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
Camping near Chatsworth, NJ
104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Chatsworth, New Jersey offers campgrounds ranging from full-hookup RV parks to primitive tent sites within the New Jersey Pine Barrens region. Campgrounds like Wading Pines Camping Resort offer tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations within Chatsworth proper, while nearby Bodine Field Campground in Wharton State Forest provides more primitive tent and RV camping opportunities. The wider area features multiple state forests including Brendan Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River, creating a network of public lands with varied camping facilities. Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, with many open from April through October, though some like Brendan Byrne State Forest remain accessible year-round.
Permits and reservations are typically required at established campgrounds throughout the Pine Barrens. The sandy soil and pine forest terrain create a unique camping environment characterized by flat sites and distinct ecosystems. Water access varies by location, with some campgrounds like Atsion Family Camp offering boat-in access points. Bathroom facilities range from basic pit toilets at primitive sites to full shower houses at more developed campgrounds. Cellular reception can be limited in more remote areas of the state forests. Several campgrounds feature trails that connect to the larger Batona Trail system that winds through the Pine Barrens. As one visitor noted, "The forest is absolutely beautiful, but not by any design. Instead, nature is just doing its thing. Sand roads crisscross the whole area and navigation can be a bit tricky the first time around."
Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the region, with most locations accommodating both tent and RV camping. Wading Pines offers the most comprehensive amenities including full hookups, while state forest campgrounds typically provide more basic facilities. The Chatsworth area campgrounds provide an authentic Pine Barrens camping experience with sites that balance accessibility and natural immersion. Campers often mention the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem as a highlight, with its characteristic pine trees, sandy soil, and specialized plant life. A visitor to Brendan Byrne State Forest remarked, "Go down to the pond and check out the carnivorous plants—one of the most unique things in this area!" Privacy between campsites varies considerably, with some state forest campgrounds offering more separation than others. Many campgrounds in the region remain relatively uncrowded during weekdays, though summer weekends can bring more visitors. The proximity to wildlife, hiking trails, and water features like the Mullica River provides diverse recreational opportunities for campers throughout the area.
Best Campgrounds near Chatsworth (104)
1. Brendan Byrne State Forest
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
"First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"
from $3 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"Atsion Family Campground Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."
"It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."
3. Batona — Wharton State Forest
"I grew up near the pine barrens and would camp here many times with friends. If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT! You might even see the Jersey Devil :)"
"Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve."
4. Wading Pines Camping Resort
"The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground."
"Very nice wading river next to the camp grounds. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."
5. Bass River State Forest
"We have never camped here before, but wanted to hike the Batona trail nearby."
"I'm particularly fond of the dog friendly loop, its a newer loop and the bathrooms are more modern than the others scattered around. "
6. Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State Forest
"I try to stay away from campgrounds with electrical hookups, because the sound of generators is not exactly the serenity of nature I'm looking for."
"Bonus points for being driving distance to multiple locations that we could take our kayaks."
7. 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."
8. Baker's Acres Campground
"We stayed at Baker’s Acres Campground in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, for a weekend in mid-August. So did the rains of Hurricane Henri! "
"Our site was decently sized, level, and nicely bordered with trees that gives you a sense of privacy."
from $43 / night
Check Availability9. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest
"It's only a one minute walk from the parking area to the site. Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent."
"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."
10. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest
"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."
"Walked from Batson to atsion 10 mile hike, campground was 5 miles in. The campground is open, it was closed because of covid in 2020"
Drive Time
- 40 min from Atlantic City, NJ
- 43 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 45 min from Trenton, NJ
- 52 min from Vineland, NJ
Recent Camping Photos near Chatsworth, NJ
169 Photos of 104 Chatsworth Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Brendan Byrne State ForestL
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Wading Pines Camping Resortt
Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State ForestA
Lower Forge Camp
Lower Forge — Wharton State Forest
Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Pilgrim Lake CampgroundK
Bass River State Forest
Recent Reviews near Chatsworth, NJ
546 Reviews of 104 Chatsworth Campgrounds
- j
james Q.ScoutBelleplain State Forest
Quiet, Clean and Friendly
We stayed at the group site campground with our horse. We found the sites to be large, and clean. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and they have fall activities for the family, at the lake and nature hikes. The porta potty's are very clean, have hand sanitizer and plenty of paper. Will be returning again in a few weeks. Plenty of trails to ride on. A true gem in our own backyard.
