Tent camping near Carneys Point, New Jersey includes several primitive options within an hour's drive. The area features sandy soil characteristic of the Pine Barrens ecosystem, which provides natural drainage during rain and comfortable tent platforms. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer highs averaging 85°F, making spring and fall ideal for tent camping excursions in this low-elevation coastal plain region.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Wharton State Forest offers immediate trail access from campsites, including the 50-mile Batona Trail. "Trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," notes meghan G. The trail system accommodates day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies near Carneys Point support fishing activities. At Green Lane Park, located about 60 minutes northwest, visitors can fish in the reservoir. One visitor mentioned it has a "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" making it a multi-activity destination.
Birding excursions: Fort Washington State Park provides excellent bird watching opportunities, especially during migration seasons. "From this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn," according to one camper. The park features a specialized observation deck for viewing various species.
Paddling access: Tinicum Island offers boat-in camping for paddlers. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," writes Bobby S. This unique camping opportunity requires water transport to access, creating a more secluded experience compared to drive-in sites.
What campers like
Site separation: Blackbird State Forest receives praise for its spacious layout. According to Sarah M., "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room." Another camper notes "the camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy."
Natural tent platforms: The forest floor at various campgrounds provides comfortable tent setups. At Blackbird State Forest, a camper describes "dirt covered with woodchips and sometimes evergreen needles—pretty easy to sleep in a tent." This natural padding creates more comfortable sleeping conditions.
Water proximity: Goshen Pond in Wharton State Forest offers immediate water access. One visitor explains, "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."
Group camping options: Hibernia County Park features large group sites for family gatherings. "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12... The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms," reports Anna.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Many tent sites near Carneys Point feature basic amenities only. At Batona Campground, visitors should prepare for primitive facilities. "There's at least two pit toilets in the campground—don't expect luxury. Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage," warns one camper.
Seasonal water access: Water availability varies throughout the year at several campgrounds. At Ridley Creek State Park, a camper points out "there is only group tenting here," while another mentions that at many sites "the only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. "No first-come first-serve," notes one visitor regarding Wharton State Forest campsites. Many popular weekends sell out weeks in advance.
Tick prevention: Several campers mention ticks as a concern when tent camping near Carneys Point. "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully," comments Meg F. about Evansburg State Park. Proper clothing and regular checks are recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hibernia County Park offers family-friendly amenities near tent sites. A visitor shares, "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails... The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing." These features keep younger campers engaged.
First-time camping spots: Ridley Creek State Park provides an excellent introduction to tent camping. "This place is great for first time campers. I go camping here almost every year and they a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on," explains David K.
Group site selection: When camping with multiple families, consider size and layout. One camper at Green Lane Park advises, "The spaces are large but there is NO privacy. The sites are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them."
Bath facility proximity: For families with young children, bathroom proximity matters. At Blackbird State Forest, a visitor notes "There are multiple port a potties here but some sites are a bit far from them," suggesting families select sites closer to facilities when possible.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Carneys Point accommodate small RVs only with few amenities. Hibernia County Park camper Jennifer S. explains, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face significant limitations in the region. "The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit," reports a Batona Campground visitor. Most sites accommodate vehicles under 25 feet with careful positioning.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. As one RVer at Hibernia notes, sites "aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for all RV camping in the region.
