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Best Campgrounds near Elmer, NJ

650 Reviews

Campgrounds near Elmer, New Jersey provide a mix of family-friendly facilities and outdoor recreation opportunities within easy reach of Philadelphia. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Elmer offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options with seasonal operation from April through October. Old Cedar Campground in nearby Monroeville features similar accommodation types with full hookups for RVs. The region includes several established campgrounds rather than dispersed camping, with most facilities concentrated within a 20-mile radius of Elmer in southern New Jersey's rural landscape.

Access to most campgrounds requires reservations, particularly during summer months when families frequent the area. "This campground is well-designed with spots that can make most campers happy. There are wooded tent sites, field sites, full plug-in RV sites, and RVs and cabins for rent," noted one visitor about Jellystone Park. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The terrain is generally flat with sandy soil typical of southern New Jersey, making for easy site access but sometimes creating challenges with sand tracking into tents and RVs. Weather conditions are moderate with humid summers and mild winters, though occasional storms can impact camping plans.

Families with children frequently mention water features and recreational activities as highlights of camping in the Elmer area. Several campgrounds feature swimming pools, splash parks, and organized activities that appeal to younger campers. One camper shared that Jellystone Park is "an excellent campground for kids. Large splash park keeps kids busy all day. They also have activities throughout the day." For those seeking a quieter experience, Parvin State Park Campground and Wharton State Forest's camping areas offer more natural settings with lake access for fishing and paddling. Proximity to Philadelphia (about 30-40 minutes away) makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for urban residents looking for outdoor recreation without traveling far from the city. Most established campgrounds provide standard amenities including water, electric hookups, shower facilities, and camp stores, though amenities vary by location.

Map showing campgrounds near Elmer, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Elmer, New Jersey (121)

    1. Parvin State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Rosenhayn, NJ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-8616

    $20 - $65 / night

    "There are grocery stores close by like Walmart about 20 minutes away. The beach is nice and clean. We rented canoes near the beach."

    "Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans."

    2. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "Quiet Getaway Weekend 

    We went to Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, New Jersey, for a quiet getaway weekend. This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

    3. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer

    10 Reviews
    Elmer, NJ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "we went to Jellystone in Elmer last year. this is an excellent campground for kids. large splash park keeps kids busy all day. they also have activities thorough out the day. great campground."

    "They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."

    5. Four Seasons Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Pilesgrove, NJ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 769-3635

    $50 - $150 / night

    "They have many amenities form a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds,theres a convenient store and even an arcade, and the best part is all the farms around."

    6. Hospitality Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Winslow, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 629-5140

    "The park was easy to find and located a short distance from the highway. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay."

    "We love the lake side campsites."

    7. KC’s Camp Fitness

    9 Reviews
    Millville, NJ
    14 miles
    +1 (856) 503-5160

    $30 - $35 / night

    "A safe haven located just outside of the city. Give them a try and come back here to leave them a review."

    8. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    "The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."

    9. Yogi Bear At Tall Pines Resort

    1 Review
    Elmer, NJ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    $48 - $60 / night

    10. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "Atsion Family Campground Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."

    "It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."

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Recent Camping Photos near Elmer, NJ

206 Photos of 121 Elmer Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elmer, NJ

650 Reviews of 121 Elmer Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Tiffany P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Ocean View Resort Campground

    Lots of fun

    This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities. Does get very crowded and definitely have to book a head. We loved where our site was located. Will definitely be visiting again.

  • C
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Pros and cons

    We have been to this campground twice. First time everything was very clean and lots to do. The last time things had slipped a little bit. Campground was definitely not as clean. The first time there was staff riding around picking up garbage and keeping things neat. Last time it seemed like it was just a bunch of teenagers flying around on golf carts not doing much. Almost all the games were broken in the arcade. Plus a lot more seasonals. The seasonals also have a lot of political flags with profanities. Not very family friendly! Pros love the pool, lake, waterslides, and proximity to cape may Cons broken equipment, kids racing golf carts all hours of the nights, lots of seasonals with over the top decorations, with flags with profanities and cleanliness slipping. We will try it again. Hopefully they were just having an off year.

Guide to Elmer

Camping near Elmer, New Jersey, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do

  • Hiking and biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the variety of paths available.
  • Fishing: Head to Elk Neck State Park Campground for some fishing. A reviewer noted, "There’s a calm waterway excellent for kayaking," which also makes it a great spot for fishing.
  • Beach access: Enjoy the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park Campground. One camper raved, "There are paths to the beach that we rode our bikes on," making it easy to soak up the sun.

What campers like

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Lums Pond State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers enjoy the cleanliness of the bathrooms. A review for Tuckahoe State Park Campground mentioned, "The restrooms were spotless," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Susquehanna State Park Campground said, "The staff were super friendly and the bathrooms were kept clean."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Swamp Park, have fewer amenities. A camper noted, "The shower/bathrooms are clean, but dated," so be prepared for rustic conditions.
  • Crowded on weekends: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Cape Henlopen State Park Campground mentioned, "It's always busy," especially on weekends.
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Martinak State Park Campground. One camper warned about "poison ivy everywhere," so keep an eye out.

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Turkey Swamp Park. A reviewer said, "There's a nice playground in the campground," which is great for kids.
  • Cabins for comfort: Consider renting a cabin at Martinak State Park Campground. One family enjoyed, "The site had a fire ring, grill, and picnic table," making it a cozy option for families.
  • Plan activities: Make sure to plan activities like fishing or hiking. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground mentioned, "There was so much to do being on the bay," which can keep the whole family entertained.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site dimensions: RVers should pay attention to site sizes. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground advised, "Watch the site dimensions or you might not be able to fit your vehicle AND camper on the site."
  • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like Tuckahoe State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Some sites have water and sewer as well, which is rare in a MD state park."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds, such as Turkey Swamp Park, have unpaved roads. A reviewer mentioned, "None of the roads are paved," so be ready for a bumpy ride.

Camping near Elmer, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elmer, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elmer, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Elmer, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Elmer, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elmer, NJ is Parvin State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elmer, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Elmer, NJ.

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