Best Tent Camping near Palmyra, NJ

Tent Camping Reviews near Palmyra, NJ

746 Reviews of 25 Palmyra Campgrounds

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  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!

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• 

  Ra F.

  Scout

  Aug. 28, 2024

  Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

  OK, but camping gets a low rating.

  The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. I bike toured there. The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics. There was also a fair amount of road noise at night. Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road.

• 

  W L.

  Ranger

  Mar. 15, 2022

  Parvin State Park Campground

  Great location; Easy camping for newbies

  We stayed for a weekend and were very happy with our cabin - a pleasant surprise was how incredible the bathroom inside there was - we're talking spectacularly clean! There was a shower stall w/built-in shelves that seemed brand new (no mildew on the shower curtain, no stains, etc.). The small sink had a mirror above it that opens for a medicine cabinet. Plenty of toilet paper but you need to bring your own soap/shampoo/towels.

  The cabin featured a separate kitchenette area with regular size fridge, sink, electric stove with oven and some counter space/cupboard and rack for a hand towel. A fire extinguisher was within easy reach. The main area had two Adirontack chairs, table with benches, electrical outlet and wide barn doors (designed to open fully but ours were nailed shut so only a regular door width opened). There was a wood stove which, in August, we did not utilize (and I'd recommend bringing a small fan or two if you come in the summer, it was hot). There was a chalkboard (no chalk).

  While we did not think we'd be using the narrow screened in porch it did rain and we were glad to have it. Also inside were two little rooms with bunk beds. I felt claustrophobic in there, imagining spiders and all sorts of creepy things living in there and opted to sleep in the car. Which reminds me - warning - there are tiny deer ticks. Don't go out to the car in the dark when the dew is on the grass w/o covering your feet and ankles, you will get deer ticks. Not like it happened to me or anything, wink wink. That being said, the bunks were clean, if well-used. Bring your sheets/pillows/sleeping bag for them. 

  Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans.

  We walked the path around Thundergust lake after dinner and here is another warning: bring super-woodsman-strong-do-not-mess-with-me bug spray. While we all can get mosquito bites, these babies were like Rambo mosquitos on sterioids - one bite would leave a welt swollen a quarter inch above your skin and an inch and a half long. One bite. Now imaging a dozen of them and you can see why my friend was miserable the next day. We also found the "spotted lantern fly" a pest that is non-native and wrecking havock, which we promptly crushed with a hiking boot.

  The swimming area of Parvin Lake was closed due to COVID, but we did a few hikes. There are maps available in the ranger's office - and some pretty cool tie-died t-shirts, too. (I got the turquoise). Anyway, the trails were pretty busy - lots of locals out getting a walk, run, or dog walk in. The hikes were easy, with level, sandy trails that were well-marked. There is a lot nearby the camping area, (like Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy where you can feed the animals and purchase some fantasic dairy products, yarn, and meats) or the Jersey Shore, or Amish markets.  So, while you can have the camping experience you will never feel "alone in the woods", which is why it's a great choice for new campers. Also  families who want the option of day trips close by. Some people had kayaks out on one of the lakes.

  While a bit worn from the weather, it was nice to read about the foliage/native plants as we walked the trails. We also caught the end of the blueberry season and I was able to collect enough to make a small batch of jam when I got home.

  My four-star rating comes from personal preference for more solitude when I camp. The other side of the same coin is the other negative impression I left with - there was a lot of trash/litter no matter where we were in this park. "Leave no trace" is not practiced here by the visitors, and while the park keeps the cabins COVID-spotless, the grounds are not maintained with the same stringency. In all fairness, the visitors should stop throwing bottles, wrappers, etc. on the ground. Signage and some volunteer days might help.

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• B

  Brett C.

  Scout

  Jul. 29, 2018

  Tohickon Valley County Park

  One stop shop for adventure!

  This place is amazing! everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100’ rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT, and when scheduled they open the dam up stream for som world class whitewater rafting.

