Best Tent Camping near Pemberton, NJ

Tent campers exploring the Pine Barrens region near Pemberton, New Jersey have several established options within Wharton State Forest, including the primitive Batona Campground and Goshen Pond Campground. These tent-focused sites offer varying levels of seclusion and access, with most open seasonally from April 1 to October 31. Several walk-in sites exist throughout the forest, providing a more remote camping experience than typically found in densely populated New Jersey.

Most tent sites in the Wharton State Forest area feature basic amenities including fire rings, but limited other facilities. Goshen Pond requires walk-in access and accommodates tents only, while Batona accepts both tent and RV campers with drive-in access. Water availability varies significantly between sites - some campgrounds like Batona and Mullica River provide drinking water, while others require campers to bring their own or filter from nearby sources. A review mentioned that "the trail had a surprising amount of litter, mainly tinfoil and cigarette butts scattered along the trail," indicating that visitors should practice proper Leave No Trace principles.

The tent camping experience in this region offers distinctive Pine Barrens landscapes characterized by sandy soil and pine forests. Several backcountry tent sites provide access to the 50-mile Batona Trail, making them ideal for hikers seeking multi-day adventures. Lower Forge Camp offers boat-in or hike-in tent camping with limited facilities but substantial natural seclusion. According to one visitor, the area is "a great getaway from the everyday rat race" and "great for beginners who you're trying to break into backpacking." Tent campers should be aware that wildlife, including bears, frequents these areas, and proper food storage is essential. The region's primitive tent setups appeal to those seeking genuine wilderness experiences within relatively easy reach of Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas.

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Best Tent Sites Near Pemberton, New Jersey (24)

    1. Batona — Wharton State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage. "

    "The Batona Campground is in the northern area of the Wharton State Forest and is a bit removed from most trails and other campgrounds in the park."

    2. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

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

    "I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time."

    "The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time."

    3. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest

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

    "This campground is hike-in or boat-in only, no car access. We camped here for one night on an overnight loop in Wharton State Forest. Wild blueberries abound during summer months!"

    "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."

    4. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 363-4036

    "Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."

    "It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."

    5. Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Egg Harbor City, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "You’re right next to the wading river/creek with that amazing cedar water. As well as a quick drive Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake."

    "Bodine Field is one of several camping locations within Wharton State Forest.

    I am writing this review over a year after our stay so forgive me if the details are lacking."

    6. Lower Forge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    $5 / night

    "Looking for a place to escape without having to drive out of your way to get to? Lower forge is the place."

    7. Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "Wharton State Forest has a few campsites available for primitive camping (my preferred choice). This is a review for HAWKINS BRIDGE."

    "This is a primitive campsite near the river. There is water but just compost toilets that are bit few for the size campground."

    8. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    8 Reviews
    Titusville, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 737-0623

    $50 - $100 / night

    "The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."

    "I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant  historically and it is enjoyable for"

    9. Abbot Sawmill

    1 Review
    Hammonton, NJ
    23 miles

    "Close to the main roads but feels remote."

    10. Alverthorpe Private Park

    3 Reviews
    Jenkintown, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 884-6538

    $1 - $100 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Pemberton, NJ

580 Reviews of 24 Pemberton Campgrounds


  • Ra F.
    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.
    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.

  • B
    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.

  • Christina H.
    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
  • Erik M.
    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.
    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

  • T
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Cheesequake State Park Campground

    Nice Park Near the Highway

    I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience.

    Campsite

    Campsites are fully shaded and include a picnic table, fire ring, and hook to hang food supplies from (away from wildlife). The site was well kept and clean - I didn't have to look hard to find a nice secluded space for my tent.

    Each site is separated from its neighbors by a small (about 5-10 foot) forested area, and are deep enough that you can pitch your tent away from the road and have some privacy.

    The park is bisected by the Garden State Parkway. While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little.

    Amenities

    The bathroom and shower facility is older and has limited stalls, but I didn't have any issues with lines or finding time to use it. They're closed for about an hour in the early morning.

    Potable water is available at the bathroom and showers.

    The lake has a small beach and swimming area, and a concession stand. On Friday the beach was pretty quiet, it was closed on Saturday due to water conditions however.

