Camping opportunities around Mays Landing, New Jersey include options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV resorts across the Pine Barrens region. Located within the Atlantic County lowlands, the area sits at approximately 30 feet above sea level with sandy soil typical of the New Jersey coastal plain. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with summer humidity and moderate spring and fall temperatures affecting camping comfort.
What to do
Hiking through the Pine Barrens: Belleplain State Forest offers accessible hiking trails through distinctive pine forest ecosystems. "Very nice campground tucked away in southern NJ. Clean facilities. Plenty of space for our tent. Lake for swimming and you can rent boats. Nice hiking trails and playground," notes April E.
Paddling local waterways: Wading Pines Camping Resort provides direct access to the Wading River for river tubing and kayaking opportunities. According to Layne, "Very nice wading river next to the camp grounds. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."
Lake swimming and recreation: Many campgrounds feature lake access with swimming areas and beaches. At Parvin State Park Campground, "The swimming lake was beautiful. We biked the trails, and hiked others that didn't allow bikes," according to Anne H., who also appreciated that "there are 3 campgrounds here: North Shore, Miesle and CCC."
What campers like
Yurt accommodations: Several campgrounds near Mays Landing offer yurt camping options as alternatives to traditional tent or cabin stays. Lisa S. from Belleplain State Forest shared, "We stayed in a yurt. It was a great experience that we would definitely do again. There is a small lake that was great to kayak on."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among visitor priorities. Brett D. noted about Belleplain State Forest, "Nice clean campsites with good electric and water hookups. Great activities at the lake and playground. Site was level. Bath house was a little run down, but serviceable."
Proximity to beaches: Ocean View Resort Campground provides convenient access to coastal attractions. "This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities. Does get very crowded and definitely have to book ahead," mentions Tiffany P.
What you should know
Site conditions: Many Pine Barrens campsites feature sandy soil that can create challenges. At Atlantic Shore Pines Campground, Jim G. notes, "Sites are packed sand so be prepared with a good broom because it tracks everywhere."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Atlantic Shore Pines Campground is "about 20 minutes from LBI, and 35 minutes from Ocean City. The site we had was a pull through and very spacious. The whole place was quiet and clean," according to Dave B.
Water quality issues: Several campgrounds in the area have notable water characteristics. Frank J. observed at Parvin State Park, "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water."
Tips for camping with families
Pool and water features: Yurt camping near Mays Landing offers family-friendly amenities at several campgrounds. Ray L. shares about Ocean View Resort, "This campground had it all from a huge pool and unbelievable splash pad to a great swimming pond with a beach! They just completed a new camp store building that has everything you could think of."
Playground access: Select sites near recreation areas for convenience. Rosie R. notes about Parvin State Park, "We chose site #10 based on its close proximity to the lake and fishing access. Site is great for people with families as there was a playground within 50 feet so it is a bit louder and busier."
Family-oriented activities: Jellystone Park South Jersey provides structured entertainment options. Matt S. mentions, "Our site was directly across from the Pavilion which was great for Saturday night's live band. The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. Daniel C. from Mays Landing Resort noted, "Site are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled."
Access considerations: Road conditions within campgrounds may present navigation issues. Cynthia commented about Parvin State Park, "Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large. No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground. My rig is 31 ft class C and it was fine for me but a larger rig may have a tough time maneuvering the narrow roads."
Hookup availability: Research utility options when planning yurt camping around Mays Landing. Anne H. mentions about Belleplain State Forest, "CCC is the only one with electric and water hookups on site. The worst was the dump station. It is just a little hole on the side of the road and the ONLY dump station for the 3 campgrounds!"