  As for some things that aren’t listed. this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park, however that all depends on how open you are about it and the Park rangers. Cell phone service is limited last time I was up there in 2012 only people with Verizon Wireless had any reception. Also there is no WiFi. No hookups or camp store.

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• 

  Napunani

  Legend

  Jun. 25, 2022

  French Creek State Park Campground

  Campsites Jammed Closely Together

  PROS 

  Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

  $13.50 senior discount 

  Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

  Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

  Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

  One hook lantern pole 

  Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

  Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

  Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

  Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

  CONS

  $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

  Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

  Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

  Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

  Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

  Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

  Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

  Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

  Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

  Lots of barking dogs 

  No wood sales in park 

  No WiFi 

  1 bar Verizon

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• 

  Christina H.

  Ranger

  Aug. 29, 2019

  Round Valley State Park Campground

  Come for the jaw-dropping views. Review for Round Valley State Park Site 52

  Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large "lake", which is really a man-made reservoir in the middle of a valley. The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for. You will have to look very hard to find a more beautiful camping scene in New Jersey. Also, it's dog friendly!

  There is no car access to these campsites, you must keep your vehicle overnight in their south parking lot. If you have a camping registration you do not have to pay the fee to enter the park after you check in to the office. The only way to get to the campsites which are located on the other side of the reservoir deep in the woods, are by boating in, backpacking in, or biking in. If you are boating, kayaking, or canoeing to your site, be very careful and watch the wind warnings. If the wind-warning strobe lights go off you should get off of the water asap because the waters can get very rough and this place is nicknamed the Bermuda Triangle of NJ. We were originally going to boat in for a quick overnight, but at the last minute we decided we wanted a challenge. We backpacked 5.5 miles in on an August morning to site #52. The trail was mountainous, rocky, hilly, but for the most part in the shade. This is definitely not a walk through the park easy trail, pack light and don't bring coolers or wagons if you are hiking it. The first three miles are very rocky, with some larger rocks protruding from the ground, but from there on the trail turns into smooth asphalt to allow for ranger and emergency vehicles and it gets a lot easier. We were a bit sore the next day with a couple of mild blisters but we were still able to easily do the 5.5 mile hike back in the afternoon. Someone who does a lot of hiking and backpacking will find the trail easy, but with little to no experience you may struggle. My dog is a 7 year old retriever with minor joint issues and the trail was a piece of cake to her (she even carried all of her own gear).

   These are truly primitive sites with only a few drinking water pumps scattered about and some primitive outhouses, however, you never feel completely alone here because the campsites are not spaced too far apart. My honest opinion: filter or purify your water right from the reservoir if you have the option, because you may be far from a pump, or it may be temporarily closed, and the reservoir water tastes good and is cold. I also opt to skip the outhouses too because they are never clean and always stink unbearably no matter where they are. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted. If you must bring alchohol,  bring a little in a subtle container and do not bother the other campers. Swimming is also technically not permitted but there were many people swimming and we swam also and no one was bothered.

  Now onto our campsite. Site 52 was nearly perfect. The views were to die for. We were able to clearly see the water past the trees from our tent and from our picnic table. The trip to the water was just a few yards away by a footpath carved through tall grass. Unfortunately, the guests before us were very dirty and there was fresh trash scattered about our spot, so we had some cleaning to do when we arrived. The other downside to this spot is you could just barely see site 53 from your spot, which wasn't a huge deal but it wasn't total privacy. Since the surrounding campsites are just barely spaced out to give enough privacy, you can clearly hear your neighbors if they are being noisy. Keep that in mind if you are being the noisy one too. The park strictly enforces its rules and if you are being a nuisance you will be escorted off the property. We saw it first hand on our overnight trip. Our neighbors were college-age, very loud and rowdy, chugging beers and smoking (both are not permitted so don't make it obvious if you are doing either). Suddenly it got quiet and we look over and there are 3 cops at their site arresting them. We were thankful that it got quiet after that, but it was short lived, right before the sun set our other neighbors boat in and start playing music loudly and chopping wood, this continued until around 1am. We would have complained but we were just too tired and kept just falling back asleep. But seriously please don't be that guy.

