Glamping options near Grenloch, New Jersey extend beyond the popular Philadelphia South KOA, with alternatives throughout the Pine Barrens region. The terrain in this part of southern New Jersey features sandy soil and pine forests at elevations generally below 200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, making climate-controlled accommodations particularly valuable during peak season.
What to do
Water activities at Atsion Recreation Area: Visitors at Wharton State Forest's Atsion Recreation Area enjoy the lake for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. "We loved the fishing pond and exploring fantasy island," notes Ryan from Old Cedar Campground, highlighting the appeal of freshwater recreation in the region.
Historic sites exploration: Within 15-20 miles of several glamping locations are significant historic attractions. "We also checked out the other loops for future use and found Loop A to have very spacious, less rocky sites," reports Ellen C. from French Creek State Park Campground, which sits "adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
Pine Barrens hiking: The unique ecosystem surrounding glamping sites offers distinctive trail experiences. "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones," writes Dan M. about Brendan Byrne State Forest, where trails wind through the characteristic pine and oak forests.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain exceptional bathroom cleanliness standards. A visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground notes, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."
Family programming: Scheduled activities enhance the glamping experience at several locations. Nicole S. from Old Cedar Campground writes, "The campground is maintained and there are activities for the kids always brewing. We stayed fathers day weekend and they had a breakfast, games and crafts geared towards it."
Spacious sites: Many glamping locations provide ample space between accommodations. A visitor to French Creek State Park Campground observed, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most luxury camping options operate on limited schedules. A reviewer at Parvin State Park Campground mentions, "Stayed here Oct 14-16. Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large. No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground."
Booking requirements: Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground, highlighting the competition for premium glamping sites.
Noise considerations: Sound levels vary significantly between weekdays and weekends. Jim F. notes about Wading Pines, "Never stayed at Wading Pines, but have camped in the state park next to it and their live music (a terrible cover band) blasts every weekend until midnight into the park."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play facilities for convenience. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, Lindsay D. points out, "Nice and quiet, sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site."
Kid-friendly water features: Choose locations with swimming options during warm months. Nicholas V. comments on Old Cedar Campground, "Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."
Wildlife education opportunities: Take advantage of natural surroundings for learning experiences. At French Creek State Park, Jorah observes, "If you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Review site dimensions and accessibility before booking. Frank J. from Parvin State Park notes, "I stayed at Site#8 in a travel trailer. Site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites. Nice hiking trails. Staff very nice."
Hookup availability: Full-service options vary widely between campgrounds. "Our site was directly across from the Pavilion which was great for Saturday night's live band," writes Matt S. about his experience at Jellystone Park South Jersey, adding that "Our site included a nice concrete pad big enough to park our 45' motorhome+ toad."
Winter access options: Limited locations offer year-round availability. Cheryl K. shares about French Creek State Park: "Stayed here 2 nights without a reservation. We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites."
