Yurt camping near Absecon, New Jersey offers diverse camping options in the Pine Barrens region where sandy soil dominates the landscape. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though several remain open year-round with limited winter accommodations. Average summer temperatures reach 85°F with high humidity, making water recreation particularly valuable for comfort.
What to do
Lake activities: water recreation: Timberline Lake Camping Resort features a significant lake with boat rentals and dedicated swimming areas. "Nice quiet campground right on a huge lake, good fishing, dog beach, human beach, awesome pool. Tons of activities," notes Richard V. about the variety of water options.
Historic exploration: within short drives: Belleplain State Forest provides access to historic buildings and ruins accessible via dirt roads. "About 20 minutes away from the Cape May zoo," adds April E., highlighting proximity to additional attractions. The forest maintains yurt accommodations with access to hiking trails.
River tubing: natural waterways: Wading Pines Camping Resort offers direct river access for tubing. "You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other," explains Layne. More adventurous visitors can arrange longer routes: "Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride," suggests Stacy D.
What campers like
Site privacy: varies by location: Atsion Family Camp receives high marks for spacious sites. "Very spacious and open - which is good in some ways but I had to account for shade as well as a place to rig a ridgeline for my tarp," explains Steve. Select waterfront sites offer additional privacy.
Bathroom facilities: cleanliness varies: Atlantic Shore Pines Campground maintains clean facilities according to frequent reviews. "The site was spacious and right across from the bathrooms. Bathrooms were very clean," notes Jim G., who also mentions "good sized sites, well maintained hookups, clean grounds, friendly staff, well-stocked campstore."
Seasonal events: themed weekends: Most campgrounds run themed weekends, particularly during fall. "We did talk to some of the seasonal residents who were so nice," notes one camper at Sea Pirate Campground. "We came the weekend before Halloween, and the grounds were pretty deserted but beautiful." Seasonal programming generally runs heaviest from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What you should know
Bugs: prepare accordingly: Mosquitoes and flies can be problematic, especially near water. One reviewer at Sea Pirate Campground warns: "The bugs were just unbearable day & night. You couldn't even sit outside by the fire. Even walking the dog was a challenge." Pack insect repellent with DEET.
Sandy sites: common throughout region: The Pine Barrens soil means sand will track everywhere. "Sites are packed sand so be prepared with a good broom because it tracks everywhere," advises Jim G. Sandy conditions worsen after rain, creating muddy patches.
Weekend noise levels: vary significantly: Several campgrounds feature scheduled entertainment that creates noise. "Their live music (a terrible cover band) blasts every weekend until midnight into the park," notes Jim F. about Wading Pines, while others mention DJs and organized activities running until 10pm on weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: pools and playgrounds: Ocean View Resort Campground maintains extensive children's facilities. "Ocean View Resort was an excellent resort for our family with two toddlers. Kids loved the Splash Park, Arcade, Tram Car, playgrounds and Lake," reports Ann Marie M., who found plenty to occupy young children.
Safety considerations: water supervision: Mays Landing Resort has tent sites near water that require attention. "The tent loop is surrounded by water on 3 sides. There is no safety fence," cautions Danielle S., making this an important consideration for families with small children.
Activity schedules: check availability: Planned activities don't always operate daily. "Found out too late that the train only ran on the weekends, kids were pretty bummed," reports Ryan about Wading Pines, highlighting the importance of confirming schedules upon arrival.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: check in advance: Many sites require significant leveling. "There was a dip in the site when backing in and our fifth wheel was bending to the point of rubbing the top of our truck when backing in," reports Anne H. at Belleplain State Forest. Request information about site grading when booking.
Water pressure: fluctuations common: Several campgrounds experience water pressure issues. "We had a problem with our site: extremely low water pressure, often below 20 PSI. It was so low at times, that we couldn't take showers or flush the toilet," notes a camper at Sea Pirate, recommending bringing pressure regulators and extra water.
Navigation challenges: narrow roads: Many campgrounds feature tight turns. "The roads are narrow and we had a hard time getting on to site 145," reports Stacy D., adding that seasonal campers sometimes park in ways that make maneuvering difficult. Call ahead for guidance on larger rigs.
