Best Campgrounds near Elwood, NJ
The pine forests surrounding Elwood, New Jersey host several established campgrounds within the Wharton State Forest system and private camping resorts. Wharton State Forest provides multiple camping areas including Atsion Family Camp, Batona, Bodine Field, and Godfrey Bridge campgrounds where visitors can find primitive tent sites and limited RV access. Private options like Winding River Campground and Spacious Skies Country Oaks offer more developed facilities with full hookups for recreational vehicles. Most camping opportunities are concentrated within a 20-mile radius of Elwood, with many sites situated along rivers or near lakes in the Pine Barrens region.
Seasonal considerations strongly impact camping availability across the region. Many campgrounds operate from April through October, with only select locations like Bass River State Forest and some Wharton State Forest sites remaining open year-round. "We stayed at the Mullica River camp ground. It is a hike or boat in only campground with a pump to get water and 2 outhouses," noted one visitor about a backcountry option. The area experiences high humidity and mosquito activity during summer months, while spring and fall offer more comfortable conditions. Ticks are prevalent, particularly in backcountry areas, with one camper cautioning: "Be sure to use A LOT of deet spray. Even with 100% deet spray, we still had at least 2 on each person." Sites in Wharton State Forest typically require reservations and have specific regulations regarding fires and alcohol consumption.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with several campgrounds positioned along rivers suitable for kayaking and canoeing. A visitor to Winding River Campground highlighted: "They have kayaking and tubing available with their own transport. 2, 3 and 5 hour trips and you come right back down to the campsite!" Mixed-use campgrounds offering cabin rentals alongside traditional tent and RV sites have become increasingly common. While some sites provide full amenities including showers, electricity and water hookups, others maintain a more primitive character with vault toilets and no running water. Campers frequently mention the sandy soil conditions typical of the Pine Barrens, which can create dusty conditions during dry periods but provide good drainage during rainfall. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with the region supporting diverse bird and plant species characteristic of this unique ecosystem.
