The Atlantic Coastal Plain around Cherry Hill Mall offers pet-friendly camping options within 30 miles of Philadelphia. The area sits at elevations under 200 feet with sandy soil typical of New Jersey's Pine Barrens. Summer temperatures average 85°F while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler 60-75°F days and substantially fewer insects.
What to do
Kayak fishing: Hospitality Creek Campground provides water activities for anglers with pets. The campground features "waterfront sites" where campers can "bring your own kayaks" according to reviewer Denise P. The campsite backs up to Cranes Lake with easy water access.
Hiking multi-day trips: The 50-mile Batona Trail connects multiple campgrounds through the Pine Barrens. A reviewer at Batona Campground noted, "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible." This makes it convenient for hiking with dogs without driving to trailheads.
Family-friendly water activities: Swimming and boating opportunities exist at several locations. One camper described Hospitality Creek as having "2 pools and swimming lake" with "waterfront sites" being their favorite. Most water access points allow leashed pets along the shoreline but not in swimming areas.
What campers like
Privacy despite proximity: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites even when full. A visitor to Goshen Pond Campground appreciated that "Our site was very quiet, but a lot of the sites are close together without any barriers." Sites along water edges typically provide more seclusion.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Most campgrounds welcome dogs at tent sites and cabins. A reviewer at Brendan Byrne State Forest mentioned they "allows dogs after a deposit" and appreciated how pet-friendly the environment was. The forest maintains nearly 200 campsites with various accommodation options.
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower buildings receive regular maintenance. One camper at Brendan Byrne noted "Bathrooms were clean. Showers were a little spidery but kind of expected at a campground." Most facilities provide basic amenities without luxury features but maintain sanitary conditions.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. According to a review, Old Cedar Campground runs "seasonally from April 21 through October 9," which applies to many pet-friendly options near Cherry Hill Mall. Winter camping opportunities are significantly limited.
Terrain conditions: The Pine Barrens feature sandy soil and occasional flooding. A Batona Campground visitor warned that "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle." This sandy terrain affects walking dogs and setting up camp, especially after rain.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and ticks require precautions. A reviewer at Batona noted "Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage." Another camper at Goshen Pond advised to "watch for chiggers and ticks" when camping with pets.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers should consider established campgrounds with amenities. One visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA reported it had "so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more. They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget."
Budget considerations: Fee structures vary significantly. A camper at Hospitality Creek noted their policy of charging per person: "I think all sites should be for 2 adults and 2-3 kids. This Campground you must pay for even having one kid." Research additional fees for pets, visitors, and amenities before booking.
Activity planning: Weekend schedules often include organized events. A reviewer mentioned Old Cedar offers "every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids" while Philadelphia South KOA "would deliver firewood to your fire ring" for convenience during family camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site selection factors: When booking RV sites, consider hookup placement and size limitations. A visitor to Old Cedar Campground observed "The water hookups are shared every other site" and warned "Be sure to bring extra hoses" to reach connections. Most campgrounds specify maximum RV lengths on their websites.
Connectivity considerations: WiFi and cell service vary widely. One RVer at Hospitality Creek complained about "Horrible wifi" explaining they "had to leave the campground to find wifi at a local library about 15-minutes away" for important online tasks. Philadelphia South KOA generally offers more reliable connectivity for working campers with pets.
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