Catherine G.
Scout
ScoutHolly Acres RV Park
I came late. Found a great spot and it was free. Woke up next to a beauty lake.
Tent Camping near Eagleswood, NJ
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Tent camping opportunities abound in the pine forests surrounding Eagleswood, New Jersey, particularly within Wharton State Forest which offers multiple primitive tent setups across its expansive terrain. Bodine Field Campground features sandy sites along the Wading River with a mix of open and secluded tent spots. The Batona Campground provides tent-specific sites directly connected to the 50-mile Batona Trail. Lower Forge Camp offers more remote backcountry camping accessible primarily via hiking routes from Atsion or Batsto.
Sites throughout Wharton State Forest typically consist of sandy, flat ground characteristic of the Pine Barrens ecosystem. Campers should note most tent campgrounds feature basic pit toilets or composting outhouses rather than modern facilities. Many locations offer seasonal drinking water from pumps, but availability varies particularly during winter months. A visitor commented that the "ground is soft and comfortable to sleep on (NOT rocky at all, like almost weird how few rocks there are)," making for comfortable tent setups. Fire pits are standard at designated sites, though some more primitive areas have restrictions. Most tent-only areas operate seasonally from April 1 to October 31.
The Pine Barrens provide a unique ecosystem for tent campers seeking seclusion within relatively close proximity to urban areas. Areas farther from main roads offer deeper isolation, though weekend crowds can impact the experience at popular sites. A review noted that Batona Campground "can get busy (and rowdy) on weekends," suggesting midweek visits for those seeking tranquility. Hiking access directly from campsites represents a significant advantage, with trails ranging from short walks to multi-day backpacking routes. The dark waters of the Wading River and other waterways offer paddling opportunities, with some tent sites providing water access. Wildlife awareness is important, as bears frequent certain campgrounds, requiring proper food storage techniques for tent campers. Choosing a tent campsite midweek and away from main trailheads remains the most reliable approach for a quieter stay in this region.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Eagleswood (15)
1. 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."
2. 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."
3. Red Wing Lakes
"Swimming lake catch and release lake sells wood has bath houses, electric, water and sewer hookups. They always have something going on. And a skeet range http://www.redwinglakes.com/lakes.html"
4. Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
"Wharton State Forest has a few campsites available for primitive camping (my preferred choice). This is a review for HAWKINS BRIDGE."
"This is a primitive campsite near the river. There is water but just compost toilets that are bit few for the size campground."
5. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest
"This campground is hike-in or boat-in only, no car access. We camped here for one night on an overnight loop in Wharton State Forest. Wild blueberries abound during summer months!"
"Enjoyed a site away from the crowds. Quiet. Peaceful. Place is huge with many campsites to choose from. Checking in is slow so come early."
6. Buttonwood Hill — Wharton State Forest
"Great location for Questival, would visit again. Easy access and felt very safe and secluded."
7. 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."
8. Lower Forge Camp
"Looking for a place to escape without having to drive out of your way to get to? Lower forge is the place."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
9. Abbot Sawmill
"Close to the main roads but feels remote."
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 31 min from Atlantic City, NJ
- 58 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 3 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 5 min from Philadelphia, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Eagleswood, NJ
22 Photos of 15 Eagleswood Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Eagleswood, NJ
390 Reviews of 15 Eagleswood Campgrounds
- MMichael M.Scout
Turkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
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.
- J
John Y.ScoutOcean View Resort Campground
One of the best campgrounds I have ever stayed in
This is one of the largest, if not the largest, campgrounds in Southern New Jersey. While on the pricier side, everything is top-notch. The roads are all paved, and not gravel (I hate trying to sleep and listening to the sound of stones grating together). The sites are more spacious than most campgrounds, so it doesn't seem so crowded. The bathrooms are all modern and spotless. There are numerous bathrooms which means most sites have one nearby. They do charge a quarter for showers to encourage water conservation and donate the money to conservation causes. The pool is large, as is the lake. Both are well-maintained. The camp store is enormous and is really nice and well-stocked with everything one might need from food to pool and beach stuff to camping supplies and equipment. There is a nice cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The camp store has a lending library of books and DVDs. There are numerous activities that appear to be well-run, The grounds are shaded with many trees for a great wooded campground feel. The campground is so large that it has an internal shuttle with stations scattered about to help people go between the various important sites such as at the pool, the lake and the store. I found other campers, particularly the seasonals, to be more friendly than other campgrounds at the shore. This requires constant tree care including removing dead trees and branches which they do regularly. The staff is friendly and well-trained. I was in a tent, and when a rare October nor'easter came through, I was offered the opportunity to use a cabin free-of-charge. Fortunately my tent and equipment made it through days of rain and high winds just fine . On my first stay in May, I had to run my dog back to Baltimore towards the end of my trip where he was sadly diagnosed with incurable metastatic cancer. When I returned, I was late and unable to check out by 11, but they allowed me to take as much time as needed to clear the site, as nobody was staying there the next day, which was deeply appreciated - I was an emotional wreck. Oh, and I found the complimentary Wi-Fi to be a great service, and sufficiently fast to allow me to stream ultra-high-definition movies at my site - Most campgrounds charge extra for less-than-good service - a lot more. I find that a big bonus. Overall, I LOVE this campground and highly recommend it.
