The Pine Barrens region surrounding Bridgeton, New Jersey sits at an average elevation of 100 feet above sea level with sandy, acidic soil that supports unique pine and oak vegetation not found elsewhere in the state. This ecosystem creates distinct camping opportunities approximately 40 miles from Philadelphia and 25 miles from Delaware Bay. Cell service throughout the area can be spotty, with reviewers noting that AT&T typically provides better coverage than Verizon or T-Mobile in forested campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing adventures: Parvin State Park offers a serene lake setting with multiple fishing spots. "The fishing is also very accessible Because it's basically pancake flat terrain," notes John S. who stayed in one of the park's rustic cabins. Another visitor mentioned, "Good fishing and nice trails. Nice campsites, some big enough for trailers. Bathrooms were very clean."
Historic exploration: Cape Henlopen State Park Campground blends beach access with military history from World War II. "It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there," shares Jennifer S. The park features "historic ruins from ww2" and "there's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views and photo opportunities."
Lake activities: Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest provides lakefront camping with paddling options. "Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site!" reports Dina S. The campground offers "free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)." For those without equipment, "Pineland Adventures right down the street has wonderful trips!"
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Old Cedar Campground offers secluded spots with natural surroundings. "We faced the cow pasture so we had a great view. No prob w bugs. Sites r close together but not on top of each other," notes Stacy D. The campground provides "a nice quiet place" with "wooden sites" that create a sense of privacy not often found at larger resorts.
Wildlife viewing: Belleplain State Forest provides opportunities to spot local fauna in a natural setting. "We had friends stay in the lean-tos nearby and others visit. We had room to park several cars. This would be a great site for an RV plus a few tents," shares Anne H. The forest features "nice hiking trails" and "lake for swimming" where visitors can observe native wildlife.
Glamping options near Bridgeton: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Elmer offers upscale camping accommodations. "We stay in the rental campers. They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean," reports Nicholas V. Another visitor noted the park "has a lot more things to do" for families looking for luxury camping near Bridgeton, including "a full grill inside with a large 'convenience store' with everything you could need."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Summer temperatures in the Pine Barrens can reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and fewer bugs. "Our site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites. Nice hiking trails. Staff very nice," shares Frank J. about Parvin State Park, but warns "the water has a very high iron content" which affects taste and appearance.
Reservation timing: Most glamping sites near Bridgeton book 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. For Lums Pond State Park, Ellen B. advises: "Book early because it fills up fast!" The most sought-after sites are waterfront locations with electric hookups.
Campsite selection: Check site measurements carefully before booking. At Cape Henlopen, one camper warns: "None of the sites are level. Sites are mostly small and close together." Another advises: "If you want quiet stay to the ends of the rows. E and F are quieter too."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programs for children. At Holly Shores Camping Resort, "We returned due to all the activities the campground offers for the kids. A nice lake with a giant inflatable slide, floating trampoline, kayak and paddle board rentals," shares Dave R. He adds, "We had a blast with a golf cart rental" which made exploring the campground easier with kids.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds with pools open them Memorial Day through Labor Day. At Mays Landing Resort, Herbert notes, "The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt. The miniature golf course could have been maintained better, but it was so inexpensive I couldn't consider it an issue."
Nature programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities that teach kids about local ecosystems. "The nature center had planned activities for families each day," mentions Anne H. about Belleplain State Forest. Another parent appreciated that "Cape Henlopen has a nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff."
Tips from RVers
Hookup access: Many campgrounds have specific RV loops with varied amenities. At Lums Pond, Mark notes, "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus." The park recently upgraded with "concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer."
Navigating roads: RV drivers should be cautious on narrow campground roads. At Old Cedar Campground, a camper warns that "if you're going to take my granddaughter back to our home in Florida. We had previously lived in Monroeville so had the opportunity to visit family and friends."
