Best Campgrounds near Egg Harbor City, NJ
Egg Harbor City, New Jersey serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in the New Jersey Pine Barrens region. The area includes several established campgrounds with varied accommodation options, including Bass River State Forest, Wharton State Forest, and privately-owned facilities like Holly Acres RV Park. Most campgrounds in this region support tent, RV, and cabin camping, with some also offering glamping opportunities. Situated roughly 20 miles northwest of Atlantic City, the camping landscape ranges from state-managed forests to family-owned resorts with amenities like swimming pools, fishing ponds, and organized activities.
Camping season generally runs from April through October at most locations, though some sites like Bass River and Godfrey Bridge in Wharton State Forest remain open year-round. Summer months bring higher humidity and insect activity, particularly in wooded areas near water. Most campgrounds require reservations, with state forest campgrounds typically offering more basic amenities compared to private operations. Sites with full hookups for RVs are primarily available at private campgrounds like Baker's Acres and Wading Pines Camping Resort. A camper at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake advised, "Stay away from the front middle spots, they flood when it rains."
Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the region, with many locations balancing tent sites, RV pads, and cabin rentals. Wharton State Forest maintains several primitive camping areas including Batona, Bodine Field, and Godfrey Bridge campgrounds, offering more natural settings with fewer amenities. Private campgrounds tend to offer more activities and facilities but may have seasonal occupants. "Very clean, very quiet at night... almost too quiet!" noted one visitor about Shady Pines Campground. Water access represents a significant draw, with many campgrounds offering fishing lakes or ponds. Proximity to Atlantic City beaches and attractions serves as another advantage, with most campgrounds situated within 30-45 minutes of coastal areas while maintaining a wooded, natural setting.
