Tent camping near Port Republic, New Jersey offers a distinctive Pine Barrens experience with sandy soil and cedar-stained waterways. The region sits at low elevation (less than 100 feet above sea level) with moderate temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Camping areas typically require advance reservations during peak months between April and October, with many sites filling completely on summer weekends.
What to do
Kayaking the Wading River: Access points available at Hawkins Bridge Campground with steep but manageable put-ins. "We put in the water the next day and travel 10 miles to Bodine Fields campground... Wading river has a nice flow. It's a dark black river from the tannins. Not much fishing, mostly easy with some trick currents for inexperienced paddlers," notes Thomas M. from Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest.
Skeet shooting: Available at Red Wing Lakes, which also offers fishing options. "Season camped for 2 years there. Swimming lake catch and release lake sells wood has bath houses, electric, water and sewer hookups. They always have something going on. And a skeet range," according to Barry G.
Backpacking the Batona Trail: Access directly from multiple campgrounds with varying difficulty levels. "We stayed at Mullica River camp ground it is a hike or boat in only camp ground has a pump to get water and 2 outhouses (hold your breath) start hike kayak trIp at 206 hike 6 miles in camp then hike kayak out 5 miles to batsto," shares Ragen W.
What campers like
Sandy terrain for sleeping comfort: The Pine Barrens soil creates naturally cushioned tent sites. "Very open basically sandy field with a handful of trees in the middle, group sites available. You're right next to the wading river/creek with that amazing cedar water," reports Dan M. from Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest.
Access to water recreation: Many sites provide direct water access for paddling. "This campground (Goshen Pond) was mostly empty while we were there in August. Our site was very quiet, but a lot of the sites are close together without any barriers. Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent. We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient," explains Anna D. from Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest.
Seclusion on weekdays: Most campsites offer more privacy during non-peak times. "During the off season and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be. During the weekend it's very populated and tends to be pretty noisy," advises Adeline M.
What you should know
Primitive facilities: Most sites have only basic amenities and composting toilets. "The campground is hike-in or boat-in only, no car access. Individual sites are closely packed, which was not a problem as we were the only ones there. Site boundaries are pretty clearly marked, and each has a fire ring," notes Rebecca S. from Lower Forge Camp.
Tick prevention essential: Ticks are abundant throughout warm months. "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 Eldad K.
Weekend crowding: Sites that feel spacious on weekdays can become noisy on weekends. "Originally it was very hard to first locate the site, I believe it is on google maps since we went last, the welcome center will also give you coordinates to get there. The turn off is only labeled in one direction so keep an eye on both sides of the signs. The campsites are semi close together," mentions Christian.
Tips for camping with families
Water filtering knowledge: Teach children about natural tannin water coloration. "Batsto River provides plenty of water for filtering--don't be weirded out by the brown color caused by tannins. River access at higher-numbered sites is marshy, water flow and quantity is more substantial downstream from the lower-numbered sites," explains Rebecca S.
Off-season timing: School-aged children may enjoy better experiences during shoulder seasons. "Bodine Field is one of several camping locations within Wharton State Forest. Once we arrived at the site we quickly realized we were some of the only brave souls that chose to be outdoors in early April. It was cold and rainy the entire day and did not get better when the evening arrived. We had a great time despite the cold and the rain," shares Michael M.
Swimming opportunities: Batona Campground provides good access to swimming areas. "It's also a 5 minute drive from Atsion lake, a great place for kayaking and swimming," notes Anna D.
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow, sandy access roads. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle. Site are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit," cautions Meghan G.
Limited hookup availability: Red Wing Lakes offers some of the only sites with electric, water, and sewer connections in the region. Most forest campgrounds like Batona and Bodine Field have no hookups.
Seasonal considerations: Most tent camping near Port Republic closes between October 31 and April 1, with limited options during winter months. "We stayed for one night on an overnight loop in Wharton State Forest. Wild blueberries abound during summer months," notes Rebecca S.