    Access

    The park is about 2 miles from the nearest train station and can be accessed on foot, but it may be difficult with camping gear. I took the train to the station and a rideshare the rest of the way to the entrance. The campsite is about a mile from the park entrance so it's easier overall to drive, but not required. Bringing a bike to travel within the park would be a good idea.

  • Craig M.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    Rustic, with no electricity and no showers. Staffed only periodically.

    The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite. Some of the sites do have a wooden pavilion covering the picnic table. Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons. Grills and fire rings are at all sites. The federally operated campground is only occasionally staffed and only after you call.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2025

    Little Red Barn Campground

    Nice family-run campground

    General: 132-site campground with a mix of no hookups or water and electric. Six of the sites are “field sites” – on grass. Our site was chosen for us. 

    Site Quality: Varies. Sites 68 and 69 are next to the field sites and aside from having electricity and water and a faint gravel camper pad, there is not much to distinguish them from the field sites (which have electricity but no water). Our site was almost level but in order to reach the electric connection, we were sloped slightly downhill side-to-side. The FHU sites are wooded but close together.

    Bath/Shower house: Clean with soap and paper towels. The shower had nice hot water. 

    Activities/Amenities: The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. There is also a separate kiddie pool. We were there the Thursday after Memorial Day and had the pool to ourselves. Other amenities include laundry, a game room, golf cart rentals, and sports equipment (basketballs, volleyball, soccer, football, horseshoes, bocce ball, ping pong) are available. Propane fill-ups, firewood, a camp store, and a dump station (including on-site for a fee) are all available. Free WiFi, although not the strongest signal. 

    Had we not needed an electric hookup for our computers, I would have much preferred the primitive sites – they are private and shaded but they are a hike to the bathroom. There is one vault toilet in this area. Our site had no shade, and it was a very hot day when we were there. I was surprised at the lack of camping options in this area.


Guide to Pemberton

The Pine Barrens region near Pemberton, New Jersey features distinctive sandy soil that can reach temperatures up to 120°F on summer days. This coastal plain ecosystem contains acidic soil with a pH between 3.5 and 5.5, creating unique plant communities adapted to these conditions. Tent camping Pemberton offers access to over 1.1 million acres of the Pinelands National Reserve where camping options range from primitive backpacking sites to drive-in facilities with basic amenities.

What to do

Canoe the Wading River: The Wading River offers a 10-mile paddling route from Hawkins Bridge to Bodine Fields campground. "Did a two day Canoe tour down the wading river and used the outfitter Micks Canoe. We started Friday night camping at Hawkins Bridge campground. This is a primitive campsite near the river," shares Thomas M.

Hike the Batona Trail: Access the 50-mile trail system directly from campsites. "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," notes meghan G. about Batona Campground.

Explore Harrisville Pond: Located near Bodine Field Campground, this large pond offers fishing opportunities. "As well as a quick drive Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake. Good fishing for pickerel as well as a decent trail that goes around the entire pond," recommends Dan M.

Search for wild blueberries: Summer months bring wild blueberries to the region, especially around Mullica River campsites. "Wild blueberries abound during summer months!" reports Rebecca S. who stayed at Mullica River campground.

What campers like

Privacy at walk-in sites: Sites requiring short walks from parking areas offer more seclusion. "I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time," explains Elliott B. about Goshen Pond Campground.

Soft ground for sleeping: The sandy soil of the Pine Barrens creates comfortable tent platforms. "Soft, even ground for sleeping," notes Hallie M. about Hawkins Bridge, adding "the ground is soft and comfortable to sleep on (NOT rocky at all, like almost weird how few rocks there are)."

Winter solitude: Off-season camping provides a quieter experience. "During the off season is in and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be," shares Adeline M. about Bodine Field Campground.

Convenient water access: Many sites allow direct water entry for boats. "Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent. We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient," describes Anna D.

What you should know

Water conditions vary seasonally: Water availability and quality changes throughout the year. "A water pump provides fresh water but is not available in the winter," notes Trip Over Life about Batona Campground. Another camper mentions, "Batsto River provides plenty of water for filtering--don't be weirded out by the brown color caused by tannins."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pemberton, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pemberton, NJ is Batona — Wharton State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pemberton, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Pemberton, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.