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 Manahawkin, NJ
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Tent camping options near Manahawkin, New Jersey are concentrated primarily in Wharton State Forest, which offers primitive tent sites within the unique ecosystem of the Pine Barrens. Several campgrounds, including Bodine Field and Batona, provide designated tent camping areas with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. The sandy soil characteristic of the Pine Barrens creates comfortable ground for tent setup, while the pine forest provides moderate shade at most locations.
Campsites throughout Wharton State Forest feature basic amenities suited for tent campers seeking a more rustic experience. Most locations offer fire rings or pits with minimal improvements, though firewood availability varies by campground. Drinking water is accessible at some sites through hand pumps, but these are seasonal and not available during winter months. Bathroom facilities consist primarily of composting outhouses or pit toilets scattered throughout the camping areas. Access roads to many tent campgrounds consist of loose sand that may challenge standard vehicles, particularly at Batona Campground where the entrance road is approximately one mile of sandy terrain.
The Pine Barrens create a distinctive backdrop for tent camping with nutrient-poor sandy soil and tall pine trees that create a unique forest environment. Areas like Lower Forge Camp offer remote tent-only experiences requiring either a 5+ mile hike from Atsion or a 7-mile trek from Batsto, making them ideal for backpackers seeking solitude. Many locations within Wharton State Forest provide direct trail access, with the 50-mile Batona Trail connecting several camping areas. The watershed features distinctive dark-colored rivers and streams resulting from natural tannins rather than pollution. A review on The Dyrt noted, "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!" Campers should be bear-aware as bears are known to frequent these tent campsites.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Manahawkin (15)
1. Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest
"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."
2. 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."
3. Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
"Wharton State Forest has a few campsites available for primitive camping (my preferred choice). This is a review for HAWKINS BRIDGE."
"This is a primitive campsite near the river. There is water but just compost toilets that are bit few for the size campground."
4. Red Wing Lakes
"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"
5. 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."
6. Tip Tam Camping Resort
"Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."
"It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."
7. Buttonwood Hill — Wharton State Forest
"Great location for Questival, would visit again. Easy access and felt very safe and secluded."
8. 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."
9. Lower Forge Camp
"Looking for a place to escape without having to drive out of your way to get to? Lower forge is the place."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
10. Abbot Sawmill
"Close to the main roads but feels remote."
Drive Time
- 30 min from Atlantic City, NJ
- 57 min from Vineland, NJ
- 58 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr from Philadelphia, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Manahawkin, NJ
24 Photos of 15 Manahawkin Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Manahawkin, NJ
384 Reviews of 15 Manahawkin Campgrounds
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.
- J
John Y.ScoutOcean 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.
- 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.
Adeline M.GuideBrendan 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.
- CCarlos E.Scout
Turkey Swamp Park
Really nice campground
Stayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
Nadine R.GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Not my vibe
I personally did not like this campsite. First of all, our site tag was leftover from SEPTEMBER. Did no one look at any of these sites and leave someone else’s registration posted there for almost a year? Wild. Our campsite had trash leftover from previous campers. The whole campground was loud - from other campers to just the sounds from the nearby road. If you are looking for peace it is NOT here. If you’re looking to have loud music time all night with no repercussions as your kids ride around yelling and carrying on past midnight then you’ll have a blast. The pros of this campsite was supposed to be the access to Lake Atsion but we were turned away at the gate at 12:30 as they stated they were at capacity. Checking into our campsite they specifically asked if we would be utilizing the recreation area so we would have a pass for entry, but that’s seemingly not in their logistical headcount. I would not visit here again.
John L.ScoutWading Pines Camping Resort
Poor sites
I recently stayed at Site 36, and unfortunately, my experience was very disappointing. The biggest issue was the campsite itself. Site 36 is extremely small, with neighboring campers only about 5 feet away on one side and roughly 12 feet behind the site. There was very little privacy, which made it difficult to relax. Many of the nearby sites appeared to be occupied by long-term or permanent residents. Several had large amounts of personal belongings stored under tarps, giving the area an unkempt appearance. In addition, the neighboring campsite had children's bikes, large toys, and other miscellaneous items overflowing onto the site I had rented, making it feel even more cramped. Another major concern was the constant cigarette and marijuana smoke. It was noticeable throughout much of the day, and because of the smoke, I couldn't comfortably leave my camper windows open. At over $110 per night for a full hookup site, I expected a much better experience. I understand the campground told me there were no other sites available, although I did notice a few empty sites during my stay. Whether those sites were reserved or unavailable for another reason, I can't say, but Site 346 should not be rented at this price given its condition and lack of privacy. Overall, I would not stay here again and cannot recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing camping experience. Its great for daily tubing but as a camper they lock the fence that gets you to the bridge so you have to take a long walk around although non campers can pull right up, it makes no sense to have a pass through that's locked.
