Sandy terrain characterizes campgrounds around Manahawkin, with elevations rarely exceeding 50 feet above sea level. The Pine Barrens ecosystem creates distinctive camping conditions with acidic soil and cedar-stained water. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and high humidity levels.
What to do
Lake activities at Bass River: Bass River State Forest offers kayak and canoe rentals at its lake. "The camp sites are a great size and many are set back enough that you have privacy. Many great memories of canoeing and fishing on the lake and is a great family-friendly campground," notes Maggie H. from Bass River State Forest.
Hiking nearby trails: Wharton State Forest trails connect directly to campsites. "The Batona Campground is in the northern area of the Wharton State Forest and is a bit removed from most trails and other campgrounds in the park. The back of the campground backs up to a beautiful creek/swamp, and the Batona trail runs through the campground," shares Brittany L. about Batona — Wharton State Forest.
Tubing opportunities: Several campsites offer river tubing during summer months. "We did have a great time tubing on the river. Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride," explains Stacy D. from Wading Pines Camping Resort.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Many campgrounds feature sites with natural separation. "Quaint and rustic, heavily wooded. Makes you feel like your camping, not just lined up next to a bunch of campers," writes Joel N. about Baker's Acres Campground.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms. "Clean, quiet, lots of activities for both children and adults, and overall a great campground," reports James G. from Long Beach RV Resort.
Easy beach access: Several campgrounds provide convenient routes to beaches. "Very nice campground with a nice pool and good proximity to LBI. The drive time to Long Beach Island ranged between 30-40 minutes each trip we took depending on traffic," notes Matt S. from Sea Pirate Campground.
What you should know
Sandy sites create challenges: The natural terrain affects camping comfort. "The sites are a little bit sandy which creates cleanliness challenges. Sites are packed sand so be prepared with a good broom because it tracks everywhere," advises Jim G. from Atlantic Shore Pines Campground.
Tick prevention essential: Wooded areas can harbor ticks, particularly in spring and early summer. "There were a lot of ticks when we stayed in May so keep that in mind. The campground was clean and well maintained," warns Gennifer K. from Bass River State Forest.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience noise from neighboring properties. "All of the spots in Wharton are great, except for the ones closest to the private Wading Pines campground on weekends. This includes Godfrey and Hawkins. Wading Pines has live music that they blast from 7 until 11-12 pm that echoes through the park," reports Jim F.
Tips for camping with families
Planned activities for children: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Manahawkin offer organized events. "Great family run and owned campground. We enjoyed the scavenger hunt and Saturday night entertainment. My husband and daughter enjoyed the pool. The playground was nice," shares Becca U. from Baker's Acres.
Look for secluded sites: Some campgrounds offer more private options for families. "If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT! It is so easy to get lost in these woods and I LOVE IT," recommends Alyssa D. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Check water amenities: Swimming options vary widely between campgrounds. "The heated swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear. The store was stocked with typical essentials like supplies, fire wood, and snacks," reports Matt S. from Sea Pirate Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV campers recommend researching specific sites. "Our site was a level pull-thru with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. It was easy to pull in and can accommodate larger rigs. The hook-ups were all well-maintained and worked fine," advises Matt S. from Sea Pirate Campground.
Water pressure varies: Some campgrounds experience utility fluctuations. "We had a problem with our site: extremely low water pressure, often below 20 PSI. It was so low at times that we couldn't take showers or flush the toilet," warns a reviewer from Sea Pirate Campground.
Consider seasonal limitations: Many dog-friendly campgrounds have different access during off-seasons. "Sites are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit," cautions Meghan G. about Batona Campground.
