Eagleswood, New Jersey sits within the Pine Barrens region where sandy soil and pine forests create a distinctive camping environment. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s from June through August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Most campgrounds near Eagleswood provide access to freshwater lakes and rivers with dark, tea-colored water naturally stained by pine needle tannins.
What to do
Kayaking the Wading River: Launch from Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest for river adventures. "Did a two day Canoe tour down the wading river and used the outfitter Micks Canoe. We started Friday night camping at Hawkins Bridge campground... Wading river has a nice flow. It's a dark black river from the tannins," notes Thomas M.
Explore historic sites: Visit Tuckerton Seaport maritime museum near Atlantic Shore Pines Campground. "This campground is very close to local sites like Tuckerton Seaport," reports Gennifer K., who appreciated the proximity to cultural attractions.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers designated ranges for bow shooting. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," recommends Patrick M., highlighting one of the less common outdoor activities available in the region.
Seasonal Halloween events: Many campgrounds host special October activities. "Halloween fun was really good. Many kids grade school and elementary level enjoyed the dance... The sites were decorated and they had trick or treating," shares Stephanie H. about her fall experience.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers well-separated camping areas. "Nice and quiet, sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site," writes Lindsay D., highlighting the generous spacing that provides a true forest feel.
Convenient beach access: Proximity to ocean beaches remains a major draw. "Drive time to Long Beach Island ranged between 3-40 minutes each trip we took depending on traffic," explains Matt S. about the convenience of coastal adventures from nearby campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note well-maintained bathrooms. "Bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. They had several activities and sent text reminders of what was going on," shares Gennifer K., appreciating the attention to cleanliness and organization.
Convenient payment systems: Some campgrounds offer cashless options. "Purchases can be easily made using their wristbands (provided at check-in). No need to carry cash or credit cards around the campground," notes Matt S. about the payment system at one resort.
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be problematic, especially in summer. One camper at Sea Pirate Campground reported, "The bugs were just unbearable day & night. You couldn't even sit outside by the fire. Even walking the dog was a challenge." Bring effective repellent and protective clothing.
Water pressure varies: Some sites experience utility fluctuations. "We had a problem with our site: extremely low water pressure, often below 20 PSI. It was so low at times, that we couldn't take showers or flush the toilet," reports Matt S. about infrastructure challenges.
Sandy campsites: The Pine Barrens soil affects site conditions. "The sites are sandy dirt— no gravel or concrete. This makes things extremely dirty whether it's dry or raining," explains a camper, noting the natural terrain requires preparation for cleanup.
Weekend crowds: Many campgrounds fill during peak times. "This place is great for families with children. But if you're looking for a quiet kid-free-get-away, I wouldn't recommend," advises Amy C., highlighting the social atmosphere that predominates on weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Timberline Lake Camping Resort offers multiple swimming options. "Nice quiet campground right on a huge lake, good fishing, dog beach, human beach, awesome pool. Tons of activities," notes Richard V., describing the water-based recreation opportunities.
Playgrounds and recreation: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground," shares Katheryn N. about the family-friendly amenities available.
Seasonal activities: Many sites offer organized events for children. "We went during the week, there were 4 sites taken adjacent to me, the rest of the campsite barely had anyone," reports Steve, suggesting mid-week visits for quieter family camping.
Technology considerations: Cell coverage and internet access vary widely. "Horrible wifi, zero cell service... Not my preferred camping getaway but aside from horrible internet and zero cell service, it's a nicely run campground if you are social, have an RV and young children," explains Yvonne T., highlighting connectivity challenges.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through options: Wading Pines Camping Resort provides RV-friendly sites. "They have 300 camp sites spaced out nicely. All the hook ups you need," notes Layne, explaining the accommodation for larger vehicles.
Access road conditions: Prepare for varied driving conditions. "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy," observes Lee D. about driving conditions.
Site leveling requirements: Some sites require additional work. "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose," advises Shawn, providing practical advice about hookup logistics and site preparation.
Seasonal restrictions: Most glamping options near Eagleswood, New Jersey operate seasonally. "The season at Wading Pines runs from Apr 15 - Nov 15," notes one camper, highlighting the importance of checking operating dates before planning luxury camping trips in the region.