- 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.
Adeline M.GuideBrendan 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.
- CCarlos E.Scout
Turkey Swamp Park
Really nice campground
Stayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
Nadine R.GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Not my vibe
I personally did not like this campsite. First of all, our site tag was leftover from SEPTEMBER. Did no one look at any of these sites and leave someone else’s registration posted there for almost a year? Wild. Our campsite had trash leftover from previous campers. The whole campground was loud - from other campers to just the sounds from the nearby road. If you are looking for peace it is NOT here. If you’re looking to have loud music time all night with no repercussions as your kids ride around yelling and carrying on past midnight then you’ll have a blast. The pros of this campsite was supposed to be the access to Lake Atsion but we were turned away at the gate at 12:30 as they stated they were at capacity. Checking into our campsite they specifically asked if we would be utilizing the recreation area so we would have a pass for entry, but that’s seemingly not in their logistical headcount. I would not visit here again.
Guide to Eagleswood
Wharton State Forest dominates the tent campsite options near Eagleswood, New Jersey, with its 122,880 acres of Pine Barrens ecosystem extending through Burlington, Atlantic, and Camden counties. The forest's sandy terrain sits at elevations between 50-200 feet above sea level with annual rainfall averaging 44 inches. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, while summer brings high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.
What to do
Paddle the Wading River: Start at Hawkins Bridge Campground for river access behind Group Campsite A. "The Pine Barrens overall have a fascinating ecosystem. Nutrient poor, sandy soil limits the amount of foliage, and the barrens are primarily populated with fast-growing pines that grow tall, die, and fall. These decaying trees give the rivers in the barrens its signature dark color," notes one camper.
Hike the Batona Trail: The 50-mile trail connects multiple camping areas throughout the forest. At Batona Campground, "trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," making it convenient for day hikers.
Fish at local ponds: The acidic waters of the Pine Barrens host unique fishing opportunities. At Bodine Field Campground, you're "a quick drive from Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake. Good fishing for pickerel as well as a decent trail that goes around the entire pond."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Many tent campsites near Eagleswood, New Jersey offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Goshen Pond Campground, "The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded." However, some campers note that "a lot of the sites are close together without any barriers, so if the campground got crowded it wouldn't be very private."
Water proximity: Several campgrounds feature direct water access. At Goshen Pond, "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."
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons provides the most peaceful experience. At Bodine Field Campground, "During the off season is in and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be. During the weekend it's very populated and tends to be pretty noisy."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas have minimal amenities. At Mullica River Campground, expect "a pit toilet, but did not check its status." Another camper mentions "2 outhouses (hold your breath)" at this hike-in location.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to reach. Lower Forge Camp is "one of the few places in New Jersey you have to backpack into with access from either Atsion (5+ miles in) or Batsto (7 miles)." A camper reported being "wholly unprepared to hike about 8 miles to a campground, despite that and the thunderstorm, had an amazing time."
Seasonal water availability: Water sources can be unreliable, especially in winter. At Batona Campground, "A water pump provides fresh water but is not available in the winter." Plan to bring or filter water during cold months.
Wildlife concerns: Bears are present in the area. One camper warns that at Batona Campground, "Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage."
Tips for camping with families
Consider drive-in sites: For easier family camping, choose accessible locations. Tip Tam Camping Resort offers family-friendly amenities: "The place was fun... they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full! Nice little store and staff are all friendly."
Plan for noise levels: Family expectations about quiet hours vary by campground. At Tip Tam, one camper noted "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."
Pack extra tick protection: Ticks are prevalent throughout the Pine Barrens. A camper at Goshen Pond advised "Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks" when enjoying the trails and camping areas.
Consider swimming options: Some campgrounds offer swimming facilities. Goshen Pond is "a 5 minute drive from Atsion lake, a great place for kayaking and swimming," making it convenient for families wanting water recreation.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many Pine Barrens roads have sandy conditions that can challenge larger vehicles. At Abbot Sawmill, campers find it's "Close to the main roads but feels remote," making it accessible for RVs while maintaining a wilderness feel.
Site spacing concerns: RV campers should research site configurations. At Batona Campground, "The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit," limiting options for larger rigs.
Full hookup options: For those requiring amenities, some private campgrounds offer complete services. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, there are "several transient sites with full hookup" though it's "mostly a seasonal campground."
Seasonal considerations: Most forest service campgrounds operate from April 1 to October 31, requiring RVers to plan accordingly or find year-round private alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Eagleswood, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Eagleswood, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Eagleswood, NJ is Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Eagleswood, NJ?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Eagleswood, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Eagleswood, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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