaches: Shellbay Campgrounds offers proximity to multiple beach towns. "Looking for a trip to the Jersey shore (near Stone Harbor, Avalon, Wildwood, Cape May, & more) - look no further than Shellbay Camping Resort. Great sites for camping with electric and water," recommends Suzi S.

    Size limitations for vehicles: Be aware that some campgrounds restrict larger vehicles. At Redden State Forest, "Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed," cautions BA K.

    Spacing between sites: Consider privacy needs when selecting family camping locations. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return! No running water- only port a potties but they were clean," reports Sarah M. about Blackbird State Forest.

    Tips from RVers

    Access road conditions: Many campgrounds have unpaved, sandy access roads. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," notes meghan G. about Batona Campground.

    Site size limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "Site are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit," adds meghan G.

    Limited hookups available: Most tent camping areas have no electric or water connections. "We stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time," shares Ashley R. about her stay at Goshen Pond.

    Overflow parking options: Some campgrounds provide additional parking areas. "Since the last review, it appears they've added 11 sites on a branch if you bear left after the gate. These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table. The restroom featured on the map is just a portalet, but there is plenty of overflow parking in that branch," notes Evan C. about Redden State Forest.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cape May Court House, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cape May Court House, NJ is Shellbay Campgrounds with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Cape May Court House, NJ?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Cape May Court House, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

    Keep Exploring

    2. View all New Jersey cities for camping