Best Tent Camping near North Wildwood, NJ
The Jersey Shore region surrounding North Wildwood offers several tent camping options within a short drive, with most sites located in nearby state forests and established campgrounds. Shellbay Campgrounds in Cape May Court House provides tent sites with electric and water hookups, situated conveniently for beach access. Wharton State Forest, approximately 40 miles northwest of North Wildwood, contains multiple primitive tent camping areas including Bodine Field, Mullica River, and Buttonwood Hill campgrounds.
Sites throughout the region range from sandy, open fields to pine-forested settings with varying levels of shade and privacy. Campgrounds in Wharton State Forest feature basic amenities with pit toilets or outhouses but limited drinking water access. A camper noted that "Bodine Field is very open, basically a sandy field with a handful of trees in the middle." Tent campsites typically include fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Most state forest campgrounds operate from April through October, with reservations required at some locations. Expect variable conditions depending on rainfall, as sandy soil is common throughout the Pine Barrens region.
Tent camping experiences vary significantly between the more developed coastal options and primitive forest sites. Areas deeper in Wharton State Forest offer more seclusion, particularly on weekdays when visitor numbers decrease. "During the off-season and during the week, it's very peaceful. During weekends it's very populated and tends to be pretty noisy," observed one visitor about Bodine Field. Several campgrounds provide water access, with the Mullica River and Wading River offering paddling opportunities adjacent to tent sites. Pine Barrens backcountry tent camping presents opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking on the Batona Trail, and exploring the unique cedar-stained waters characteristic of the region. Beach-oriented tent campers will find Shellbay Campgrounds provides reasonable access to Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and Cape May beaches within biking or driving distance.