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
Camping near Pennsauken, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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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. Camping near Pennsauken provides convenient access to both urban attractions and natural settings for outdoor recreation. 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 Campgrounds near Pennsauken (121)
1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"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
"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."
3. Philly Love Boats at Pier 5 Marina: Urban Glamping
Check Availabilityfrom $120 - $145 / night
4. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"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."
"m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $72 / night
5. 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
6. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
7. Old Cedar Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $31 - $50 / night
8. Tinicum Island
9. French Creek State Park Campground
"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."
18 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $24 - $122 / night
10. Hospitality Creek Campground
"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."
Drive Time
- 4 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 28 min from Trenton, NJ
- 46 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 12 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Pennsauken, NJ
259 Photos of 121 Pennsauken Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOAM
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Old Cedar CampgroundS
Hospitality Creek Campground
Evansburg State Park Campground
Four Seasons Family Campground
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Lower Forge Camp
Blueberry Morning
Lower Forge — Wharton State Forest
Brendan Byrne State ForestL
Recent Reviews near Pennsauken, NJ
817 Reviews of 121 Pennsauken Campgrounds
- j
james Q.ScoutBelleplain State Forest
Quiet, Clean and Friendly
We stayed at the group site campground with our horse. We found the sites to be large, and clean. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and they have fall activities for the family, at the lake and nature hikes. The porta potty's are very clean, have hand sanitizer and plenty of paper. Will be returning again in a few weeks. Plenty of trails to ride on. A true gem in our own backyard.
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!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
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.
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.
Guide to Pennsauken
Camping spots within 40 miles of Pennsauken, NJ range from waterfront options to more secluded forest settings. The region sits at an average elevation of 39 feet above sea level with sandy soil throughout the Pine Barrens and clay-rich soils in the western areas. Most campgrounds in the region receive approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually, creating humid conditions during summer months.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: At French Creek State Park Campground, campers can access over 35 miles of trails. "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return. There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained," noted one visitor who enjoyed the extensive trail system.
Fishing opportunities: Hospitality Creek Campground offers excellent fishing access with lakefront sites. "We spent an extended weekend at Hospitality Creek. And we're really glad we did! Our site (#57— Lakefront Premium Waterfront) had full hookups and everything worked fine. The site was a good size, covered in heavy mulch, and is level," shared one camper who enjoyed the waterfront access.
Water recreation: Both lakes at French Creek State Park provide various water activities. "We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely! There is also a nice picnic area with grills and picnic tables right by the boat landing, where we picnicked and hung out for an afternoon," explained a visitor who maximized their time on the water.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest receives praise for spacious layouts. "While we were surrounded by other campers, we enjoyed how private it was!!! Will come back again!!!" shared one camper who appreciated the natural separation between sites.
Clean facilities: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA maintains well-kept bathrooms according to reviews. "The restrooms were immaculate compared to most campgrounds. We stayed here in our RV. It was the closest campground to Philly so we called a Lyft to get us into the city. The staff was super friendly and helpful," mentioned a camper who valued the cleanliness standards.
Waterfront camping options: At Tinicum Island, boat-in camping creates a unique experience. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," notes a reviewer about this Delaware River island location, which requires boating access and offers a more secluded camping experience than established campgrounds in the area.
What you should know
Campground access restrictions: Some locations have residency requirements. At Alverthorpe Private Park, "Restricted to only residents. Looks nice, if you can actually stay here," reported one disappointed traveler who couldn't secure access.
Weather considerations: Sandy soil conditions impact camping after rainfall. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," noted a camper at French Creek State Park, highlighting the importance of solid tent platforms in the region's variable conditions.
Group camping limitations: Some parks only offer group camping. "Great historical park along Washington's route to Valley Forge - however, camping is group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals," explained a visitor to Fort Washington State Park regarding availability restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Old Cedar Campground offers multiple activities for children. "Quiet during the week - numerous seasonal campers. Reservation only includes 2 people - it's 8.00 per day for each additional person. The bath house(s) are centrally located near the camp office. 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," shared a grandparent who camped with family.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities that appeal to families. "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)," recommended a regular visitor to Wharton State Forest.
Camping with infants: Facilities with spacious shower accommodations help families with small children. "The bathroom at the campground is very nice and new however it is a little on the dirty side. There are two large showers as well with very warm water. I was able to shower with my infant daughter and had no issues with trying to maneuver around while holding her," explained a parent at French Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, site placement matters. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive. This is a nice KOA with full hook ups, tent sites, cabins, and even glamping cabins," noted an RVer who selected this location for its city access.
Site surface conditions: Old Cedar Campground provides level sites for easier setup. "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. We stayed in Site# 51 in the Fence Loop- a pull-thru with 50-amp, water, and sewer. The hookups seemed to work just fine. The all-grass site just fit our 37' motor home," detailed an RVer who appreciated the simplicity.
Utility considerations: Hospitality Creek Campground offers comprehensive RV facilities. "The campground is clean and orderly. From what I've seen staying twice in April, the owner drives around to check on things. My kids had a lot of fun and made a lot of friends. They had a great trip. Campground is also not overly huge," explained a camper who valued the well-maintained property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free camping areas available near Pennsauken?
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?
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?
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.
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