Wharton State Forest tent camping near Hammonton, New Jersey features sandy soil unique to the Pine Barrens region, creating surprisingly comfortable sleeping conditions despite the primitive setting. The area encompasses over 122,000 acres of protected forest land with elevations rarely exceeding 200 feet above sea level. Trail systems connect multiple campgrounds, with temperatures ranging from 30-90°F throughout the camping season from April through October.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest, you'll find convenient water entry for paddling. "Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent. We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient," notes Anna D.
Multi-day paddling trips: Plan a two-day canoe tour down the Wading River starting at Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest. "Did a two day Canoe tour down the wading river and used the outfitter Micks Canoe. We started Friday night camping at Hawkins Bridge campground," shares Thomas M., who adds "Wading river has a nice flow. It's a dark black river from the tannins."
Batona Trail hiking: Access this 50-mile trail directly from several tent camping sites near Hammonton. "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," explains meghan G. from her experience at Batona Campground.
Wild blueberry picking: During summer months, find wild blueberries while hiking to backcountry sites. Rebecca S. mentions this seasonal treat at Mullica River — Wharton State Forest: "We camped here for one night on an overnight loop in Wharton State Forest. Wild blueberries abound during summer months!"
What campers like
Secluded environment: Many tent campers near Hammonton appreciate the isolation. Alyssa D. from Batona — Wharton State Forest shares, "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!"
Walk-in site privacy: Some campers prefer sites that require a short walk from parking. "I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time," explains Elliott B. about Goshen Pond.
Natural kindling abundance: The Pine Barrens ecosystem provides practical benefits for tent campers. Hallie M. notes at Hawkins Bridge, "The unique ecosystem of the barrens give campers some advantages: the ground is soft and comfortable to sleep on (NOT rocky at all, like almost weird how few rocks there are). It also means that there is plenty of kindling to gather for fires."
Water features: Campers enjoy proximity to distinctive waterways. "You're right next to the wading river/creek with that amazing cedar water. As well as a quick drive Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake. Good fishing for pickerel," reports Dan M. about Bodine Field Campground.
What you should know
Insect awareness: Ticks and other biting insects are common in tent camping areas near Hammonton. "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," advises Eldad K. from Goshen Pond.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved routes. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," explains meghan G. about Batona Campground, adding "The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."
Water appearance: The dark-colored rivers are natural, not polluted. "Batsto River provides plenty of water for filtering—don't be weirded out by the brown color caused by tannins," advises Rebecca S. from her experience at Lower Forge Camp.
Bathroom facilities: Most tent camping areas have basic toilets only. "Bathrooms are very basic. Fresh water pump is located at entrance to campground," notes meghan G., while another camper described facilities as "Vault toilets, but has potable water available and you're right off the water."
Weekend crowds: For solitude when tent camping near Hammonton, timing matters. Adeline M. reports about Bodine Field, "During the off season and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be. During the weekend it's very populated and tends to be pretty noisy."
Tips for camping with families
Distance planning: When backpacking with kids to remote sites, prepare for longer distances than expected. James R. from Lower Forge notes, "One of the few places in New Jersey you have to backpack into with access from either (Atsion 5+ miles in) or Batsto (7 miles)... great for beginners who you're trying to break into backpacking."
Group site selection: Families should consider the layout advantages of specific sites. "If you're camping with a group, aim for this site," recommends Hallie M. about Hawkins Bridge, explaining "Each of the private campsites have a parking spot. It's really all the benefits of backwoods camping (the quiet, the solitude) with all the conveniences of car camping."
Site spacing awareness: For family tent camping near Hammonton, understand site proximity. "Individual sites are closely packed, which was not a problem as we were the only ones there. Any more than 2-3 groups of campers and this ground would start to feel claustrophobic," notes Rebecca S. about Mullica River Campground.
Youth group popularity: Be prepared for potential noise from organized youth activities. Lauren from Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest shares her experience: "Beautiful remote location w minimal amenities but 3 boy scout troops of screaming children didn't make it enjoyable."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Larger RVs face access challenges at most tent camping areas near Hammonton. Meg F. from Batona appreciates that there are "Thankfully no RVs here," while meghan G. clarifies that "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."
Seasonal water availability: RVers should note that water access changes by season. Trip Over Life warns, "A water pump provides fresh water but is not available in the winter," and meghan G. confirms facilities are limited: "Fresh water pump is located at entrance to campground."
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is essential when RVing in this area. Trip Over Life cautions, "Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage."
