RV campgrounds near Palmyra, New Jersey provide access to both Philadelphia's urban attractions and southern New Jersey's natural areas. The region's topography features gentle rolling hills and coastal plains with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 400 feet. Seasonal operation varies significantly across campgrounds, with only a few facilities maintaining year-round operations during the northeast's variable winter weather.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, visitors can enjoy lake fishing during the April to November season. One camper mentioned, "Good fishing, good people, nice shaded and sunny spots, beautiful pool," while noting to "stay away from the front middle spots, they flood when it rains."
Beach access: From Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, Atlantic beaches are within driving distance. A reviewer noted, "We were only a short drive from the beach, as well. It was a very nice campground," making it convenient for day trips to coastal areas.
Historical sites: Near Village Scene Park in Hatfield, visitors can explore regional history. One camper recommended, "For history buffs, check out nearby Morgan Log House, which has some nice historical significance and is super close to VSP."
Nature exploration: Several parks offer walking trails and outdoor space. A reviewer at Village Scene Park suggested, "If you were looking to actually enjoy a bit of nature while in this area, I would recommend heading over to nearby Peace Valley Nature Center, which is only about 10 minutes away from here and features good walking trails near a small lake."
What campers like
Quiet environments: Despite suburban settings, several RV parks near Palmyra maintain peaceful atmospheres. A visitor to Village Scene Park noted, "You'll appreciate that the place is incredibly quiet and far enough away from busy traffic."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and common areas receive positive mentions. At Shady Pines Campground, a camper reported, "The bathrooms for shower convenience after the beach were SUPER clean."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer pool access during warmer months. At Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, one visitor shared, "The girls loved swimming in the lake and the pool," highlighting dual swimming opportunities at a single location.
Convenient transportation: Public transit access to Philadelphia is available from select locations. A Village Scene Park visitor noted, "Nearby there's a SEPTA Doylestown/Landsdale regional rail line stop that will pretty much give you all of the direct access to the city without having to bother with driving through any of the traffic to enjoy Philly."
What you should know
Site conditions: Leveling challenges are common at several facilities. At Shady Pines, one camper reported difficulties: "The much bigger problem was that it sloped so much it was impossible to level. I didn't have enough blocks to prop up the leveling jacks enough to level the RV."
Residential character: Many RV parks near Palmyra function partially as long-term residential communities. A visitor to Mays Landing Resort observed, "This is more like a long term stay place that has a couple of short term sites... we were surrounded on all sides by permanent RVs."
Seasonal limitations: Several parks close during winter months. Mays Landing Resort operates from "April 1 to November 1," while others like Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake follow similar seasonal patterns, requiring winter camping planning.
Space considerations: Site dimensions can restrict larger vehicles. One camper at Mays Landing Resort noted, "The spots were tight and when our neighbor parked his truck in his spot, my chair could almost touch it," indicating limited separation between camping sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Kandle offers family-friendly recreation areas. A visitor mentioned, "Lake with swing and fishing and two pools. No pets no alcohol no store but they have a snack stand... Large sites kids had fun."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. A visitor to Mays Landing Resort shared, "The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt," highlighting structured activities beyond typical playground equipment.
Swimming safety: Lakes at multiple campgrounds may present supervision challenges. One camper at Mays Landing Resort cautioned, "Parents of small children and toddlers: the tent loop is surrounded by water on 3 sides. There is no safety fence," emphasizing the need for vigilant supervision.
Weekend programming: Special events occur regularly at select locations. A Mays Landing visitor noted, "On Saturday night, there is a DJ and a dance party from 7-10 pm. It is extraordinarily loud," suggesting families plan accordingly for evening noise levels.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: At NWS Earle RV Park, connection placement may require planning. A reviewer warned, "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," highlighting potential hookup challenges.
Urban camping advantages: Village Scene Park offers convenient Philadelphia access with security benefits. A visitor observed, "You will certainly appreciate that clear out here, and away from the city, you'll certainly feel safe leaving your RV to go into the city and explore."
Navigation challenges: Some park entrances present maneuvering difficulties. At Mays Landing Resort, a camper cautioned, "The exit is very tight to get out of and all lanes are one way so be careful if you have a big rig," underscoring access limitations.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific park topography. At Shady Pines, a reviewer recommended, "We have a very small TT and pulled back as far as we could otherwise we would have been on a slope," suggesting strategic parking to mitigate uneven terrain.
