Best Campgrounds near Palmyra, NJ

Situated along the Delaware River across from Philadelphia, Palmyra, New Jersey serves as a strategic base for diverse camping experiences within a 30-mile radius. The area features established campgrounds like Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, which offers full hookups, tent sites, and glamping cabins just 20 minutes from Philadelphia. For those seeking more natural surroundings, Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Campground provides spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings amid the Pine Barrens, while Brendan Byrne State Forest offers year-round camping options with varying levels of amenities. Urban camping enthusiasts can explore unique options like Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina, providing an unconventional glamping experience on the water.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability throughout the region. Many private campgrounds like the Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA close during winter months, typically reopening in April, though exact dates vary annually. As one camper noted, "There is a pool that is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and they have a catch and release pond." The sandy terrain common to New Jersey campgrounds can create challenges after rainfall, with several reviewers mentioning the difficulty of keeping sand out of their equipment. Cell service varies considerably, with Wharton State Forest offering limited connectivity. According to a visitor, "Cell service is low but manageable. Bring solar powered generators and cell signal boosters if you need to stay connected."

Water access represents a highly valued feature among campers in the region. At Wharton State Forest, lakeside sites with water access (particularly sites 4, 8, 10, 12, 20, and 22) are especially popular for kayakers and canoeists. As one reviewer explained, "Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites early as they are popular." The ground at most campgrounds is typically sandy and relatively level, making for easy setup. Nearby attractions enhance the camping experience, with Batsto Village, an historic iron and glass community from the late 1700s to early 1900s, located just 15 minutes from Atsion Family Campground. The region's proximity to Philadelphia allows campers to enjoy urban amenities while still experiencing nature, with many visitors appreciating the ability to explore city attractions during day trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Palmyra, New Jersey (118)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    17 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"

    2. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 591-5250

    $28 - $72 / night

    "It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."

    "m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"

    3. Alverthorpe Private Park

    4 Reviews
    Jenkintown, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 884-6538

    $1 - $100 / night

    "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"

    4. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    24 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."

    6. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

    7. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    9 Reviews
    Titusville, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 737-0623

    $50 - $100 / night

    "Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history."

    "I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant  historically and it is enjoyable for"

    8. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "If you want starlink, stay toward the entrance of the loop for a good view of the sky. If you want to be away from everyone and don't need a site that has good accessibility, stay in C27."

    9. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    28 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!"

    10. Batona — Wharton State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    26 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."

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Recent Reviews near Palmyra, NJ

786 Reviews of 118 Palmyra Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a 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 just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.


Guide to Palmyra

Camping near Palmyra, New Jersey, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Hiking and biking this park is fun. It’s a great place to camp and enjoy downtime!”
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Elk Neck State Park Campground is a great spot. A visitor shared, “The Susquehanna river is full of every kind of fish imaginable!”
  • Water Activities: At Lums Pond State Park Campground, you can kayak or hike around the lake. One reviewer noted, “The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There’s no swimming at the lake.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Elk Neck State Park Campground. A happy camper said, “The bathrooms are immaculate… We will always stop here on our way to and from the Keys.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Blue Rocks Family Campground. One visitor remarked, “Very level and spaced apart from neighbor if you pick the right spots.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville is popular for its activities. A reviewer mentioned, “Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties and hay rides.”

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Elk Neck State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, “It is pristine… The town of Northeast is a hidden gem.”
  • Site Proximity: At French Creek State Park Campground, some sites are very close together. One camper mentioned, “Sites are extremely close together in some areas.”
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds, such as Blue Rocks Family Campground, are only open from April to November. A visitor shared, “This is our third trip here and we have a blast!”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, which has plenty of activities for kids. A parent said, “This place is awesome for kids and families!”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out the playgrounds and trails at Belleplain State Forest. One camper noted, “They have kayaks available to rent to row across the peaceful Nummy Lake.”
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor toys to keep the little ones entertained. A family shared, “We had a great time out at Belleplain! The park itself was very quiet, clean, and they even had parks for our littles to play at!”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. Lake-In-Wood Campground offers full hookups, which one visitor found very convenient: “The campground is very well maintained, and the staff is very nice.”
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight, so check the layout before booking. A reviewer at Lums Pond State Park Campground mentioned, “Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local breweries or shops. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park said, “If you want to travel, Freehold, NJ is nearby offering restaurants, breweries, shopping, and more.”

Camping near Palmyra, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Palmyra?

While Palmyra itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers a convenient base just 20 minutes from Philadelphia with full hookups for RVs. For a more rustic experience, Lower Forge Camp provides a true escape that requires backpacking access from either Atsion (5+ miles) or Batsto (7 miles), and is situated right on the Batsto River. Both options give you access to the Philadelphia area while offering different camping experiences.

What amenities are available at Palmyra camping sites?

Camping sites near Palmyra offer diverse amenities to suit various needs. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest provides tent and trailer sites, group camping areas, and cabin rentals managed by the Department of Environmental Protection. For more extensive facilities, Butterfly Camping Resort features a large playground, organized activities for children, clean bathrooms, and a fishing lake. Most RV parks in the area typically offer full hookups (water, electric, and sewer), while state forest campgrounds tend to have more basic amenities with a focus on natural surroundings.

Which is the most popular campground near Palmyra, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palmyra, NJ is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.