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
Tent Camping near Pemberton, NJ
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent campers exploring the Pine Barrens region near Pemberton, New Jersey will find primitive tent campsites within Wharton State Forest, including 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 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 campsites appeal to those seeking genuine wilderness experiences within relatively easy reach of Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Pemberton (24)
1. Batona — Wharton State Forest
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
7. Lower Forge Camp
"Looking for a place to escape without having to drive out of your way to get to? Lower forge is the place."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
8. Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
"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."
9. Alverthorpe Private Park
"year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
10. Abbot Sawmill
"Close to the main roads but feels remote."
Drive Time
- 26 min from Trenton, NJ
- 29 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 52 min from Vineland, NJ
- 59 min from Atlantic City, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pemberton, NJ
44 Photos of 24 Pemberton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Lower Forge Camp
Mullica River — Wharton State ForestR
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Blueberry Morning
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Evansburg State Park Campground
Round Valley State Park Campground
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Tent Camping Reviews near Pemberton, NJ
615 Reviews of 24 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!
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.
- Adeline M.Guide
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
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
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campsite near Pemberton, NJ?
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 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Pemberton, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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