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.

Best Tent Sites Near Mays Landing, New Jersey (14)

    1. Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Egg Harbor City, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "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."

    "Bodine Field is one of several camping locations within Wharton State Forest.

    I am writing this review over a year after our stay so forgive me if the details are lacking."

    2. Abbot Sawmill

    1 Review
    Hammonton, NJ
    13 miles

    "Close to the main roads but feels remote."

    3. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "This campground is hike-in or boat-in only, no car access. We camped here for one night on an overnight loop in Wharton State Forest. Wild blueberries abound during summer months!"

    "Enjoyed a site away from the crowds. Quiet. Peaceful. Place is huge with many campsites to choose from. Checking in is slow so come early."

    4. Batona — Wharton State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage. "

    "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."

    5. Red Wing Lakes

    1 Review
    Port Republic, NJ
    14 miles

    "Swimming lake catch and release lake sells wood has bath houses, electric, water and sewer hookups. They always have something going on. And a skeet range

    http://www.redwinglakes.com/lakes.html"

    6. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "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."

    "The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time."

    7. Buttonwood Hill — Wharton State Forest

    1 Review
    Egg Harbor City, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "Great location for Questival, would visit again. Easy access and felt very safe and secluded."

    8. Lower Forge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    $5 / night

    "Looking for a place to escape without having to drive out of your way to get to? Lower forge is the place."

    9. Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "Wharton State Forest has a few campsites available for primitive camping (my preferred choice). This is a review for HAWKINS BRIDGE."

    "This is a primitive campsite near the river. There is water but just compost toilets that are bit few for the size campground."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Mays Landing, NJ

404 Reviews of 14 Mays Landing Campgrounds


  • W L.
    Mar. 15, 2022

    Parvin State Park Campground

    Great location; Easy camping for newbies

    We stayed for a weekend and were very happy with our cabin - a pleasant surprise was how incredible the bathroom inside there was - we're talking spectacularly clean! There was a shower stall w/built-in shelves that seemed brand new (no mildew on the shower curtain, no stains, etc.). The small sink had a mirror above it that opens for a medicine cabinet. Plenty of toilet paper but you need to bring your own soap/shampoo/towels.

    The cabin featured a separate kitchenette area with regular size fridge, sink, electric stove with oven and some counter space/cupboard and rack for a hand towel. A fire extinguisher was within easy reach. The main area had two Adirontack chairs, table with benches, electrical outlet and wide barn doors (designed to open fully but ours were nailed shut so only a regular door width opened). There was a wood stove which, in August, we did not utilize (and I'd recommend bringing a small fan or two if you come in the summer, it was hot). There was a chalkboard (no chalk).

    While we did not think we'd be using the narrow screened in porch it did rain and we were glad to have it. Also inside were two little rooms with bunk beds. I felt claustrophobic in there, imagining spiders and all sorts of creepy things living in there and opted to sleep in the car. Which reminds me - warning - there are tiny deer ticks. Don't go out to the car in the dark when the dew is on the grass w/o covering your feet and ankles, you will get deer ticks. Not like it happened to me or anything, wink wink. That being said, the bunks were clean, if well-used. Bring your sheets/pillows/sleeping bag for them. 

    Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans.

    We walked the path around Thundergust lake after dinner and here is another warning: bring super-woodsman-strong-do-not-mess-with-me bug spray. While we all can get mosquito bites, these babies were like Rambo mosquitos on sterioids - one bite would leave a welt swollen a quarter inch above your skin and an inch and a half long. One bite. Now imaging a dozen of them and you can see why my friend was miserable the next day. We also found the "spotted lantern fly" a pest that is non-native and wrecking havock, which we promptly crushed with a hiking boot.

    The swimming area of Parvin Lake was closed due to COVID, but we did a few hikes. There are maps available in the ranger's office - and some pretty cool tie-died t-shirts, too. (I got the turquoise). Anyway, the trails were pretty busy - lots of locals out getting a walk, run, or dog walk in. The hikes were easy, with level, sandy trails that were well-marked. There is a lot nearby the camping area, (like Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy where you can feed the animals and purchase some fantasic dairy products, yarn, and meats) or the Jersey Shore, or Amish markets.  So, while you can have the camping experience you will never feel "alone in the woods", which is why it's a great choice for new campers. Also  families who want the option of day trips close by. Some people had kayaks out on one of the lakes.

    While a bit worn from the weather, it was nice to read about the foliage/native plants as we walked the trails. We also caught the end of the blueberry season and I was able to collect enough to make a small batch of jam when I got home.

