Camping near Pittsgrove, New Jersey offers a mix of woodland and lakeside experiences throughout Salem County's flat, sandy terrain. The region features primarily pine and oak forests with elevation ranges of 30-100 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds are situated within 20 minutes of Pittsgrove, with access to multiple bodies of water including Parvin Lake, Elmer Lake, and Cranes Lake.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Hospitality Creek Campground, the well-stocked lake provides consistent catches. As one camper noted, "Great waterfront site, level, and the hookups worked. Campground is clean and well-maintained. Great activities and live concert was fun."
Water activities: The swimming lake at Four Seasons Family Campground offers recreation beyond just swimming. A visitor shared, "Very nice campground with plenty of things to do for the kids. Beautiful pool, very nice playground and arcade. The fishing was good everytime we've went."
Hiking trails: Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest provides multiple trail options. A reviewer wrote, "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."
Kayaking options: Many waterfront sites allow direct water access for kayaks. One camper at Wharton State Forest mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Rustic cabin options: Parvin State Park Campground offers cabins for those seeking shelter without full amenities. A guest commented, "The cabins are more rustic than most, which I enjoyed. While there was a stove the heating, which was necessary in November, was accomplished via a stove."
Water quality differences: Different campgrounds have varying water conditions. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, campers enjoy clean facilities while at other locations, water conditions may vary. One reviewer at Parvin State Park observed, "Bathrooms were clean but most of the faucets on the sinks were broken. The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing."
Site spaciousness: Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville offers larger sites that accommodate bigger rigs. A camper reported, "We stayed in Site# 51 in the Fence Loop- a pull-thru with 50-amp, water, and sewer. The hookups seemed to work just fine. The all-grass site just fit our 37' motor home."
Unique views: Some campsites feature unusual scenery. As one visitor to Old Cedar Campground shared, "We faced the cow pasture so we had a great view. No prob w bugs. Sites r close together but not on top of each other. Overall, a nice quiet place and we will return."
What you should know
Water hookup arrangements: Be prepared for shared water connections at some campgrounds. A camper at Old Cedar Campground advised, "The water hookups are shared every other site(at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."
Site conditions: Lums Pond State Park Campground in nearby Delaware offers concrete pads, while many Pittsgrove-area campgrounds have natural surfaces. A visitor reported, "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close during winter months, with varying operating schedules. One guest noted, "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between campgrounds. At Wharton State Forest, a camper described, "Roads into the place are single car only, with a good amount of spots to pull off if you find your self head to head with another vehicle. Pretty bumpy road."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for kids: Adventure Bound Campground (formerly Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park) in Elmer provides extensive children's programming. A family reported, "Been here 2 years in a row, going again this June (2022). Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."
Height requirements: Check activity restrictions before promising children certain experiences. One parent noted, "The pool and splash park were great but you needed to be at least 42 inches to go on the slide or bounce house."
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to playgrounds when selecting sites. A camper at Parvin State Park mentioned, "Site is great for people with families as there was a playground within 50 feet so it is a bit louder and busier."
Budget considerations: Some campgrounds charge extra for children or additional visitors. A reviewer at Hospitality Creek Campground shared, "Reservation only includes 2 people - it's 8.00 per day for each additional person."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Check specific site dimensions before booking. At Parvin State Park, an RVer advised, "Stayed here Oct 14-16. Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large. No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground."
Hookup availability: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides full hookups with relatively level sites. A camper noted, "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."
Transportation options: When visiting Philadelphia from local campgrounds, consider alternatives to driving. A reviewer suggested, "IF we had a car with us - we would have considered taking the ferry from Camden's Ferry Terminal next to Wiggins Park to Philly."
Seasonal traffic patterns: Weekday camping typically offers more seclusion. A camper at Atsion mentioned, "We were sad to find out it's no long a Yogi Bear Campground, only Adventure bound. Everything else is the same, just no friendly bears. We stay 3 weeks ago during covid and there were limited activities."