  Onto the the tl;dr!

  PROS:

  • Breathtaking scenery
  • Gorgeous crystal-clear water
  • Sites are in a beautiful wooded area
  • Sites have a picnic table and nice fire rings
  • You can boat, kayak, or canoe right into your spot if you have a water-access site, site numbers are posted to help you find your spot
  • Great spot to watch wildlife
  • Amazing spot for water sports, fishing, swimming, etc
  • Beautiful, scenic trails to hike or bike
  • Can confirm the sunsets are gorgeous 
  • Every site is dog friendly!
  • There is a lot of variety with the sites (water access or more into the mountain, full shade, partial, or no shade, how far they are spaced apart, etc) so you will be able to find the site that is perfect for you 
  • Paths that allow for emergency vehicles, police, and rangers keep the place safe and fun while giving you the remote feeling of a campsite
  • Lots of tinder and firewood available to gather
  • Our site had a couple clotheslines hung already
  • Each outhouse had bear-proof trash cans, very handy

  CONS:

  • Our site was left littered
  • Noisy, disruptive neighbors
  • Not full privacy (depending on the site)
  • Outhouses smelled like death and were terribly dirty and dark
  • Only 2 water pumps were working when we went, and they were both way too far, we brought a water filter and pumped our own water straight out of the reservoir 
  • The trail had a surprising amount of litter, mainly tinfoil and cigarette butts scattered along the trail. Perhaps the rangers could be more strict about littering
  • Mild boat noise at water-front sites

  **THINGS TO DO AT ROUND VALLEY **

  • Great fishing
  • Kayaking/canoeing/boating
  • Swimming
  • Beautiful hiking trails
  • Wildlife/bird watching
  • Mountain biking
  • Picnicking 
  • Relaxing

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• 

  Erik M.

  Ranger

  May. 1, 2020

  Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

  Close getaway

  I've stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone. Cabins are no frills yet very nice no electricity they are equipi with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat. Also a nice porch fire ring and a charcoal grill

• 

  Steve W.

  Guide

  May. 31, 2022

  Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

  4x4ing in the Pine Barrens

  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. The facility is run by the Dept of Environmental Protection and offers Tent, Trailer and Group Sites. There are also Cabins for rent as well, but only available during the summer months, After Memorial Day until October. AFC is one of several campgrounds in WSF and is the largest with 50 camping sites. Amenities include a handicapped accessible restroom/shower building, several drinking water spigots, and a waste dump for trailers. There are no electric hook ups and cell service is low, but manageable. Plenty of sun (shady too) so bring your solar powered generators and cell signal boosters if you need to stay connected. AFC is also pet friendly, so bring your 4 legged furry family members, after registering them with the camp site.

  The individual sites are spacious with a pic-nick table and fire ring grill. Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites (4, 8, 10, 12, 20 and 22) early as they are popular. The ground is sandy and relatively level for easy camp set up. Some sites are close to a roadway, so you do get some car noise, and like all unmonitored camp sites, loud, unruly campers can be lurking among the pines. Be sure to get your fire wood from the guy that lives across the street from the campground entrance. 5 bucks, on the honor system, a good amount of wood, open 24/7.

  Nearby is the Atsion Recreation Area, which offers fishing, walking, biking and horseback trails, a life guard monitored beach by the lake with restrooms and snacks (Summer Months). Only 15 minutes away, a quick drive, is Batso Village, an old iron and glass community from the late 1700s to early 1900s. NJ State Park Rangers are working hard keeping the area clean, rehabilitated, and educational center allowing you to walk through the old buildings and time as you image what life was like back then. Wharton SF is huge, over 122,000 acres of sandy terrain, towering pine trees, lakes/rivers and off roading trails!! Y’all should come and play in the Pine Barrens

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• 

  Jim N.

  Guide

  Apr. 29, 2019

  Hibernia County Park

  Hidden gem

  A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by. They are wooded sites and have 2 loops. There is no store, but there a places close to get supplies. The park is dry, no alcohol. No hook ups either. There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends.