The Pine Barrens region surrounding Hammonton, New Jersey features a distinctive ecosystem with acidic, sandy soil that supports unique flora including pitch pines, scrub oak, and carnivorous plants. Most camping spots near Hammonton sit at elevations between 50-100 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season. Campers should note that the sandy terrain throughout Wharton State Forest and surrounding areas can quickly become hot in direct sunlight, requiring proper footwear during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing on Wading River: Multiple sites at Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest offer direct access to the river. "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. Good fishing for pickerel as well as a decent trail that goes around the entire pond," notes a visitor.
Bridge jumping and swimming: Several river access points provide cooling relief during summer heat. At Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State Forest, one camper mentions, "This site is great for people trying to cool off! River system that is perfect for swimming, tubing, wading, or bridge jumping."
Hiking on the Batona Trail: This 50-mile trail connects multiple campgrounds including Batona Campground, where a reviewer noted, "The Batona trail runs through the campground." Another visitor mentioned, "Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible."
What campers like
Spacious sandy sites: The natural sandy soil of the Pine Barrens makes for comfortable tent setup. At Bass River State Forest, "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."
Waterfront camping options: Sites along lakes and rivers are consistently rated highest. A visitor at Hospitality Creek Campground said, "Our lakefront site(#57) was superb! It was between a small, paved boat ramp and a row of arborvitae trees on the other side separating us from the neighboring site. The entire site was level and covered in mulch."
Primitive camping experience: For those seeking seclusion, several campgrounds offer more remote options. At Batona — Wharton State Forest, a camper reported, "It is so easy to get lost in these woods and I LOVE IT! 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!"
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: Ticks and mosquitoes are abundant, particularly in early summer. One camper at Wharton State Forest Goshen Pond Campground warned, "Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks." At Godfrey Bridge, a visitor reported their group counting "over 100 Lone Star ticks" during a 24-hour period.
Weekend noise levels vary by location: Some areas experience significant noise, especially those near private campgrounds with events. At Godfrey Bridge, a camper noted, "The only issues were the RV 'resort' very close by, very loud music at night from about 8-11."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies widely throughout the region. Most developed campgrounds maintain basic connectivity, but remote sites often have minimal or no service. Prepare offline maps or printed directions if exploring beyond main areas.
Brown water appearance: The region's distinctive cedar and pine forests produce tannins that naturally color water brown. One visitor explained, "The Pine Barrens has a fascinating ecology... 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."
Tips for camping with families
Opt for developed campgrounds: Sites with more amenities provide easier experiences for families with young children. A visitor to Winding River Campground noted, "Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly."
Book waterfront sites early: Lake-adjacent sites offer built-in entertainment for children. At Hospitality Creek, a camper shared, "Staff was great. Plenty of things to do for the kids. We love the lake side campsites."
Consider seasonal timing: For fewer insects and cooler temperatures, aim for late September through mid-October. A Bass River visitor mentioned, "The campground is clean and well maintained. It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience. There were a lot of ticks when we stayed in May so keep that in mind."
Pack shade structures: Many sites offer variable tree cover. At Bass River, one camper advised, "You come down a little hill and you get a picnic table and a fire ring along with a big spacious site! Ground is pretty level here and had minimal grass, behind the site is woods."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges on sand roads: Many campground access roads feature loose sand that can be challenging for larger vehicles. At Batona Campground, a camper noted, "The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."
Limited hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are concentrated at private campgrounds rather than state facilities. At Wading Pines Camping Resort, "They have 300 camp sites spaced out nicely. All the hook ups you need. Many activities."
Site width considerations: Many campgrounds in the area have narrow site entrances despite adequate space. At Winding River, a visitor cautioned, "Super tight sites for RVs," while another mentioned, "Your rig will be covered in sand and it's quite buggy. However, it has a state park feel with the trees."
