Wharton State Forest near Clementon offers extensive camping amid the 123,000-acre Pine Barrens ecosystem. The forest floor consists primarily of sandy soil characteristic of this unique New Jersey ecosystem, with an elevation ranging from 50-200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F while spring and fall camping seasons provide milder conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing on Wading River: Sites at Wading Pines Camping Resort provide direct river access for water activities. "You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other," notes Layne, highlighting the convenient water recreation options.
Explore historic sites: Within a 15-minute drive of Atsion Family Camp, visitors can explore preserved historic buildings. "In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads," shares Alexa L., describing accessible history surrounding the campgrounds.
Fish at multiple locations: Hospitality Creek offers fishing opportunities beyond the more crowded areas. "Kids loved the fishing pond and exploring fantasy island," notes Ryan, mentioning some of the family-friendly fishing spots available at the campgrounds near Clementon.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: At Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest, campers appreciate the waterfront accessibility. "Campsite G014 was awesome! It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot," shares Brianna P.
Direct trail access: The Batona Campground provides immediate access to hiking trails from campsites. "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., highlighting the convenience for hikers.
Natural night sky views: The remoteness of certain campgrounds allows for exceptional stargazing. "Our tent has a full view of the sky and at night it was like a planetarium as we admired the sky from our cots," writes Dina S. about her experience at one of Wharton's campgrounds.
What you should know
Water quality varies by location: Some campgrounds have high mineral content in their water. "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing," reports Frank J. about Parvin State Park Campground.
Sand management challenges: The Pine Barrens terrain requires extra attention to tent and equipment setup. "Roads into the place are single car only, with a good amount of spots to pull off if you find yourself head to head with another vehicle. Pretty bumpy road," warns Brianna P. about access conditions.
Seasonal fluctuations in crowds: Campgrounds vary dramatically in occupancy depending on season and day of week. "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself," shares Jorah about their peaceful mid-week experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: At Hospitality Creek Campground, families can select sites based on activity areas. "Family friendly with tons of kid activities/themes. Easy roads for bike riding and beautiful views of the lake," recommends Lauren C., highlighting features that keep children entertained.
Swimming options beyond beaches: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Clementon offer swimming alternatives. "This campground has 2 pool and swimming lake. Waterfront sites are my favorite as you can bring your own kayaks," shares Denise P., noting the diverse water recreation options.
Organized weekend activities: "They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," explains Nicole S. about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, mentioning the regular programming that helps families plan their days.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose campgrounds with dedicated big-rig areas for easier access. "The park was easy to find and located a short distance from the highway. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay," describes Matt S. about the arrival experience at one campground.
Hookup availability varies: At Brendan Byrne State Forest, RVers should note the limited utility options. "Great place for a weekend getaway. Very well maintained campsites and facilities," says Marcus N., though the forest primarily offers primitive camping without full hookups.
Road conditions to consider: Many access roads to campgrounds in the Pine Barrens region have sandy surfaces. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," notes one camper about accessing certain sites, emphasizing the terrain challenges that larger vehicles might face.
Legend