Guide to Manahawkin
Tent campsites near Manahawkin, New Jersey extend beyond the Pine Barrens into additional recreational areas offering varied camping experiences. The region sits at a low elevation of approximately 20-30 feet above sea level, creating a coastal plain geography that affects drainage patterns and soil composition. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during camping season, with spring and fall bringing cooler temperatures and fewer insects.
What to do
Paddle the Wading River: Access boat-in camping via canoe trips along this tannic waterway. "Did a two day Canoe tour down the wading river and used the outfitter Micks Canoe. We started Friday night camping at Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest campground. This is a primitive campsite near the river," notes Thomas M., who added that "Wading river has a nice flow. It's a dark black river from the tannins."
Hike the Batona Trail: This 50+ mile trail connects multiple camping areas, providing access to remote campsites. "Walked from Batson to atsion, 10 mile hike, campground was 5 miles in," writes William W. about the Mullica River — Wharton State Forest camping area, providing a good day-hike option with overnight capability.
Fish at local ponds: Nearby water bodies offer fishing opportunities away from the coast. A reviewer mentioned that Harrisville Pond near Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest "mine as well be a lake. Good fishing for pickerel as well as a decent trail that goes around the entire pond."
What campers like
Remote camping options: The region offers tent sites ranging from drive-up to hike-in only locations. James R. recommends Lower Forge Camp as "one of the few places in New Jersey you have to backpack into with access from either (Atsion 5+ miles in) or Batsto (7 miles) located right on the Basto River you're even able to boat in."
Seasonal camping calendar: Most tent campsites near Manahawkin operate from April 1 to October 31. During non-peak times, campers report more tranquility: "During the off season is in and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be. During the weekend it's very populated and tends to be pretty noisy," notes Adeline M. about Bodine Field.
Sandy terrain advantages: The unique soil composition offers camping comfort. As Hallie M. observed at Hawkins Bridge, "The unique ecosystem of the barrens give campers some advantages: the ground is soft and comfortable to sleep on (NOT rocky at all, like almost weird how few rocks there are). It also means that there is plenty of kindling to gather for fires."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require careful navigation. One reviewer noted that "The road into the Batona — Wharton State Forest is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle." Similar sandy conditions exist at many campgrounds in the area.
Limited bathroom facilities: Most sites feature basic toilet options. Christian observed at Bodine Field, "The composting outhouse toilets are not great," while another camper noted, "Outhouses all around the campground." Plan accordingly with personal supplies.
Privacy considerations: Site spacing varies widely between campgrounds. A camper at Batona noted, "While the individual campsites appear to be somewhat close together and the campground area is very open, there were few other campers during our visit, and privacy was not an issue."
Water availability fluctuates: Access points for drinking water are limited and sometimes seasonal. Thomas M. noted about Hawkins Bridge: "There is water but just compost toilets that are bit few for the size campground." At another location, he found "Bodine Fields campground. Similar to Hawkins bridge but the water is of poor quality."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with activities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly recreation. Nicole N. reports that Tip Tam Camping Resort is an "Awesome place. We have been here several times and our daughter loves it. Great place for kids and tons of activities," while another reviewer mentioned "peddle cars and playgrounds."
Consider noise levels: Family campers should check peak camping times. One camper warned, "Stay home, it'll be quieter. Beautiful remote location w minimal amenities but 3 boy scout troops of screaming children didn't make it enjoyable," about a weekend at Bodine Field.
Check for water recreation: Swimming and paddling options enhance family camping. Anna D. enjoyed Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest, noting "It's also a 5 minute drive from Atsion lake, a great place for kayaking and swimming."
Prepare for bugs: Multiple reviewers mention insect concerns throughout the region. "Lots of bugs (ticks)," warns Amy C. about Goshen Pond, while another camper suggests visitors "gotta check often for chiggers and ticks."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most campgrounds limit RV size due to narrow access roads. A reviewer at Batona Campground observed, "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."
Limited hookup availability: Full-service sites are scarce in natural areas. Red Wing Lakes stands out as one of the few locations with comprehensive RV amenities, with Barry G. noting they have "electric, water and sewer hookups."
Consider sand challenges: Sandy access roads can be problematic for heavier vehicles. The Batona review warning about "1 mile of loose sand" applies particularly to RVs, which may require additional traction assistance during wet conditions.
Morning noise levels: One RVer at Tip Tam noted, "The only downside I saw was people here are up way to early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in the full the propane and was extremely loud." Consider this when planning sleep schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Manahawkin, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Manahawkin, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Manahawkin, NJ is Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
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tent camping near
Manahawkin, NJ?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Manahawkin, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Manahawkin, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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