Camping near Pilesgrove, New Jersey offers sandy soil terrain with excellent water drainage that creates natural, wooded settings at many campgrounds. The region experiences hot summers with average July temperatures around 87°F and mild winters, making the primary camping season from April to October ideal for outdoor recreation. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally with varying winter closure schedules, though Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA remains open year-round for those seeking off-season camping options.
What to do
Water recreation at multiple lakes: Hospitality Creek Campground features a swimming lake with rentable paddleboats and two pools with lifeguards on duty. "We rode our bikes around, enjoyed time on the lake in a rented paddleboat, and had a blast at the 70s-themed live concert at the pavilion on Saturday night," notes one visitor about the entertainment options.
Hiking opportunities: The Lums Pond State Park Campground has several well-maintained trails surrounding a large pond. "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," reported one camper. The trail system offers relatively flat terrain suitable for all skill levels.
Fishing spots: Parvin State Park Campground provides fishing opportunities throughout its lake system. Despite some visitors noting challenges with lake conditions, the park maintains dedicated fishing areas. One reviewer mentioned, "Good fishing and nice trails. Nice campsites, some big enough for trailers."
What campers like
Clean facilities: The bathhouses at many campgrounds receive positive feedback for cleanliness. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, campers appreciate the quality of facilities. "The restrooms were immaculate compared to most campgrounds," mentioned one visitor who stayed in their RV.
Quiet camping options: For those seeking tranquility, multiple camping options exist. Old Cedar Campground creates a peaceful environment according to reviews. "Nice for a quiet weekend," shared a camper named Melissa, while another noted it as "a basic and quiet campground."
Waterfront sites: Premium waterfront options at Hospitality Creek Campground provide direct lake access. "We love the lake side campsites," mentioned one camper. Another detailed their experience: "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."
What you should know
Varying water quality: Water quality can be inconsistent across campgrounds. A visitor to Parvin State Park Campground reported: "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."
Additional fees for guests: Many campgrounds charge for additional campers beyond the base reservation. At Old Cedar Campground, one visitor noted, "Reservation only includes 2 people - it's $8.00 per day for each additional person." This is common practice at several campgrounds in the region.
Wi-Fi limitations: While some campgrounds advertise Wi-Fi, performance varies considerably. "The park's Wi-Fi didn't work most of the time and was too slow when it did work to allow streaming or working on the computer," reported a visitor to Hospitality Creek Campground who needed internet access for virtual schooling.
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Many campgrounds plan regular activities for children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer, a visitor explained, "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids...EVERYONE was extremely friendly." Check activity schedules when booking to match your visit with preferred events.
Pool and water features: Water amenities are major attractions for families in the summer months. The Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer receives positive feedback for its water recreation: "Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area," reported one visitor who stayed in a rental camper.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreation areas. At Old Cedar Campground, a visitor mentioned the improvements: "They've added a pool and are working on a mini golf area. Nice playground, basketball court, 2 fishing areas." Call ahead to verify which amenities are operational during your planned visit.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds feature both wooded and open sites with varying privacy levels. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, sites have been recently upgraded: "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," reported one RVer who visits regularly.
Water hookup planning: At some campgrounds, water hookups may be shared or positioned in unexpected locations. A visitor to Old Cedar Campground advised: "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."
