Best Campgrounds near Hammonton, NJ
Hammonton, New Jersey serves as a gateway to multiple camping opportunities in Wharton State Forest, the largest state forest in New Jersey's Pine Barrens region. The area features a mix of family-friendly developed campgrounds and more remote backcountry sites. Atsion Family Camp offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with waterfront sites available, while Mullica River Campground provides more primitive hike-in or boat-in tent camping options. Most campgrounds in the Pine Barrens region feature sandy soil characteristic of the unique ecosystem, with varying levels of amenities from basic pit toilets to full shower facilities.
The camping season for most Wharton State Forest campgrounds runs from April 1 through October 31, with some locations like Atsion Family Camp open year-round. Reservations are recommended, particularly for waterfront sites which typically book well in advance. The sandy terrain throughout the area can present access challenges, especially after heavy rainfall when flooding may occur. Bathrooms and facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with Atsion offering more developed amenities while backcountry sites like Mullica River feature only basic facilities. Cell service throughout the Pine Barrens is limited but generally accessible. According to one visitor: "The Atsion Family Campground was my first time camping in Wharton State Forest. The site I chose was right next to the water which made for some very scenic views during my brief stay."
The Pine Barrens location provides unique camping experiences with distinctive flora and fauna. Sites closer to lakes or rivers are consistently rated higher in visitor reviews, with campers particularly valuing water access for kayaking and canoeing opportunities. Proximity to historic areas like Batsto Village, an old iron and glass community dating back to the 1700s, enhances the camping experience with educational opportunities. Several campers noted the spaciousness of individual sites, particularly at Atsion where lakefront locations are highly coveted. A visitor observed: "We stayed at site #47, which had great canopy cover, while allowing nice bits of sunshine. Great size. Private. Site #48 next to us was massive, and at least double the size of ours." Road noise can be an issue at sites closer to Atsion Road, so campers seeking more solitude may prefer interior locations or more remote campgrounds.
