Wharton State Forest area near Carneys Point sits at elevations between 50-200 feet in the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem of southern New Jersey. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Campers should prepare for sandy soil conditions at many sites, which can affect tent stakes and RV leveling.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At Atsion Family Camp, water recreation options abound. "Campsite G014 was awesome! 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," notes one visitor. The lake provides swimming and fishing opportunities during summer months.
Historical exploration: Visit Lums Pond State Park Campground for hiking combined with historical sites. "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did... Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)." The park connects to several historical attractions within a 20-minute drive.
Go Karts and mini-golf: Seasonal campers at French Creek State Park enjoy access to nearby family fun centers. "We also checked out the other loops for future use and found Loop A to have very spacious, less rocky sites," notes one camper who explored the surrounding area. Several amusement centers operate within 15 miles of the park.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Mid-week stays at Atsion Family Camp offer more seclusion. "Went during the week, there were 4 sites taken adjacent to me, the rest of the campsite barely had anyone," writes one reviewer who appreciated the tranquility. Weekday rates are often $5-10 less than weekend rates.
Clean facilities: Philadelphia West Chester KOA earns praise for maintenance. "The whole park is quiet and well-maintained... Super friendly staff. Every interaction with employees was extremely nice," mentions one guest. The bathhouses are cleaned multiple times daily.
Proximity to attractions: Location makes glamping close to Carneys Point, New Jersey convenient for day trips. "We stayed here for a weekend checking out west Chester. Nice playground and jump pad for kids. Nice camp store," writes one visitor who used the campground as a base for exploration.
What you should know
Brown water at some sites: Water quality varies by campground. At Parvin State Park, one camper notes: "Bathrooms were clean but most of the faucets on the sinks were broken. The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing." Bringing bottled water is recommended.
Limited hook-ups: Not all sites offer full amenities. "We paid $65 for the weekend plus a $6 service fee for using the Reserve America website. We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over," explains a visitor at French Creek State Park.
Seasonal closures: Check operating schedules before booking luxury camping near Carneys Point. "The pool was closed due to it being November. Will definitely try this campground again when it's a bit warmer," mentioned one late-season visitor at Philadelphia West Chester KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Book waterfront sites early: Prime locations fill quickly at popular parks. "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," advises a frequent visitor to Wharton State Forest.
Check playground proximity: Old Cedar Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "My grandchildren loved visiting us, pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great - playground was adequate. Mini golf was fun for all," shares one grandparent who hosted family visitors.
Pack extra clothing: Sandy soil conditions at many sites near Carneys Point can mean dirty clothes. "This was the dirtiest campground we've stayed at, meaning the trailer and truck needed a full bath once we got home," notes a visitor describing the sandy conditions common to the region.
Tips from RVers
Request level sites: Parvin State Park offers variable site conditions. "I stayed at Site#8 in a travel trailer. Site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites," advises one RVer. Sites near the main road tend to be more level than those deeper in the woods.
Prepare for tight turns: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large. No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground," notes an RVer with a 31-foot Class C who managed the tight conditions.
Bring extension hoses: Shared water hookups require planning. "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advises a camper at Lums Pond State Park.
