Best Campgrounds near Pennsauken, NJ

Campgrounds in the Pennsauken, New Jersey area range from established facilities with full amenities to more rustic options within an hour's drive. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, located 15 miles southwest of Pennsauken, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations with modern amenities. Wharton State Forest's Atsion Recreation Area, situated about 25 miles southeast, offers a more natural setting with tent camping, RV sites without hookups, and cabin options. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though seasonal activities and amenities vary significantly between summer and winter months.

Road access throughout the area is generally good with paved routes to most established campgrounds. Water access is available at several locations, particularly in Wharton State Forest where boat-in camping is an option. "Wharton SF is huge, over 122,000 acres of sandy terrain, towering pine trees, lakes/rivers and off-roading trails," noted one visitor who stayed at Atsion Family Campground. Permits and reservations are typically required, especially during peak summer season when waterfront sites fill quickly. The sandy soil common to the region can create challenging conditions after rainfall, particularly at sites like Baker's Acres where campers have mentioned tracking sand into their RVs.

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the camping landscape around Pennsauken, with most facilities accommodating both tent and RV camping. The proximity to Philadelphia makes these camping areas popular weekend destinations, particularly during summer months. According to a review from a visitor to the Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, "This is a great location for exploring Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was quick and responsive." Many campgrounds feature fishing opportunities, swimming pools, and outdoor recreation facilities. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Wharton State Forest provides backpacking options like Lower Forge Camp, which one camper described as "a great getaway from the everyday rat race" where visitors can "escape without having to drive out of your way."

Best Camping Sites Near Pennsauken, New Jersey (117)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

    2. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "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."

    "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. Its a huge site, away from other sites."

    4. Fort Washington State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ambler, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 591-5250

    $28 - $72 / night

    "It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."

    "Come for Militia Hill, hawk watching, cross country ski, or disc golf, and the trails along the Wissahickon Creek."

    5. Alverthorpe Private Park

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

    $1 - $100 / night

    6. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

    7. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "★★★★ Quiet Getaway Weekend 

    We went to Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, New Jersey, for a quiet getaway weekend. This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

    9. Hospitality Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Winslow, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 629-5140

    "The park was easy to find and located a short distance from the highway. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay."

    "We love the lake side campsites."

    10. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "If you want starlink, stay toward the entrance of the loop for a good view of the sky. If you want to be away from everyone and don't need a site that has good accessibility, stay in C27."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 117 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Pennsauken, NJ

762 Reviews of 117 Pennsauken Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    A Gem Among State Campgrounds

    We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did. 

    We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). 

    This place is a gem, even among nice state parks. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Easy access from I-95 

    • Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved 

    • Friendly and helpful staff 

    • Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • There’s nothing we didn’t like about this place 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do

Guide to Pennsauken

Camping near Pennsauken, New Jersey, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun. It's a great place to camp and enjoy downtime!"
  • Fishing: At Elk Neck State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the nearby waters. A visitor shared, "The lake and pool facilities were closed but the scenery was still in full effect."
  • Water Activities: Lums Pond State Park Campground is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. One camper noted, "The campground is peaceful. Clean facilities and lots of room to spread out."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Elk Neck State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "The bathrooms are immaculate... We will always stop here on our way to and from the Keys."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Blue Rocks Family Campground. One visitor said, "Very level and spaced apart from neighbor if you pick the right spots."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville is a hit with families. A camper shared, "Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties and hay rides."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all but if you’re there more for the 'outdoorsy' experience, it’s not a huge downfall."
  • Seasonal Closures: Be aware that some campgrounds, such as Lake-In-Wood Campground, have specific seasons. One visitor noted, "The campground is very well maintained, and the staff is very nice."
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest reported noise from nearby roads. A reviewer said, "The sites further in from the road are probably really nice."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lake-In-Wood Campground mentioned, "Some tight spots to navigate through."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Elk Neck State Park Campground offer full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. One camper said, "Sites are paved and mostly level."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast before you go. A visitor at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest noted, "Many sites experienced flooding after a torrential rain."

Whether you're looking for the best camping near Pennsauken, NJ, or just a weekend getaway, these campgrounds have something to offer everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free camping areas available near Pennsauken?

Free camping options near Pennsauken are limited, but budget-friendly alternatives exist. Lower Forge Camp in the Pine Barrens requires backpacking in (5+ miles from Atsion or 7 miles from Batsto) and offers a primitive experience along the Batsto River. While not free, Belleplain State Forest provides affordable public camping with easy access to Cape May and Ocean City beaches. State and county parks typically charge nominal fees but offer significantly lower rates than private campgrounds in the region.

What tent camping spots are available near Pennsauken?

Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest offers excellent tent camping opportunities about 30 minutes from Pennsauken. Located off US 206, this Department of Environmental Protection facility provides tent sites, trailer sites, group sites, and cabins. For a different experience, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold offers tent camping within its impressive 2,283 acres, featuring a 17-acre lake and proximity to Revolutionary War battlefields. Both locations provide the essential amenities tent campers need while offering distinctive natural settings.

Where can I find camping sites near Pennsauken, NJ?

Pennsauken campers have several options within driving distance. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers full hookups just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, making it convenient for city exploration (note: it closes for winter, reopening in April). For a wooded experience, Holly Acres RV Park in Egg Harbor City provides level sites with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, WiFi, and cable. Both locations are well-positioned for day trips to Philadelphia while offering comfortable amenities for overnight stays.