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Dog-Friendly Camping near Pemberton, NJ

1 campground with availability this weekend

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    Brendan Byrne State Forest, located within the sprawling Pine Barrens ecosystem, accommodates dogs at all campsites with a refundable pet deposit required at check-in. Sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern hooks with adequate space between many areas for dog walking. The campground maintains clean bathroom facilities with hot showers where dogs are not permitted inside. While sites vary in privacy due to tree coverage and placement, corner sites offer more seclusion for campers with pets that may need additional space. Wharton State Forest's multiple campgrounds similarly welcome pets, with Batona, Atsion Family Camp, and Goshen Pond sites all maintaining pet-friendly policies throughout their operating seasons. Winter camping in these areas provides even greater solitude for dog owners as the campgrounds experience significantly less traffic during colder months.

    The extensive trail networks throughout these state forests provide excellent opportunities for dog hiking, though owners should remain vigilant about ticks which are particularly active in spring and summer months. Permethrin treatments for gear and appropriate tick repellents for dogs are strongly recommended before venturing onto trails. The remote locations of these campgrounds means minimal traffic noise for pets sensitive to urban sounds, though occasional aircraft from the nearby joint base may cause brief disruptions. Leashes are required throughout the camping areas and on trails, with no designated off-leash sections available. Sites are typically located at least 10 miles from significant development, offering genuine wilderness camping experiences where dogs can enjoy natural surroundings without constant exposure to unfamiliar people or vehicles. The sandy soil of the Pine Barrens provides good drainage during rain, but can be challenging for some dogs to walk in extended distances.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Pemberton (80)

      1. Brendan Byrne State Forest

      4.5(20)11mi from PembertonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Allows dogs after a deposit. Must purchase their firewood. Good bathrooms/showers. Great location for hitting the 4x4 trails."

      "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"

      from $3 - $60 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

      4.2(26)16mi from PembertonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "This was a nice large site in the“pet-friendly” section(sites 26-34) of the campground. Site 34 is close to Atsion Road, so there was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us."

      3. Batona — Wharton State Forest

      4.3(12)14mi from PembertonTents

      "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

      3.6(13)16mi from PembertonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

      4.5(33)26mi from PembertonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      from $42 - $79 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

      4.7(6)16mi from PembertonTents

      "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

      3.2(17)21mi from PembertonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Very family friends and pet friendly. Mostly quiet. There is NO Wi-Fi. Plenty of trails and things to do. Only downside was our site 252 had a giant spotlight on our site from dusk and until dawn."

      "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."

      8. Butterfly Camping Resort

      4.4(10)22mi from PembertonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "My husband and I came to this campground for a quick weekend getaway with our dogs. We had a great time! The campground was very well taken care of."

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

      from $64 - $78 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State Forest

      3.4(9)21mi from PembertonRVs, Tents

      "I try to stay away from campgrounds with electrical hookups, because the sound of generators is not exactly the serenity of nature I'm looking for."

      "Can bring dogs and reserve online. Can't wait to come back for a longer stay."

      10. Bass River State Forest

      4.4(19)27mi from PembertonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The newest addition of extra pet friendly sites have made it even better because we can bring the pup. The sites are a great size and many are set back enough that you have privacy."

      "We have never camped here before, but wanted to hike the Batona trail nearby."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Pemberton, NJ

    657 Reviews of 80 Pemberton Campgrounds

    • M
      Oct. 27, 2026

      Turkey Swamp Park

      Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Washington 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Round 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.
      Oct. 8, 2026

      Colonial 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.

    • bThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 30, 2026

      Atsion 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.

    • D
      Sep. 26, 2026

      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.
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Cheesequake 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Tohickon 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

    Brendan Byrne State Forest campsites accommodate pets with a refundable deposit required at check-in. The spacious sites provide ample room for dogs, with water spigots throughout the camping areas and well-maintained trails perfect for dog walking. Each pet-friendly site includes a fire pit, picnic table, and lantern hook, with clean bathrooms featuring flush toilets and showers nearby. Multiple reviews note the campground's quiet atmosphere and relative privacy between sites, making it comfortable for camping with dogs. Batona Campground and Wharton State Forest also welcome pets, though amenities vary between locations. Sites at Brendan Byrne remain one of the nicer options for Pine Barrens camping with four-legged companions.

    Hikers with dogs particularly enjoy the extensive trail network throughout the Pine Barrens, including the Batona Trail which runs directly through several campgrounds. The sandy soil and flat terrain make for easy walking with pets, though tick prevention is essential as several campers reported finding ticks after hikes. Wildlife encounters are possible, requiring pets to remain leashed at all times on trails. The campground enforces quiet hours that help maintain the peaceful environment even when multiple dogs are present. During summer months, the campgrounds can become busier with families, so spring and fall offer more solitude for those camping with pets. A Wawa convenience store is located about five minutes from Brendan Byrne for any pet supply emergencies.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pemberton, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pemberton, NJ is Brendan Byrne State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pemberton, NJ?

    TheDyrt.com has all 80 dog-friendly camping locations near Pemberton, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.