    My four-star rating comes from personal preference for more solitude when I camp. The other side of the same coin is the other negative impression I left with - there was a lot of trash/litter no matter where we were in this park. "Leave no trace" is not practiced here by the visitors, and while the park keeps the cabins COVID-spotless, the grounds are not maintained with the same stringency. In all fairness, the visitors should stop throwing bottles, wrappers, etc. on the ground. Signage and some volunteer days might help.

  • Steve W.
    May. 31, 2022

    Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    4x4ing in the Pine Barrens

    Atsion Family Campground

    Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground. The facility is run by the Dept of Environmental Protection and offers Tent, Trailer and Group Sites. There are also Cabins for rent as well, but only available during the summer months, After Memorial Day until October. AFC is one of several campgrounds in WSF and is the largest with 50 camping sites. Amenities include a handicapped accessible restroom/shower building, several drinking water spigots, and a waste dump for trailers. There are no electric hook ups and cell service is low, but manageable. Plenty of sun (shady too) so bring your solar powered generators and cell signal boosters if you need to stay connected. AFC is also pet friendly, so bring your 4 legged furry family members, after registering them with the camp site.

    The individual sites are spacious with a pic-nick table and fire ring grill. Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites (4, 8, 10, 12, 20 and 22) early as they are popular. The ground is sandy and relatively level for easy camp set up. Some sites are close to a roadway, so you do get some car noise, and like all unmonitored camp sites, loud, unruly campers can be lurking among the pines. Be sure to get your fire wood from the guy that lives across the street from the campground entrance. 5 bucks, on the honor system, a good amount of wood, open 24/7.

    Nearby is the Atsion Recreation Area, which offers fishing, walking, biking and horseback trails, a life guard monitored beach by the lake with restrooms and snacks (Summer Months). Only 15 minutes away, a quick drive, is Batso Village, an old iron and glass community from the late 1700s to early 1900s. NJ State Park Rangers are working hard keeping the area clean, rehabilitated, and educational center allowing you to walk through the old buildings and time as you image what life was like back then. Wharton SF is huge, over 122,000 acres of sandy terrain, towering pine trees, lakes/rivers and off roading trails!! Y’all should come and play in the Pine Barrens

  • Ellen C.
    May. 29, 2019

    Bass River State Forest

    Our usual spot for a quick weekend trip that's close to home.

    I have stayed here many times over the years, usually for a long weekend.  Longer trips were spent there with my parents when I was a kid.   I prefer the south shore campsites to the north shore.  The sites on the south shore offer a little more privacy and aren't as crammed.  I'm particularly fond of the dog friendly loop, its a newer loop and the bathrooms are more modern than the others scattered around. 

    We have also stayed in the camping shelters a few times and a cabin once.    The shelters offer no frills sleeping quarters with two bunks beds, so four beds and closet/pantry on both sides in the rear for food and gear, a wooden table in and pot belly stove for warmth or a one pot meal in the front room.  Bathrooms are in a separate building across the road and are shared with the other shelters occupants.  The exterior includes a fire pit, picnic table and a fire ring for larger meal prep.

    The cabins are a two steps above the shelter with a full kitchen and bathroom with shower, but otherwise rustic, with three sets of bunk beds, a wooden table and two Adirondack chairs in front of a fire place.  The screened in porch at the rear of the cabin overlooks the lake and has plenty of room for camp chairs.   There is also a picnic table and a charcoal grill outside.

    The beach is home to the cleanest, most wonderful lake I have ever set foot  in.  There are picnic tables and grills scattered all around the beach near the parking lot and it does get crowded in the summer months.  There is also a concession stand open in the summer months, serving light fare -- burgers, dogs, ice cream, soda & chips.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2022

    Spacious Skies Country Oaks

    Quiet Getaway Weekend

    ★★★ Quiet Getaway Weekend 

    We went to Spacious Skies Country Oaks in Dorothy, New Jersey, for a quiet getaway weekend. This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities. We stayed in Site# 14- a pull-thru with 50-amp, water, and sewer. The hookups seemed to work just fine. There is a small concrete patio(which I like), fire ring(filled with trash from the previous camper), and picnic table. 

    We went for a quiet weekend, so it didn’t bother us too much that there was no Wi-Fi and no cable TV. It would’ve been nice to have cable and/or Wi-Fi since it rained through most of our stay. I understand there is supposed to be Wi-Fi, but it wasn’t working. Our Verizon mobile service worked fine. And they plan to offer TV in the future. 

