Best Campgrounds near Mount Laurel, NJ

State parks and forests surrounding Mount Laurel, New Jersey provide diverse camping experiences within an hour's drive of this suburban community. Wharton State Forest, located approximately 20 miles southeast, offers multiple campgrounds including Atsion Family Camp and Goshen Pond, both highly rated for their spacious sites and water access. The Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, situated west of Mount Laurel near the Delaware River, provides full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and cabin rentals with amenities like swimming pools and organized activities. Brendan Byrne State Forest to the east features year-round camping with more primitive facilities in a quieter setting. These areas accommodate various camping styles from basic tent sites to fully-equipped RV parks with electrical hookups.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region. Most state forest campgrounds operate year-round, though facilities like showers may close during winter months. As one camper noted, "Wharton State Forest is huge, over 122,000 acres of sandy terrain, towering pine trees, lakes/rivers and off-roading trails." The sandy soil common throughout the Pine Barrens can create challenges after rainfall, with several reviewers mentioning muddy conditions. Cell service varies considerably, with stronger signals at private campgrounds and limited connectivity in more remote state forest areas. Reservations become essential during summer weekends, particularly for waterfront sites, which typically book months in advance. Many campgrounds require advance registration through the New Jersey State Park Service or private reservation systems.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. Lakeside sites at Atsion Family Camp are particularly sought after, with one camper recommending sites 4, 8, 10, 12, 20, and 22 for their direct water access. Kayaking opportunities abound, with Goshen Pond campers appreciating the ability to launch directly from their sites. The region's characteristic Pine Barrens ecosystem creates a distinctive camping environment with its sandy soil, pine forests, and tea-colored streams. Family-friendly amenities vary widely, with state forests offering more basic facilities while private campgrounds provide amenities like swimming pools, organized activities, and camp stores. Highway noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly at Cheesequake State Park which is bisected by the Garden State Parkway, though most sites remain relatively peaceful.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Laurel, New Jersey (114)

    1. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "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."

    "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. Its a huge site, away from other sites."

    2. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1191

    $3 - $60 / night

    "Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"

    "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"

    3. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

    4. Batona — Wharton State Forest

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

    "I grew up near the pine barrens and would camp here many times with friends.  If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT!

    You might even see the Jersey Devil :)"

    "Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve."

    5. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

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

    "It's only a one minute walk from the parking area to the site. Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent."

    "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/ trucks. Pretty good boating/ fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks."

    6. Hospitality Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Winslow, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 629-5140

    "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."

    "We love the lake side campsites."

    8. Wading Pines Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1313

    "The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground."

    "Very nice wading river next to the camp grounds. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."

    9. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest

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

    "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."

    "Walked from Batson to atsion 10 mile hike, campground was 5 miles in. The campground is open, it was closed because of covid in 2020"

    10. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "★★★★ Quiet Getaway Weekend 

    We went to Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, New Jersey, for a quiet getaway weekend. This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

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Recent Reviews near Mount Laurel, NJ

671 Reviews of 114 Mount Laurel Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • Frank J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Belleplain State Forest

    Relatively new to this

    Stayed in site 116 in CCC section (only section with electric and water). Good privacy. Check-in went smoothly. Staff at office said all the roads in the CCC section were 2-way. Not wide enough in my opinion but we didn't have a problem. Restrooms/showers were ok. Sea Isle City is not too far away if you're into the Jersey shore, restaurants, live music.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Boulder Woods Campground

    Amazing campground with helpful staff and disc golf course

    The name says it all. It has boulders and woods.  The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did.  It was super tight.  Gorgeous place though.  They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs.  That's where we fell in love with disc golf.

    We stayed there in August 2017.

  • M
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Holly Acres RV Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are on the smallish side, but the staff is super nice and the facilities are maintained and clean

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins

    Clean spacious sites, friendly staff

    We stay here at least two times each year. Staff is so friendly and helpful. The section we stay has very clean, spacious sites.

  • T
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake

    VERY FRIENDLY AND ACCOMMODATING STAFF

    Very helpful staff and wonderful atmosphere. We were made to feel very welcome and well taken care of. Couldn’t ask for any better. The showers are basic but far from the worst I’ve experienced, clean and stocked. Limited store supply selection but Wawa is a 15 minute drive and Walmart is roughly the same so that’s good enough for me. Pool is well taken care of and the lake is nice. Mosquitoes are bad but that’s to be expected being near water of any kind so can’t complain too much it is what it is. Overall a nice spot to stop for some time away from the hustle and bustle of life.


Guide to Mount Laurel

Camping spots near Mount Laurel, New Jersey sit within the distinctive Pine Barrens ecosystem, characterized by sandy soil that can present challenges for vehicles during wet weather. Most campgrounds in the region are situated between 80-100 feet above sea level, resulting in limited elevation changes but allowing for accessible hiking trails. Temperatures typically range from 30°F in winter to upper 80s in summer, with July and August seeing the heaviest campground usage.

What to do

Kayaking from your site: At Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest, waterfront sites provide direct kayak access. "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," notes Brianna P.

Hiking the Batona Trail: Access this 50-mile trail directly from Batona — Wharton State Forest campground. "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," explains reviewer Meghan G.

Tubing the Wading River: Wading Pines Camping Resort offers tube rentals or bring your own. "We had 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," shares Stacy D.

What campers like

Secluded camping experiences: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers genuine forest solitude. "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!" reports Dorian P.

Spacious waterfront sites: The lakefront sites at Atsion Family Camp receive consistent praise. "LOVE!!!! I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," says Alexa L.

Clean facilities: Hospitality Creek Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "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. I was impressed at how prepared they were for our arrival," Matt S. explains.

What you should know

Tick awareness essential: Pine Barrens camping requires diligent tick checks. "NOTE: There are LOADS of ticks in this area," warns Rebecca S. at Mullica River campground, while Megan S. advises: "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!"

Site reservation logistics: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA and most area campgrounds offer online reservations. "Like more and more campgrounds, they offered virtual check-in and payment online. This meant that we were handed a welcome packet at the front gate and sent on our way without delays for paperwork or payments," notes Matt S.

Sandy access roads: Many Pine Barrens campgrounds have sand-based roads. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," explains a reviewer at Batona Campground, while another adds: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Hospitality Creek Campground provides multiple recreation options. "A lot to do for the kids and fishing for the hubby also close to home would always recommend," says Mya M., while another notes "Family friendly with tons of kid activities/themes. Easy roads for bike riding and beautiful views of the lake."

Swimming options: Old Cedar Campground offers a pool that receives positive reviews. "My grandchildren loved visiting us, pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great - playground was adequate. Mini golf was fun for all. There was also activities for the younger kids - making slime," reports Craig W.

Nature exploration: Many campgrounds feature educational trails and wildlife viewing. "In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads. Great places to kayak and Pineland Adventures right down the street has wonderful trips!" explains a camper at Atsion Family Camp.

Tips from RVers

Hookup logistics: At Old Cedar Campground, be prepared for shared utilities. "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advises Matt S.

Narrow access roads: Large RVs require careful navigation at several campgrounds. "The roads and turns were tight for our 36' motorhome, but manageable," reports an RVer at Hospitality Creek, while another notes about Batona Campground: "The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."

Site selection for big rigs: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA can accommodate larger RVs. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily," shares Jason E.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mount Laurel, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Laurel, NJ is Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.