M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near Pemberton, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds near Pemberton in New Jersey's Pine Barrens region span from primitive tent sites and backpacking camps to full-hookup RV spots and rental cabins within the state's distinctive forested landscape. Camping near Pemberton covers a wide spectrum, from backcountry sites requiring a hike in to family campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and swimming pools. 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.
Best Campgrounds near Pemberton (108)
1. Brendan Byrne State Forest
"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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $3 - $60 / night
2. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"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
"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
"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
"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!"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
Check Availabilityfrom $42 - $79 / night
6. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest
"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
"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
"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."
from $20 / night
9. Butterfly Camping Resort
"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! "
Check Availabilityfrom $64 - $78 / night
10. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest
"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"
Drive Time
- 26 min from Trenton, NJ
- 29 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 52 min from Vineland, NJ
- 59 min from Atlantic City, NJ
Recent Camping Photos near Pemberton, NJ
198 Photos of 108 Pemberton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Brendan Byrne State ForestL
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Timberland Lake Campground
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Lower Forge Camp
Lower Forge — Wharton State Forest
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State ForestA
Wading Pines Camping Resortt
Butterfly Camping Resort
Recent Reviews near Pemberton, NJ
657 Reviews of 108 Pemberton Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Andrea B.
TravelerColonial Meadows Family Campground
Great park
Many long term seasonal sites. Good community. Large shower house good and clean . Pool. Game room. Off leash dog park. Wooded/shady sites or no shade sunny sites. Lots of area to walk or play. Large field, basketball couture, frisky golf, play area and laundry room. We were here all summer (June-october). Lots to do in the area. Good food nearby. Ocean city 10 minutes away.
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Guide to Pemberton
Pemberton, New Jersey campsites sit amid the distinctive sandy soil of the Pine Barrens where temperatures fluctuate significantly between seasons, reaching highs above 85°F in summer and dropping below 25°F in winter. The area's camping season peaks from April through October when the region's acidic, cedar-stained streams run clearer and warmer. Campsites near Pemberton typically require advance booking for weekends, with many locations operating limited schedules during winter months.
What to do
Kayaking the Wading River: Access the water directly from multiple sites at Wading Pines Camping Resort, where you can tube from Hawkins Bridge downstream to the campground. "You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other," notes one camper who appreciated the waterway access.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains dedicated archery lanes with hay bale targets for campers to practice their skills. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," suggests a regular visitor who finds the park has "everything the outdoorsman could ask for."
Hiking the Batona Trail: The 50+ mile trail system connects multiple campsites and runs directly through Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest. "The Batona trail runs through the campground," mentions a reviewer who found this access point convenient for longer hikes.
Wildlife observation: Butterfly Camping Resort borders wildlife habitats with hiking trails for nature observation. A visitor mentioned that beyond traditional activities, they "enjoyed nature" with easily accessible trails from their campsite.
What campers like
Secluded camping areas: Goshen Pond Campground receives high marks for its remote waterfront sites. "Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent," reports one visitor who particularly valued being able to "put our kayaks in right next to the site."
Spacious sites with privacy: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers well-spaced campsites with natural screening. "Sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site," notes a camper who appreciated the layout.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain better-than-expected bathrooms and showers. A visitor to Butterfly Camping Resort found "some of the cleanest bath houses I've seen at a campground," with facilities that were "newer and clean."
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park provides shoreline fishing access with bait available on-site. "There is a pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office," reports a satisfied angler who found the setup convenient.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Several campgrounds feature unpaved roads that become challenging after rain. At Turkey Swamp Park, "all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy."
Fire regulations: Campfire rules differ between locations, with some enforcing specific hours. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, "fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker."
Insect preparedness: The Pine Barrens region has significant tick populations in warmer months. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park warned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Campsite surfaces: Many sites feature sandy soil that becomes problematic with gear and inside tents. A Butterfly Camping Resort guest noted, "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain, and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-centered campgrounds: Timberland Lake Campground offers structured events for children, especially during holiday weekends. "We went to timberland lake last fall. It happened to be the Halloween weekend which was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and tricker treating," reports a parent who visited with toddlers.
Best swimming options: Pools provide cleaner swimming than lakes for younger children. A reviewer mentioned Butterfly Camping Resort's "pool was large and the water crystal clear," making it preferable to the sometimes tannic-stained lake water common in the region.
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to play areas for convenience. At Turkey Swamp Park, one visitor noted the "centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door," creating an ideal setup for families with young children.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds border historical sites that create learning experiences. A camper at Atsion Family Camp mentioned that "while camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails). In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Atsion Family Camp provides larger pull-through sites that accommodate bigger rigs with room for additional vehicles. "Our site was a level pull-thru with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. It was roomy, shady, and easy to pull in and out. We had plenty of room to fit our car too," reports one RVer.
Electric hookup availability: Limited electric sites make advance booking crucial for RVers. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, campers need to specify electric requirements as a reviewer noted, "if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site."
Access road navigation: Narrow forest roads challenge larger rigs in some locations. A camper at Butterfly Camping Resort worried, "I am a little concerned about moving to the site they want me to move to in the Spring the corners around the campground seem tight with trees."
Water supply preparation: The water quality varies between campgrounds. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, "the closest water spigot wasn't working. Not a big problem as there are plenty of others," noted a visitor, suggesting RVers should arrive with tanks already filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Pemberton, NJ?
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 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
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