Camping spots near Pitman, New Jersey sit within the northeastern coastal plain, with elevations rarely exceeding 200 feet above sea level. Most camping facilities in the region operate in sandy soil conditions typical of South Jersey, with oak and pine trees providing natural shade at many locations. The camping season runs primarily from April through October, though winter camping options exist at select year-round facilities.
What to do
Creek fishing access: At Old Cedar Campground, campers can fish in two designated areas. "My grandchildren loved visiting us, pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great," notes one visitor who found the experience family-friendly.
Hiking wooded trails: The trails surrounding Atsion Family Camp offer flat terrain ideal for casual hiking. "Hikes start either there or you can access from Atsion as well. There are little trails around the campsite too," explains a camper who enjoyed the accessible nature paths.
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature lakes or ponds with swimming and boating opportunities. "We tent camped at Bodine campground in 2018. Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site!" reported one visitor who appreciated direct water access.
What campers like
Quiet weekday stays: For those seeking peace, timing matters at Hospitality Creek Campground. "Family friendly with tons of kid activities/themes. Easy roads for bike riding and beautiful views of the lake," mentioned one camper who enjoyed the balance of activities and tranquility.
Nature viewing: Some campsites offer wildlife observation opportunities. "If you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty," noted a visitor at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Lakefront premium sites: Water-adjacent sites are popular but book quickly. "Our lakefront site(#57) was superb! It was between a small, paved boat ramp and a row of arborvitae trees on the other side separating us from the neighboring site," reported a camper who enjoyed the prime location at Hospitality Creek Campground.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have mineral-rich water sources. At Parvin State Park Campground, "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water."
Visitor fees add up: Additional guests beyond the base reservation often incur daily charges. At Old Cedar Campground, "Reservation only includes 2 people - it's $8.00 per day for each additional person," which can significantly impact total trip costs for groups or families.
Seasonal amenities: Pool facilities typically operate only during peak summer months. "The pool was heated," notes a review from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, while another mentions closures: "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool."
Terrain considerations: Sandy or mulched sites are common in the region. "The entire campground is sand and gets very dusty and messy. This was the dirtiest campground we've stayed at," reported one camper, while another noted, "The entire site was level and covered in mulch."
Tips for camping with families
Saturday activities: Weekend organized events cater to children at many campgrounds. "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for kids... They also have activities throughout the day. EVERYONE was extremely friendly," noted a visitor at Old Cedar Campground.
Playgrounds and pools: Most family-oriented sites feature multiple water and play facilities. "Lake with swing and fishing and two pools... Large sites, kids had fun," reported a camper at Lake Kandle.
Rainy day planning: Limited indoor recreation options exist in the area. "We had a rainy day and would've loved to watch movies on TV, but couldn't," noted one camper who struggled with connectivity issues during inclement weather.
Advance bookings required: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. "They even had a breakfast, games and crafts geared towards it," mentioned a Father's Day weekend camper, highlighting the special activities available during popular weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Many RV campsites lack privacy barriers. "The hookups seemed to work just fine. The all-grass site just fit our 37' motor home," shared a camper at Old Cedar, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriately sized spaces.
Road conditions vary: Some campgrounds have challenging internal 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," cautioned an RV camper at Parvin State Park who found the navigation challenging in a 31-foot Class C.
Water connection logistics: Shared hookups may require extra equipment. "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advised a camper who nearly had connection issues.
Winter camping considerations: Limited year-round options exist for RVers. "It was cold so we asked to be put close to bathrooms so we could leave camper winterized. They accommodated us nicely," shared a winter camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
