Best Tent Camping near Cape May Court House, NJ
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.