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 Collingswood, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Camping options near Collingswood, New Jersey range from established facilities to urban glamping experiences, with Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA serving as a convenient base for exploring both Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. Located approximately 20 minutes from Collingswood, this KOA campground accommodates tents, RVs, and cabin campers with full hookups and amenities. The region includes several family-friendly campgrounds like Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest and Old Cedar Campground, both offering tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals within 30-45 minutes of Collingswood.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the area's campgrounds, with some facilities like Old Cedar Campground operating only from April through October. Most established campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA remains open year-round, providing camping opportunities even during winter months when many other facilities close. Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via paved roads, making them accessible for standard vehicles and larger RVs. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though visitors should check individual campground policies regarding pets, alcohol, and fires. As one camper noted, "Staff were very friendly. Large campground but doesn't feel like it. Easy access to main roads, downtown Philly and Jersey Shore."
Campers consistently mention the convenience of staying at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA when visiting Philadelphia, with several reviews highlighting the campground's cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. The campground features amenities including a seasonal pool, playground, and dog park. For those seeking a more unique experience, Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina offers urban glamping opportunities directly in Philadelphia. Water activities are available at several campgrounds, including Hospitality Creek Campground and Lake Kandle, both offering swimming and boating options. Nature enthusiasts may prefer Wharton State Forest's Atsion Recreation Area, which provides access to the Pine Barrens ecosystem and water recreation. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, bathroom cleanliness and staff friendliness are frequently mentioned positive attributes across most campgrounds in the region, with one visitor describing Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA as "the best KOA I've been to" due to its paved roads, grassy sites, and extensive amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Collingswood (123)
1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."
"In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"
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."
"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. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping
Check Availabilityfrom $120 - $145 / night
4. 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
5. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."
"We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
6. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."
"m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
7. 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
8. 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."
9. Tinicum Island
10. French Creek State Park Campground
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"If you want starlink, stay toward the entrance of the loop for a good view of the sky. If you want to be away from everyone and don't need a site that has good accessibility, stay in C27."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $75 / 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 Camping Photos near Collingswood, NJ
244 Photos of 123 Collingswood Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOAM
Old Cedar CampgroundS
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Hospitality Creek Campground
Four Seasons Family Campground
Blueberry Morning
Lower Forge Camp
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Lower Forge — Wharton State Forest
Evansburg State Park Campground
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer
Recent Reviews near Collingswood, NJ
796 Reviews of 123 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 range from rustic tent sites to full-amenity campgrounds within a 20-45 minute drive. Most campsites in this region sit at elevations between 30-100 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with spring camping often featuring wildflowers and fall camping showcasing colorful foliage across the region's mixed deciduous forests.
What to do
Lake activities at Hospitality Creek: This campground features a swimming lake with boat rentals and dedicated swimming areas, located about 30 minutes from Collingswood. "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. Our lakefront site(#57) was superb!" writes Matt S. at Hospitality Creek Campground.
Explore the Pine Barrens ecosystem: Wharton State Forest offers unique access to New Jersey's Pine Barrens with distinctive flora and fauna. "We tent camped at Bodine campground in 2018. Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site! Our tent has a full view of the sky and at night it was like a planetarium as we admired the sky from our cots," shares Dina S.
Urban camping experience: For a unique option, consider Philadelphia's waterfront glamping. "I am definitely going to give this a shot this looks very peaceful," notes William C. about Philly Love Boats, offering an urban glamping alternative with city views from the water.
Hawk watching: Fort Washington State Park provides excellent bird watching opportunities along migration routes. "If, like me, you are trying to explore the wonder and splendor of Valley Forge and have stumbled across Fort Washington SP enroute, then what a little gem you have discovered," writes Stuart K., noting the park's "wonderfully built Observation Deck" for watching raptors.
What campers like
Peaceful environments: Many campers appreciate quieter sites away from crowds. "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 Jorah about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Spacious campsites: Campers frequently mention site size as important. "Wharton state forest provided us with the great outdoor and camping experience! The campside was clean, spacious, includes the firepit and the table. While we were surrounded by other campers, we enjoyed how private it was!!!" notes Olga G. about Wharton State Forest.
Recreational amenities: Swimming pools, fishing opportunities, and playgrounds get frequent positive mentions. "Lake with swing and fishing and two pools. No pets no alcohol no store but they have a snack stand. Make sure to get an end campsite or your table will be by the sanitary dump. Large sights kids had fun," writes Mya M. about Lake Kandle in Sewell.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Check opening dates before planning your trip. "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," warns Travyl Couple about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds near Collingswood require advance booking. "We got there, the host wasn't very friendly. We had to pay $50 per night for a tent site that was sandy mud," reports AdventureStang about Old Cedar Campground.
Public vs. private access: Some parks restrict camping to specific groups. "Restricted to only residents. Looks nice, if you can actually stay here," notes Les R. about Alverthorpe Private Park. Always call ahead to confirm access requirements.
Proximity to essentials: Most sites are within 15 minutes of grocery stores or supplies. "The nature trails accessible from the campground make for great wooded walking. And if you forgot anything, there's a Walmart about 3.5 miles away," shares Matt S. about Hospitality Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's programs. "This campground was so well maintained. There was 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," recommends Nicole S. about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Swimming options: Campsites with swimming facilities provide reliable entertainment. "LOVE!!!! I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," explains Alexa L. about Atsion Family Camp.
Safety considerations: Look for campgrounds with lifeguards for water activities. "The pools are nice and have on-duty lifeguards all day. We rode our bikes around, enjoyed time on the lake in a rented paddleboat, and had a blast at the 70s-themed live concert at the pavilion on Saturday night," reports Matt S.
Tips from RVers
Narrow access roads: Some campgrounds have tight turns for larger rigs. "The roads and turns were tight for our 36' motorhome, but manageable," notes Matt S. about Hospitality Creek Campground.
Hookup quality: Check for full hookups if needed. "The water, electric, and sewer hookups looked practically brand new (or at least really well maintained)," reports Matt S. about Hospitality Creek Campground.
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. "We need (not want) working wifi. The park's wifi didn't work most of the time and was too slow when it did work to allow streaming or working on the computer," cautions Matt S., suggesting families check connectivity options before booking if they need reliable internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any tent camping sites in Collingswood?
Are there any tent camping sites in Collingswood?
While Collingswood itself has limited camping options, several excellent tent camping sites are available within a short drive. Belleplain State Forest offers peaceful tent camping with sites you can select before checking in, perfect for a quiet getaway with easy access to the ocean. For a more adventurous experience, Lower Forge Camp requires backpacking 5+ miles in from Atsion or 7 miles from Batsto, providing a true escape along the Batsto River with boat-in access also available.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Collingswood?
When is the best time of year to go camping in Collingswood?
The ideal camping season near Collingswood runs from April through October, with late spring and early fall offering the most comfortable temperatures. Spacious Skies Country Oaks maintains well-kept facilities and peaceful surroundings even during winter months for hardier campers. However, be aware that some facilities like Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest may have seasonal restrictions. Note that Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA closes for winter and reopens in April (exact closure dates may vary year to year, so call ahead).
What amenities are available at Collingswood camping areas?
What amenities are available at Collingswood camping areas?
The camping areas near Collingswood offer various amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides full hookups and convenient access to Philadelphia (just 20 minutes away). Butterfly Camping Resort features a large playground, numerous activities for children, clean bathrooms, and a fishing lake. Many campgrounds in the region also offer water access, well-maintained bathroom facilities, and spacious sites with options for shade or sun depending on your preference.
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