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.