Best Tent Camping near Mays Landing, NJ
Tent camping opportunities near Mays Landing, New Jersey are concentrated primarily within Wharton State Forest, where several primitive campgrounds cater specifically to tent campers. Bodine Field and Mullica River campgrounds offer established tent sites within the forest's diverse Pine Barrens ecosystem. These primitive tent camping areas provide access to the distinctive dark-water rivers and sandy terrain characteristic of this unique ecological region.
The tent sites throughout Wharton State Forest feature soft, sandy soil with minimal rocks, creating comfortable ground for setting up tents. Most primitive tent campgrounds include basic fire rings but limited other amenities. Potable water is available at some locations like Hawkins Bridge and Bodine Field, but several sites including Goshen Pond have no drinking water access. Pit toilets or composting outhouses serve most campgrounds, though their condition varies. A recent review noted that "the composting outhouse toilets are not great" at Bodine Field. Seasonal operation typically runs from April 1 to October 31, and reservations are required for most tent sites.
The Pine Barrens provide a distinctive tent camping experience with unique ecological features. The nutrient-poor sandy soil supports primarily pine trees, creating a fairly open camping environment. According to one visitor, "Flat, even ground for sleeping" makes tent setup particularly easy compared to rockier camping regions. Several tent-only sites require hiking or paddling to access, including Mullica River Campground which is boat-in or hike-in only, approximately 6 miles from the nearest road access. Tent campers should be aware of the area's abundant wildlife, including ticks which are frequently mentioned in reviews. The dark-colored rivers, stained by natural tannins from decaying vegetation, offer paddling opportunities directly accessible from several tent campgrounds. During weekdays and off-season periods, most primitive tent sites provide peaceful seclusion, though weekend noise levels can increase substantially at the more accessible locations.