Best Campgrounds near Pemberton, NJ

Campgrounds near Pemberton in New Jersey's Pine Barrens region provide diverse camping experiences within the state's distinctive forested landscape. Wharton State Forest offers several established camping areas including Atsion Family Camp and Goshen Pond Campground, both rated highly for their water access and natural surroundings. The area features a mix of accommodation types, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and rental cabins. Several campgrounds like Brendan Byrne State Forest and Turkey Swamp Park maintain seasonal operations year-round, while others such as Batona Campground operate from April through October.

Most state forest campgrounds enforce specific regulations, including no-alcohol policies and quiet hours. Water access remains a major attraction, with sites near Atsion Lake and Mullica River particularly popular among paddlers and anglers. Facilities range from primitive sites with basic toilets to developed campgrounds with showers, electric hookups and dump stations. Summer weekends tend to fill quickly, especially at water-accessible sites, making advance reservations essential during peak season. One camper noted, "Looking for a place to escape without having to drive out of your way to get to? Lower Forge is the place. One of the few places in New Jersey you have to backpack into with access from either Atsion or Batsto."

The Pine Barrens ecosystem creates a unique camping backdrop with its sandy soil, pine forests, and tea-colored streams. Many campgrounds feature spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Primitive sites in Wharton State Forest appeal to those seeking solitude, while family-friendly options like Butterfly Camping Resort offer more amenities including swimming pools and organized activities. Several visitors mentioned the excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities as standout features. "This campground has been family run for over 50-years and has an interesting history," shared one reviewer about a local campground. Sites with lake access (particularly at Atsion Recreation Area) are consistently rated highest, allowing campers to paddle directly from their campsite to explore the region's interconnected waterways.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pemberton, New Jersey (106)

    1. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    11 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!"

    2. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    16 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."

    3. Batona — Wharton State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    14 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."

    4. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time.

    Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

    5. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / night

    "   We stayed in New Jersey for our 5th campground on the East Coast: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. This is a County park.

     Near some Revolutionary War battlefields.

     I really liked this park!"

    "Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"

    6. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "It's only a one minute walk from the parking area to the site. Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent."

    "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/ trucks. Pretty good boating/ fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks."

    7. Wading Pines Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1313

    "The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground."

    "Very nice wading river next to the camp grounds. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."

    8. Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    1 Review
    New Egypt, NJ
    7 miles
    +1 (609) 562-6667

    $20 / night

    "We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay."

    9. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-2107

    $64 - $78 / night

    "Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."

    "4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway 

    We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "

    10. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "Enjoyed a site away from the crowds. Quiet. Peaceful. Place is huge with many campsites to choose from. Checking in is slow so come early."

    "Walked from Batson to atsion 10 mile hike, campground was 5 miles in. The campground is open, it was closed because of covid in 2020"

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Recent Reviews near Pemberton, NJ

619 Reviews of 106 Pemberton Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Boulder Woods Campground

    Amazing campground with helpful staff and disc golf course

    The name says it all. It has boulders and woods.  The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did.  It was super tight.  Gorgeous place though.  They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs.  That's where we fell in love with disc golf.

    We stayed there in August 2017.

  • M
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Holly Acres RV Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are on the smallish side, but the staff is super nice and the facilities are maintained and clean

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • T
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake

    VERY FRIENDLY AND ACCOMMODATING STAFF

    Very helpful staff and wonderful atmosphere. We were made to feel very welcome and well taken care of. Couldn’t ask for any better. The showers are basic but far from the worst I’ve experienced, clean and stocked. Limited store supply selection but Wawa is a 15 minute drive and Walmart is roughly the same so that’s good enough for me. Pool is well taken care of and the lake is nice. Mosquitoes are bad but that’s to be expected being near water of any kind so can’t complain too much it is what it is. Overall a nice spot to stop for some time away from the hustle and bustle of life.

  • Howard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    Beautiful and family oriented

    My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him. We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Numerous children and abundant activities kept them engaged. Our son truly missed a delightful experience. We departed on Sunday, but the serene ambiance almost prompted us to extend our stay. The sounds of families creating memories enhanced our enjoyment. We certainly plan to return when our grandson is older.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    Park & go

    We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay. On the beaten path but a bit further into the trees so you’re not hearing so much road noise.


Guide to Pemberton

Camping near Pemberton, New Jersey, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. “Hiking and biking this park is fun,” said one visitor, highlighting the park's diverse trails.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Round Valley State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One camper noted, “The water is beautiful and clean,” making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Historical Sites: Visit Turkey Swamp Park for a mix of nature and history. “Near some Revolutionary War battlefields,” shared a happy camper, emphasizing the park's rich history.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. “The bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen on any campgrounds ever,” one reviewer exclaimed.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Bass River State Forest. A visitor mentioned, “The sites are spacious and not on top of each other,” making it a comfortable choice.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Turkey Swamp Park offers a playground and trails. “It was quiet, and the one family I met was so kind,” noted a satisfied camper.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A reviewer pointed out, “The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all,” so be prepared for basic facilities.
  • Seasonal Access: Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest is open year-round, but some sites may be closed in winter. “In winter only a couple loops open and water is turned off,” mentioned a camper.
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Bass River State Forest noted some road noise. “You could hear car traffic from the nearby road,” one visitor shared, so keep that in mind when choosing a site.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Turkey Swamp Park is great for families. “They have a nice playground in the campground,” a parent noted, making it perfect for kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes to explore the trails. A camper at Belleplain State Forest mentioned, “They have kayaks available to rent,” which can be a fun family activity.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA appreciated the convenience of nearby amenities, saying, “There’s a pond for fishing, too.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bass River State Forest mentioned, “The sites are large enough for large RVs,” which is a plus.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, don’t have electric hookups. “There are no electric hook ups and cell service is low,” noted a camper, so plan accordingly.
  • Use Local Resources: Campers at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA enjoyed the nearby amenities. “It’s very dog friendly,” one reviewer said, making it a great choice for pet owners.

Camping near Pemberton, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Pemberton, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pemberton, NJ is Brendan Byrne State Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.