    The pull-thru sites(# 12-15) are packed together so tightly that our sitting area was bordered by the hookups from the neighboring site. That’s a little unpleasant. And there are no trees for shade or privacy. Most of the rest of the sites in the campground are better spaced apart and wooded. I believe most of those sites are seasonal, but they seemed to be maintained. 

    This was our second stay at SSCO, but first since a change of ownership to Spacious Skies a few months ago. I’m hoping the new owners make some upgrades to services and maintenance. If so, we’ll be back. 

    THINGS I LIKED: The staff we met were all friendly and attentive- especially Kim, Eileen, and Jack Basic campground without resort-like amenities Quiet place to stay 

    THINGS I’D CHANGE: Offer Wi-Fi Offer cable TV(this cost a star) The pull-thru sites are packed too close(this cost a star) 

    NOTE: I try to review the places we stay based on what they’re trying to be. Resorts with water parks and lots of amenities should be reviewed differently than basic campgrounds in my opinion. Every place starts with 5-stars and loses stars for things I believe could and should be better.

  • Hallie M.
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State Forest

    Serenity in the Pine Barrens

    Wharton State Forest has a few primitive campgrounds, which is what I'm looking for. I try to stay away from campgrounds with electrical hookups, because the sound of generators is not exactly the serenity of nature I'm looking for.

    This is a review for GOSHEN POND campground, which you can reserve online. Goshen Pond isn't actually a pond, but actually just a very wide, slow moving section of the Mullica River. It's kayakable and canoe-able, but very shallow and swampy, so it doesn't make for good swimming. The Pine Barrens has a fascinating ecology - the ground is very sandy and nutrient-poor, which means that it suits fast-growing pines which live a short life and then die. The constant decay of trees in the area causes the copious amounts of rivers in Wharton State Forest to have a signature brown color. Just want to point it out - it's still clean and lovely, but not very clear.

    The benefits to this Pine Barren ecology is that it makes for almost perfect camping. The ground is always very soft and sandy, which makes for comfortable sleeping. It's noticeably NOT rocky. It also means that there's always plenty of kindling available for collecting.

    The GOSHEN POND camping area is great. Each campsite has room for 1-2 tents, and a fire ring. I personally prefer some privacy when I camp, and some of the sites offer this and some don't. There are some sites that the reservation site lists as RV sites, but they are rarely used by RVs and are actually the most secluded, so I would recommend them for tent camping as well. Site 3 is nice and private, and site 7 has the best view and easiest access to the pond. Avoid the sites in the center circuit of the map - they're very close together.

    GOSHEN POND campground is connected to two equestrian trails, which make for great hiking. In your plans, keep in mind that Wharton State Forest is very flat, so you'll likely be able to cover a lot of ground much more quickly than you would on mountainous terrain.

    There is a parking area, and the sites are variable distances from those areas. The RV sites will allow you to pull up directly to your campsite, but the rest of the tent sites are short walks away. You certainly don't need to plan for a backpacking adventure, but keep in mind that you won't have immediate access to your car.

    There is a water pump near the parking area, and pit toilets. There are no flushing toilets, which I prefer at a campsite.

    In review, the pros to GOSHEN POND are:

    1. Soft, flat sleeping surfaces
    2. Easy access to hiking trails and a kayakable "pond" that connects to the Mullica River system.
    3. Plenty of kindling in the area.
    4. Quiet and remote-feeling.
    5. Some sites are very private.
    6. Dogs allowed.
    7. Water available.

    Some downsides to GOSHEN POND:

    1. No picnic table at any site, nor seating around the ring. I recommend bringing camp chairs and either a cooler to be a food prep surface or a folding table.
    2. MOSQUITOS. Holy crap. Goshen Pond is nearly stagnant, so it is a breeding ground for mosquitos. I came back looking like a leper. I'm going back this weekend, and am investing in some 97% deet bug repellent and a mosquito net for my campsite.
    3. Soot. Don't know what this is about, but at campsite 3, where I stayed the last time, there was a ton of soot in the soil, which just stuck to everything. You would wash yourself, and then be black with soot moments later. We eventually just succumbed to the soot and allowed ourselves to be dirty, but it was an annoyance. In the pictures, you can see the effect of it on my (normally) white dog.

    Overall, I will definitely be returning to Goshen Pond and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in a primitive campsite that truly feels like it's away from everything.

  • Jeff J.
    Jun. 6, 2021

    Bass River State Forest

    Very large camp sites, near to lake, very clean, bathrooms and showers

    A beautiful camping area that is affordable, each site is very large, very clean and well maintained, bathrooms and showers 24/7. The camp ground area is very large and signed extremely well making finding your campsite easy. Bathrooms and showers can be a hike. If you can bring a portable toilet, I'd recommend that. $25 for a primitive tent site with fire pit that is very large area for a family or friends, and far from the road. We stayed at the site to kayak with our outdoor group called "A Good Paddling".

