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
Tent Camping near Cream Ridge, NJ
1 campground with availability next weekend
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Tent campsites near Cream Ridge, New Jersey offer several options for those seeking outdoor camping experiences within state parks and established campgrounds. Pine Cone Campgrounds in nearby Freehold provides tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Tip Tam Camping Resort in Jackson offers family-friendly tent camping with more amenities. Washington Crossing State Park, though temporarily closed for 2024, has historically provided a more primitive tent camping experience along the Delaware River.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary considerably between locations. Pine Cone offers drinking water, toilets, and showers for tent campers, while more primitive options like those in Wharton State Forest have minimal facilities with vault toilets and sometimes no drinking water. A visitor commented, "The Batona Campground is in the northern area of the Wharton State Forest and is a bit removed from most trails and other campgrounds in the park." Many sites require reservations, particularly during peak summer months, and tent campers should check seasonal availability as most campgrounds operate from April through October.
Tent camping areas in Central New Jersey provide varied experiences depending on location and season. Sites at Tip Tam Camping Resort are generally more developed and family-oriented, with one reviewer noting that "the campground is very clean and staff goes above and beyond." For those seeking more seclusion, Wharton State Forest's Batona Campground offers a quieter experience among pine trees, though the camping area is described as "very open" and privacy may be limited during busy periods. Pleasant Valley Lavender provides a unique tent camping option with sites "tucked in the woods" near lavender fields. Most tent campgrounds in the region are within an hour's drive of Cream Ridge, making them accessible options for weekend camping trips without traveling far from home.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Cream Ridge (22)
1. Tip Tam Camping Resort
"Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."
"It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."
2. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping."
"The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
3. Batona — Wharton State Forest
"Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage. "
"The Batona Campground is in the northern area of the Wharton State Forest and is a bit removed from most trails and other campgrounds in the park."
4. Pine Cone Campgrounds
5. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
6. NWS Earle RV Park
"Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio."
7. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"There are 20 tent sites spread across four loops. There is NO beach access. Some sites have shelters, others do not. Pay attention when reserving. All sites have a fire pit and picnic table."
"Bathrooms are serviceable overall (no showers as others have noted), and the place is intermittently staffed; bring everything you need."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
8. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest
"I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time."
"The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time."
9. Pleasant Valley Lavender
"So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $50 / night
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 19 min from Trenton, NJ
- 41 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 4 min from Atlantic City, NJ
- 1 hr 14 min from Vineland, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cream Ridge, NJ
43 Photos of 22 Cream Ridge Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Lower Forge Camp
Mullica River — Wharton State ForestR
Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Round Valley State Park Campground
Blueberry Morning
Evansburg State Park Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Cream Ridge, NJ
578 Reviews of 22 Cream Ridge Campgrounds
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!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- 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.
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.
- Adeline M.Guide
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Kelvin R.ScoutTohickon Valley County Park
First time camping
As far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
Guide to Cream Ridge
Tent camping near Cream Ridge, New Jersey provides access to the region's unique Pine Barrens ecosystem characterized by sandy soil and dense pine forests. The area sits at modest elevations between 100-200 feet above sea level with a temperate climate that supports camping from April through October. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping below 50°F.
What to do
Water activities at Batona Campground: Located in Wharton State Forest, campers can put kayaks directly into the Mullica River. According to one visitor, "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."
Hiking through pine forests: Round Valley Recreation Area offers wilderness camping accessed by challenging trails. "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven," notes one experienced hiker, who recommends "wearing proper hiking boots" for the terrain.
Historical exploration: Washington Crossing State Park combines history with outdoor recreation. One visitor shares, "On the Pennsylvania side, you'll find the visitor center, historic McConkey's Ferry Inn, Bowman's Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life."
What campers like
Secluded sites in the pine forest: Many campers appreciate the remote feeling of Wharton State Forest's Bodine Field Campground. A visitor notes, "During the off season and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be." Another camper adds it has a "Beautiful remote location w minimal amenities."
Field camping near water access: Bodine Field offers a unique camping environment with "Very open basically sandy field with a handful of trees in the middle, group sites available. 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."
Seasonal lavender fields: Pleasant Valley Lavender provides a distinctive camping experience with sites near flowering plants. A camper describes it as "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ."
What you should know
Site privacy varies by location: Goshen Pond Campground in Wharton State Forest offers varying levels of privacy. A camper observed, "Our site was very quiet, but a lot of the sites are close together without any barriers, so if the campground got crowded it wouldn't be very private."
Early risers dominate some campgrounds: At Tip Tam Camping Resort, noise can be an issue for late sleepers. One reviewer warned, "The only downside I saw was people here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in to fill the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am."
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Many wilderness camping locations have minimal amenities. At Round Valley Recreation Area, "you won't get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Tip Tam Camping Resort offers numerous kid-friendly options. As one parent notes, "The place was fun.. they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full!" Another family camper shares, "There is plenty to do or not. Kids can go. Mini golf, swimming, pedal cars."
Shower availability: If traveling with children, consider campgrounds with proper facilities. Sandy Hook's Camp Gateway has limitations as "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site."
Wildlife considerations: When tent camping in Cream Ridge vicinity, prepare for local wildlife. At Sandy Hook, "Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access at wilderness sites: Most primitive campgrounds restrict larger vehicles. At Wharton State Forest's Bodine Field, the roads can be challenging: "Originally it was very hard to first locate the site... the turn off is only labeled in one direction so keep an eye on both sides of the signs."
Level sites at military facility: For RV campers with proper credentials, NWS Earle RV Park offers "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With full hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right)."
Seasonal considerations: Most tent camping and RV sites in the Cream Ridge area operate seasonally. One camper at Bodine Field noted, "We set in for an overnight stay in early April 2022... Once we arrived at the site we quickly realized we were some of the only brave souls that chose to be outdoors in early April. It was cold and rainy the entire day."
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Cream Ridge, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cream Ridge, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cream Ridge, NJ is Tip Tam Camping Resort with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
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tent camping near
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Cream Ridge, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Cream Ridge, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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