Tent campsites near Haddon Heights, New Jersey exist throughout a region dominated by Atlantic Coastal Plain geography, where elevations rarely exceed 200 feet. The camping terrain features acidic, sandy soils that drain quickly after rain, creating firm yet comfortable tent pads in most locations. Weekday tent camping offers significantly more solitude than weekends, when family groups tend to arrive in larger numbers.
What to do
Hiking through pine forests: Multiple trails through Fort Washington State Park offer accessible terrain for day hikes. "There's 3.5 miles of trails to explore," according to one visitor who appreciated the "hawk watching deck" that offers seasonal raptor viewing opportunities.
Creek exploration: The waterways around these tent sites provide shallow wading areas for summer cooling. "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully," notes a camper who spent time exploring the streams at Evansburg State Park.
Birding in migration seasons: The Atlantic Flyway brings diverse bird species through the area, especially during spring and fall migrations. "The back of the campground backs up to a beautiful creek/swamp, and the Batona trail runs through the campground," writes a camper about the Batona Campground at Wharton State Forest.
What campers like
Sandy tent sites: The soft ground creates natural cushioning for sleeping pads and tents. "The forest floor in many locations consists of soft sand and pine needles, creating comfortable tent sites," noted one reviewer of Wharton State Forest.
Walk-in site privacy: Campers appreciate the separation from parking areas at Goshen Pond Campground, where "Our site was very quiet, but a lot of the sites are close together without any barriers, so if the campground got crowded it wouldn't be very private."
Off-trail adventure: The expansive forests allow for exploration beyond designated paths. "It is so easy to get lost in these woods and I LOVE IT! I grew up near the pine barrens and would camp here many times with friends. If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT!" explains a camper at Batona Campground.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Ticks remain the primary concern for campers in this region from April through November. "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/trucks. Pretty good boating/fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks," warns a visitor to Goshen Pond.
Water access varies: Some sites require you to bring all water, while others provide pumps. "Vault toilets, but has potable water available and you're right off the water," explains a camper about Goshen Pond facilities.
Sandy roads: Vehicle access to some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved sandy routes. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," notes a camper about Lower Forge Camp, adding that while challenging, conventional cars can make the journey.
Tips for camping with families
Close-to-city options: Several tent sites sit within 30 minutes of Philadelphia, providing quick escapes. "This is a magnificent well taken care of park," notes a reviewer about Fort Washington State Park Campground, where facilities remain accessible for families needing basic amenities.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds feature shallow water exploration opportunities. A visitor to Ridley Creek State Park notes it "has a great picnic area with grills" and is "great for hiking. Pet friendly! We love walking here with our dog. There are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in!"
First-time camping locations: Some sites specifically cater to novice campers with relatively flat terrain and basic amenities. "This place is great for first time campers. I go camping here almost every year and they have a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a ton of trails to hike on," writes a camper about Ridley Creek.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent sites near Haddon Heights restrict vehicle sizes due to narrow access roads. At Batona Campground, a visitor notes: "Site are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."
Small trailer options: Compact campers under 18 feet can access select sites at Batona Campground, where sites are described as "very open" but with few other campers during off-peak times, providing unexpected privacy for small trailer camping.