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Sea Pirate Campground

    Fun LBI Getaway

    We stayed at Sea Pirate Campground in West Creek, New Jersey, for a week in mid-August We’re so glad we did! 

    Our site (#201) 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. We had plenty of room to fit our car too. The site included a picnic table and fire ring. 

    The gated campground was clean and well-maintained. The heated swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear. The store was stocked with typical essentials like supplies, fire wood, and snacks. Daily trash collection was a nice convenience. Wifi service was strong and our Verizon cell service worked fine. 

    The front office staff were all friendly and we love that, especially when checking in at a new campground. 

    Drive time to Long Beach Island ranged between 3-40 minutes each trip we took depending on traffic. There are plenty of stores within a 5-mile drive if you should need anything including Walmart, super markets, convenience stores, and several restaurants. 

    Our only minor negatives were that the firewood sold in the store was so wet it wouldn’t light and they charge an additional$5 if you want it delivered to your site. And our site was really sandy and dirty which created a bit of a mess, especially after some rain, but it is the Jersey shore. 

    This is a great campground with a nice pool and good proximity to LBI. We’ll can’t wait to go back!

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Holly Acres RV Park

    This is a nice campground with plenty to do nearby.

    5 Stars / Labor Day Weekend 

    We stayed at Holly Acres Campground in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, for Labor Day weekend. We’re so glad we did! 

    Our site(#A28) was a level pull-thru with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, wifi, and cable. It was roomy, shady, and easy to pull in and out. The hook-ups were all well-maintained and worked fine. We had plenty of room to fit our car too. The site included a picnic table and fire ring. 

    The gated campground was clean and well-maintained. The swimming pool was inviting. The store was a bit small and date, but stocked with basic essentials like supplies, fire wood, and snacks. Most of the neighboring RVs were nice and in good shape. The park has bath facilities, a dump station on the way out, and a fishing pond. 

    This park is just a few minutes from the Garden State Parkway and close to Atlantic City, Brigantine, Historic Smithville, and Absecon— all within 30-minutes drive-time. You can visit casinos, the Absecon Lighthouse, and several beach towns without going far. 

    For Labor Day weekend, the staff walked around Jezel, a friendly horse, and hosted a BBQ in their pavilion. 

    This is a nice campground with plenty to do nearby. We can’t wait to go back!

  • S
    Jul. 24, 2021

    Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    It was alright

    Went during the week, there were 4 sites taken adjacent to me, the rest of the campsite barely had anyone. Unfortunately 2 of them were taken by a large family group who were pretty loud until midnight - no fault of the campsite, just note that this place will have a higher frequency of this type of visitor. 

    I had a waterfront site, although you can't really see the water from the site itself. Two paths led down to the lake, about 20 feet. There was a bag tied to a tree with someone's trash in it. Speaking of trash, there was a lot of little bits scattered throughout the site, I spent my camp setup time also picking out the worst offenders (bottle caps, broken glass, zip ties, broken off plastic bits of kids toys etc.)

    Size-wise, very spacious and open - which is good in some ways but I had to account for shade as well as a place to rig a ridgeline for my tarp (i.e., all the trees ring the edge of the site in the brush). Picnic table and fire ring were in good shape. 

    The boundaries between neighbors are pretty much non-existent. Water isn't too far from any site and the bathrooms were in good shape. Unlike Brendan Byrne, this one had some hooks to hang your bags on.  

    The campsite runs along a local road that doesn't get much traffic, but you'll definitely hear cars going by at 50 mph.

    Across the street from the entrance is a home that sells sundries and firewood. Down at the Atsion office a mile away they can sell you firewood as well. Picalilli Inn isn't far, they have great wings. Batsto is a 15 minute drive. Hikes start either there or you can access from Atsion as well. There are little trails around the campsite too.

    All in all a decent place, solid facilities, and convenient


Guide to Mays Landing

Nestled near Mays Landing, New Jersey, tent camping offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to serene waters, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tips for tent camping near Mays Landing

  • Be prepared for primitive camping conditions at Mullica River — Wharton State Forest, where you'll find no electric hookups and basic amenities, ensuring a true back-to-nature experience.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially bears, at Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest, and practice proper food storage to keep your campsite safe.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Lower Forge Camp, which requires a hike-in, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Campground amenities to enhance your stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mays Landing, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mays Landing, NJ is Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Mays Landing, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Mays Landing, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.