Campsites around Columbus, New Jersey feature predominantly sandy terrain characteristic of the Pine Barrens region, with elevations ranging from 80-130 feet above sea level. The area's climate provides a camping season extending from early spring through late autumn, with typical summer high temperatures reaching 85-90°F. Most sites accommodate tents and RVs on level, sandy ground with varying degrees of tree coverage for shade.
What to do
Hiking on the Batona Trail: The 50-mile Batona Trail runs directly through Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest, providing access to numerous day hikes. "It is so easy to get lost in these woods and I LOVE IT! 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!" notes one regular visitor.
Fishing in Turkey Swamp: The lake at Turkey Swamp Park provides year-round fishing opportunities with bait available at the ranger office. "There is a nice lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding," reports one camper who enjoyed multiple outdoor activities during their stay.
Historical exploration: Visit Washington Crossing State Park to explore the site where Washington crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. "Washington's crossing is beautiful and historic. We often bike along the canal there. There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view of the surrounding area and much more," writes one visitor describing the varied activities available.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Brendan Byrne State Forest receives praise for its spacious, relatively private sites. "Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, 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," explains one satisfied visitor.
Natural separation: The wooded environment at Butterfly Camping Resort creates natural barriers between campsites. "Site was large, and had trees and shrubs separating the sites (we had stayed on 105A). Friendly staff and clean bathrooms. Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds," notes a camper who appreciates the thoughtful layout.
Access to wildlife viewing: Proximity to Six Flags Safari allows for unexpected wildlife encounters. "Very close to Six Flags Great adventure. They have a road that goes between the campground and the Safari you can drive, walk, or bicycle down and see the animals!" shares a camper from Tip Tam Camping Resort who enjoyed this unique feature of camping in this region.
What you should know
Tick precautions required: The Pine Barrens region has a significant tick population, especially in warmer months. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park warns, "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Sandy terrain challenges: Most campgrounds in the area feature sandy soil that can be difficult to manage. "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain(which we had), and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV," reports a visitor to Butterfly Camping Resort, highlighting a common regional condition.
Fire restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific time limitations for campfires. A visitor to Brendan Byrne State Forest points out, "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker. Seasonal rangers drove by a handful of times and there was a dumpster at the entrance of the campground area which was nice."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activity areas: Tip Tam Camping Resort offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "We have been here several times and our daughter loves it. Great place for kids and tons of activities. Campground is very clean and staff goes above and beyond," reports a parent who frequently visits with children.
Consider Halloween-themed weekends: Several campgrounds offer special themed weekends in fall. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Timberland Lake Campground.
Book waterfront sites for additional activities: Lakefront sites at Atsion Family Campground provide immediate water access. "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)," recommends a regular visitor who maximizes the benefits of waterfront camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for sandy driving conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds are unpaved and sandy. A visitor to Batona Campground advises, "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle. 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."
Check hook-up positioning: At Turkey Swamp Park, water and electric connections may be far apart. "All sites have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," notes a camper who planned ahead for this situation.
Consider seasonal differences in site quality: Spring and fall camping may present different challenges than summer. A Timberland Lake visitor shares, "We scored this a 4 because you can't beat the price for area. However my biggest issue is the sand for all pull-throughs. They do offer full hookups that include cable if you have the outdoor wire. Two things I loved: 1. Cost 2. Shade. One thing didn't love: 1. Sand… so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer."
