Camping within a 30-mile radius of Pennsauken offers diverse options across southern New Jersey's flat coastal plain, characterized by sandy soil, pine forests, and freshwater streams. The region averages 204 sunny days annually, with summer temperatures commonly reaching 85-90°F during peak camping season. While Pennsauken itself sits at just 36 feet above sea level, nearby camping areas feature subtle terrain changes that create varied camping environments from lakefront to wooded settings.
What to Do
Lakeside recreation at Atsion: Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest provides direct access to water activities. "My friends and I stayed here overnight for Cotopaxi's philly questival- it's easy to find, well-maintained, and the campsites are spaced so you can meet other people but also have your own space in the woods! Also loved the produce stand across the street from the entrance," notes one Atsion Family Camp visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer stocked lakes and ponds. "We spent a few weeks here, waiting for school to end so we could take our 6 year old granddaughter back to our home in Florida... The wonderful part was having them visit us - for $8 per day the grandchildren were able to play miniature golf, swim in the pool (they had pool toys to borrow) fish (and yes they caught bass)," reports a camper at Old Cedar Campground.
Historical exploration: Fort Washington State Park connects to Revolutionary War history. "Located just due south of Abington and north of Cheltenham right outside of Philly, Alverthorpe Private Park is a hidden gem tucked into the forested wilds in what is surprisingly an otherwise densely populated leafy tree-lined shady suburban area," explains a visitor. Fort Washington State Park similarly combines historical significance with natural areas.
What Campers Like
Secluded sites: Goshen Pond Campground offers more isolated camping experiences. "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," mentions one Goshen Pond Campground visitor. This campground represents one of the more rustic dog friendly campgrounds near Pennsauken.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "The sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports a camper about French Creek State Park.
Waterfront camping: Lakefront or riverside sites remain highly sought after. "ᵂᵉ ˢᵗᵃʸᵉᵈ ʰᵉʳᵉ ᶦⁿ ᵒᵘʳ ᴿᵛ⋅ ᴵᵗ ʷᵃˢ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜˡᵒˢᵉˢᵗ ᶜᵃᵐᵖᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈ ᵗᵒ ᴾʰᶦˡˡʸ ˢᵒ ʷᵉ ᶜᵃˡˡᵉᵈ ᵃ ᴸʸᶠᵗ ᵗᵒ ᵍᵉᵗ ᵘˢ ᶦⁿᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜᶦᵗʸ⋅ ᵀʰᵉ ˢᵗᵃᶠᶠ ʷᵃˢ ˢᵘᵖᵉʳ ᶠʳᶦᵉⁿᵈˡʸ ᵃⁿᵈ ʰᵉˡᵖᶠᵘˡ⋅ ᵂᵉ ᵃˡˢᵒ ᶠᶦˡˡᵉᵈ ᵒᵘʳ ᵖʳᵒᵖᵃⁿᵉ ᵗᵃⁿᵏ ʰᵉʳᵉ ᵀʰᵉ ʳᵉˢᵗʳᵒᵒᵐˢ ʷᵉʳᵉ ᶦᵐᵐᵃᶜᵘˡᵃᵗᵉ ᶜᵒᵐᵖᵃʳᵉᵈ ᵗᵒ ᵐᵒˢᵗ ᶜᵃᵐᵖᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈˢ," notes a Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA guest.
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds close during winter months. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby... The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early, make sure you have cash on you," explains a winter visitor at French Creek State Park, one of the few year-round options.
Reservation requirements: Most dog friendly camping areas near Pennsauken require advance booking. "We arrived at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay. I was impressed at how prepared they were for our arrival," notes a camper at Hospitality Creek Campground.
Tick awareness: Wharton State Forest areas require tick precautions. "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/trucks. Pretty good boating/fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks," warns a Goshen Pond visitor.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for recreational variety: Campgrounds with multiple activities keep children engaged. "This place was so well maintained. There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more. They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," shares a visitor at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Consider bathroom proximity: Family sites near facilities reduce nighttime treks. "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. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," notes a French Creek State Park camper.
Check for age-appropriate amenities: Different campgrounds target various age groups. "The pool was nice and clean. Wifi worked well enough for us to stream Netflix and YouTube. We didn't use the shower or laundry facilities," reports a visitor to Old Cedar Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: Paved sites simplify setup and leveling. "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," explains a visitor at Hospitality Creek Campground.
Hookup accessibility: Water connection placement varies by campground. "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," warns an Old Cedar Campground camper.
Maneuvering space: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. "The roads and turns were tight for our 36' motorhome, but manageable," notes a Hospitality Creek Campground visitor. Campground selection should account for RV size and turn radius requirements.
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