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

    6 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."

    "Come for Militia Hill, hawk watching, cross country ski, or disc golf, and the trails along the Wissahickon Creek."

    3. 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."

    5. Alverthorpe Private Park

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

    $1 - $100 / night

    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. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 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."

    8. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

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

    $50 - $100 / night

    "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"

    "Good for biking and dog walking."

    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!"

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Recent Reviews near Palmyra, NJ

776 Reviews of 118 Palmyra Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    A Gem Among State Campgrounds

    We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did. 

    We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). 

    This place is a gem, even among nice state parks. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Easy access from I-95 

    • Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved 

    • Friendly and helpful staff 

    • Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • There’s nothing we didn’t like about this place 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do

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.