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!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
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.
- JJohn Y.Scout
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.
- 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.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Guide to Chatsworth
Chatsworth sits in the heart of New Jersey's Pine Barrens, characterized by a flat, sandy terrain with elevations typically below 200 feet. The area's acidic soil supports a unique ecosystem of pine and oak forests interspersed with cedar swamps. Camping options range from primitive sites with minimal facilities to full-service campgrounds, with most locations featuring the characteristic tan sandy soil that drains quickly after rainfall.
What to do
River paddling trips: Access the Wading River directly from Wading Pines Camping Resort for kayaking and tubing adventures. "We loved this campground. Friendly staff. Plenty for the kids to do. The river is right there to go tubing or kayaking," notes Arnold M. Another visitor recommends, "Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride."
Historic site exploration: Visit Batsto Village near Batona — Wharton State Forest for a glimpse into the area's industrial past. "Batsto is a 15 minute drive. Hikes start either there or you can access from Atsion as well," shares Steve in his review of the area. The village features preserved 19th-century buildings and ironworks.
Pond fishing: Cast for pickerel at Harrisville Pond near 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. Good fishing for pickerel," writes Dan M. The pond offers shore fishing and small boat access.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Brendan Byrne State Forest, campers appreciate the site layout. "Very well maintained campsites and facilities," notes Marcus N. Another camper, Dan M., adds, "Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have. Showers and bathrooms are ok, kept pretty clean. Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones."
Spacious campsites: Bass River State Forest provides generous camping areas. "Each site is very large, very clean and well maintained, bathrooms and showers 24/7," reports Jeff J. Another camper mentions, "The campground was clean and well maintained. It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience."
Natural isolation: The remote locations offer disconnection from urban environments. "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!" writes Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
What you should know
Tick prevention crucial: Several campgrounds report high tick populations. "Spacious campsite, although the closest water spigot wasn't working. Not a big problem as there are plenty of others. Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!" advises Megan S. from Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Weekend noise concerns: Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State Forest experiences noise from nearby commercial campgrounds. "The only issues were the RV 'resort' very close by, Very loud music at night from about 8-11," reports James C. Another camper notes, "Wading Pines has live music (a terrible cover band) that they blast from 7 until 11-12 pm that echoes through the park."
Seasonal bathroom maintenance: Facility conditions vary throughout the season. "The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening," reports Jesse G. Another review notes, "When entering the bathrooms, there was toilet paper all over, cobb webs and bugs flying all over the bathroom. They looked as if they get cleaned maybe once a week IF THAT."
Tips for camping with families
Adventure activities for kids: Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest offers family-friendly recreation. "While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails). In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads," shares Alexa L. The lake provides swimming during summer months.
Easy camping for beginners: Choose sites with amenities for first-time family campers. "Me and my girlfriends first camping trip so we're both kinda new to the whole thing. This place was great for beginners. Had plenty of space at the campsite, picnic table and fire pit. Lots to do in the surrounding area too!" reports Dan K. about Atsion.
Weekday visits recommended: For quieter family experiences, avoid summer weekends. "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," advises Adeline M. about Bodine Field Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility considerations: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "Backing my rig into the site, and exiting, was a bit challenging due to the angle and size of the service road but we managed well enough," reports Jim G. about Baker's Acres Campground.
Water and electrical hookups: For those needing services, options are limited. "All the hook ups you need. Many activities. Live music in the summer," notes Layne about Wading Pines, one of the few campgrounds offering full hookups in the area.
Sand roads management: Pine Barrens camping requires preparation for sandy conditions. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," advises Meghan G. about Batona Campground, adding, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Chatsworth, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Chatsworth, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chatsworth, NJ is Brendan Byrne State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
Keep Exploring