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
Dog-Friendly Camping near Collingswood, NJ
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA's fenced dog park provides dedicated pet exercise space for camping visitors with dogs. This well-maintained campground welcomes pets at tent sites, RV spots, and select cabins, making it a convenient option for pet owners traveling near Collingswood. Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Camp and Goshen Pond Campground also accommodate pets in primitive camping areas. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements, though Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville maintains strict rules about where pets can be walked on property. The KOA's bathrooms and facilities remain exceptionally clean despite the presence of pets, with one visitor noting they were the cleanest campground bathrooms they had ever encountered. Hospitality Creek Campground in Williamstown offers pet-friendly sites with full hookups and access to water activities that dogs can enjoy. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Collingswood, New Jersey.
Fishing opportunities at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA's catch-and-release pond provide entertainment for campers while pets enjoy shoreline walks. The campground's walking trail into the woods offers natural settings with native plants like blueberry and viburnum that pets and owners can explore together. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, with mosquitos being more prevalent in wooded sites during summer months. The area surrounding Tinicum Island, accessible only by boat, offers primitive camping with pets but requires additional planning for water-based access. French Creek State Park Campground, about an hour drive from Collingswood, features more extensive hiking options on pet-friendly trails. Many campsites provide stone pads that help minimize mud tracking from pets during rainy weather, though drainage issues occasionally create challenges. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the region maintain quiet family atmospheres while accommodating four-legged visitors.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Collingswood (90)
1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival."
"We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."
2. 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."
"This was a nice large site in the“pet-friendly” section(sites 26-34) of the campground. Site 34 is close to Atsion Road, so there was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us."
3. Old Cedar Campground
"Quiet Getaway Weekend
We went to Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, New Jersey, for a quiet getaway weekend. This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities."
"Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."
Check Availabilityfrom $31 - $50 / night
4. Alverthorpe Private Park
"year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
5. Hospitality Creek Campground
"The park was easy to find and located a short distance from the highway. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay."
"We love the lake side campsites."
6. Tinicum Island
7. 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."
8. 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."
9. Brendan Byrne State Forest
"Allows dogs after a deposit. Must purchase their firewood. Good bathrooms/showers. Great location for hitting the 4x4 trails."
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $3 - $60 / night
10. Parvin State Park Campground
"lake with water sports, hiking trails that are dog friendly, plenty of campsites. If you have kids staying longer for the lake would make sense. bring bug spray!!"
"Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $65 / night
Drive Time
- 13 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 36 min from Trenton, NJ
- 38 min from Vineland, NJ
- 50 min from Atlantic City, NJ
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Collingswood, NJ
43 Photos of 90 Collingswood Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Jellystone Park South Jersey
Lower Forge CampM
Batona — Wharton State Forest
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer
Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State ForestA
Timberland Lake Campground
Boulder Woods Campground
Timberline Lake Camping Resort
Mays Landing ResortH
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Collingswood, NJ
796 Reviews of 90 Collingswood 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.
- 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.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
- EEmily R.Scout
Belleplain State Forest
Don’t go unless you want harassment
My check in was for 8-6-2026, and bc I’m a new driver and wanted to beat traffic I got there early (7am) so I sit there waiting till check in time. When suddenly the park police show up. He’s accusing me of camping over night there. I told him simply I wasn’t and where I was night prior (would never sleep somewhere without permission). So we go to the store to kill time before we check in. Come back for Check in and the whole staff in just the office alone were so arrogant and cold to my mom and I, leaving rude comments to us and not only where they like that but the staff outside the office was acting like that alongside the rangers and park police. They would watch us the whole visit in the distance parking there cars a little ways watching everything we did,even driving by slowly a bunch of times in just an hour alone. My mom and I couldn’t do anything with out them showing up 2 mins later. Example we were walking our dog enjoying our time(trying to) and all of a sudden one of the office ladies pulls up right in front of us speeding, parks their car, gets out and walks a distance from us standing there and taking pictures of us…. For walking our dog who’s on a leash and didn’t even do anything. The whole trip we felt uncomfortable and unwanted and to find out they police when we were going on walks where coming up to campers near us bribing them with free firewood to get any information on use (told to us by other camper). I paid a lot of money to be harassed and followed the whole time. We never did anything we abide by every rule and keep to ourselves everywhere we go. They even made my mother cry…
Guide to Collingswood
Camping options near Collingswood, New Jersey span across two states with access to both urban and wilderness experiences. The region sits at the edge of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, characterized by sandy soil and acidic water conditions that affect campsite drainage during rainy periods. Most campgrounds in the area open from April through October, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F and higher humidity levels.
What to do
Hiking trails at Goshen Pond: This primitive camping area in Wharton State Forest offers access to nature trails suitable for all skill levels. "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. It's also a 5 minute drive from Atsion lake, a great place for kayaking and swimming," notes one Goshen Pond visitor.
Disc golf courses: French Creek State Park Campground features a complete 18-hole disc golf course winding through wooded terrain. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," according to a French Creek camper.
Off-season activities: Some campgrounds remain open year-round with unique experiences. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reports a winter camper at French Creek State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself. Maybe that's why it was so peaceful, but every night after my cacophonous conference in Philadelphia, I couldn't wait to turn down Timberlane Road and see that little KOA sign glowing in the darkness," shares one Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor.
Lake access: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. "Our lakefront site(#57) was superb! It was between a small, paved boat ramp and a row of arborvitae trees on the other side separating us from the neighboring site. The entire site was level and covered in mulch," notes a camper at Hospitality Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms receive consistently positive reviews. "The showers had good pressure and hot water. It was cleaned often throughout the weekend, however it is definitely in need of an update," mentions a French Creek State Park visitor.
What you should know
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger tents. "Many of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent so keep this in mind if you have a large family sized tent," warns a French Creek State Park camper.
Off-season closures: Verify operating schedules before planning. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive. Note- this does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," advises a Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor.
Pet policies vary: While many campgrounds accept pets, specific rules differ by location. "My friends and I stayed at Atsion Family Camp during Cotopaxi's philly questival- it's easy to find, well-maintained, and the campsites are spaced so you can meet other people but also have your own space in the woods!" reports a visitor to this pet-friendly campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Hospitality Creek offers multiple water options for kids. "This Campground has 2 pool and swimming lake. Waterfront sites are my favorite as you can bring your own kayaks. A nice 2 mile trail brings you around the Campground. In season tons of hourly activities for the kids," explains a regular visitor.
Playground access: French Creek State Park features multiple play areas. "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line," notes one camping parent.
Activity scheduling: Some campgrounds offer organized children's programs. "They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget. The place is so clean including the bathrooms. Everyone we came in contact with staff wise was so friendly," shares a Old Cedar Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider site dimensions carefully when booking. "We navigated the park to our lakefront site using the map with pre-marked route in our welcome packet. The roads and turns were tight for our 36' motorhome, but manageable," advises an RV camper at Hospitality Creek.
Urban access options: For those wanting to explore Philadelphia while camping, proximity matters. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. The staff are friendly and welcoming. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily," notes an RVer at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant differences between peak and off-peak periods. "We were here about 10-15 yrs ago and swore we'd never go back. I'm glad we did. They've added a pool and are working on a mini golf area. Nice playground, basketball court, 2 fishing areas. Almost all the seasonals are new(er) campers and even the older ones are well maintained," observes an Old Cedar Campground visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Collingswood, NJ?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Collingswood, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Collingswood, NJ is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Collingswood, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 dog-friendly camping locations near Collingswood, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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