M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near Mount Laurel, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds near Mount Laurel, New Jersey range from full-hookup RV parks to primitive tent sites 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 Campgrounds near Mount Laurel (119)
1. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"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
"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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $3 - $60 / night
3. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"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
"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
"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
"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."
7. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping
Check Availabilityfrom $120 - $145 / night
8. Wading Pines Camping Resort
"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
"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. Alverthorpe Private Park
"year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
Drive Time
- 17 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 26 min from Trenton, NJ
- 48 min from Vineland, NJ
- 54 min from Atlantic City, NJ
Recent Camping Photos near Mount Laurel, NJ
221 Photos of 119 Mount Laurel Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Lower Forge Camp
Lower Forge — Wharton State Forest
Brendan Byrne State ForestL
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOAM
Hospitality Creek Campground
Blueberry Morning
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State ForestA
Old Cedar CampgroundS
Recent Reviews near Mount Laurel, NJ
716 Reviews of 119 Mount Laurel Campgrounds
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james Q.ScoutBelleplain State Forest
Quiet, Clean and Friendly
We stayed at the group site campground with our horse. We found the sites to be large, and clean. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and they have fall activities for the family, at the lake and nature hikes. The porta potty's are very clean, have hand sanitizer and plenty of paper. Will be returning again in a few weeks. Plenty of trails to ride on. A true gem in our own backyard.
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Andrea B.
TravelerColonial Meadows Family Campground
Great park
Many long term seasonal sites. Good community. Large shower house good and clean . Pool. Game room. Off leash dog park. Wooded/shady sites or no shade sunny sites. Lots of area to walk or play. Large field, basketball couture, frisky golf, play area and laundry room. We were here all summer (June-october). Lots to do in the area. Good food nearby. Ocean city 10 minutes away.
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
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?
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 26 reviews.
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