Best Campgrounds near Port Republic, NJ

The area around Port Republic, New Jersey includes several established campgrounds offering a mix of camping experiences. Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake sits directly in Port Republic with tent, RV, and cabin options, while Atlantic Shore Pines Campground in nearby Tuckerton provides 191 sites with similar accommodation types. Bass River State Forest, located in New Gretna, offers a more natural setting with tent and RV sites plus cabins for those seeking a woodsy experience. The Pine Barrens region surrounding Port Republic features multiple state forests and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Port Republic to find options ranging from primitive camping to full-hookup RV resorts.

"We stayed at Baker's Acres Campground in Little Egg Harbor for a weekend. Our site was a level back-in with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. My favorite thing about this campground is that most of the sites have plenty of trees and shrubs for semi-privacy, shade, and a rustic feel," noted one visitor. The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with some facilities like Bass River State Forest and Wharton State Forest open year-round. Summer months bring higher humidity and temperatures in the 80s-90s°F, making water access desirable. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak season. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage at private campgrounds than in the deeper sections of the state forests. Most campgrounds offer at least basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, while private resorts typically provide full hookups, showers, and recreational facilities.

Several visitors mentioned the appeal of camping near water in this region. Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest receives consistently positive reviews for its lakeside sites, with one camper noting, "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake." The proximity to water activities represents a significant draw, as many campgrounds offer fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities. The Pine Barrens environment creates a unique camping backdrop with its distinctive ecosystem. While some campgrounds like Sea Pirate and Baker's Acres feature sandy sites typical of the Jersey shore region, others provide more wooded settings. Proximity to attractions like Long Beach Island and Atlantic City makes this area popular for campers seeking both natural experiences and entertainment options. Most private campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance, though state forest campgrounds typically offer more basic amenities with varying levels of upkeep.

Best Camping Sites Near Port Republic, New Jersey (104)

    1. Bass River State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Tuckerton, NJ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 296-1114

    "We have never camped here before, but wanted to hike the Batona trail nearby."

    "I'm particularly fond of the dog friendly loop, its a newer loop and the bathrooms are more modern than the others scattered around. "

    2. Baker's Acres Campground

    15 Reviews
    Eagleswood, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 296-2664

    $43 / night

    "We stayed at Baker’s Acres Campground in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, for a weekend in mid-August. So did the rains of Hurricane Henri! "

    "Our site was decently sized, level, and nicely bordered with trees that gives you a sense of privacy."

    3. Wading Pines Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1313

    "The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground."

    "Very nice wading river next to the camp grounds. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."

    4. Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake

    7 Reviews
    Port Republic, NJ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Limited store supply selection but Wawa is a 15 minute drive and Walmart is roughly the same so that’s good enough for me. Pool is well taken care of and the lake is nice."

    "pros

    pull through

    friendly front desk

    clean showers and toilet

    free cable

    great lounge

    close to Long Beach Island and Atlantic city

    well kept area

    nice pool and playground

    right off the parkway"

    5. Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Egg Harbor City, NJ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "You’re right next to the wading river/creek with that amazing cedar water. As well as a quick drive Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake."

    "Bodine Field is one of several camping locations within Wharton State Forest.

    I am writing this review over a year after our stay so forgive me if the details are lacking."

    6. Holly Acres RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Egg Harbor City, NJ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 965-2287

    "5 Stars / Labor Day Weekend 

    We stayed at Holly Acres Campground in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, for Labor Day weekend. We’re so glad we did! "

    "Good fishing at the lake. They also allow golfcarts"

    7. Atlantic Shore Pines Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tuckerton, NJ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 296-9163

    $65 - $220 / night

    "This place is very close to Bass River State Park with lots of hiking and outdoor activities. Restaurants and stores in Tuckerton are just a few minutes away."

    8. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "Atsion Family Campground

    Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."

    "It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."

    9. Sea Pirate Campground

    7 Reviews
    Eagleswood, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 296-7400

    "We stayed at Sea Pirate Campground in West Creek, New Jersey, for a week in mid-August We’re so glad we did! "

    "They have a great store and eatery near the pool. Purchases can be easily made using their wristbands(provided at check-in). No need to carry cash or credit cards around the campground. "

    10. Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "I try to stay away from campgrounds with electrical hookups, because the sound of generators is not exactly the serenity of nature I'm looking for."

    "Bonus points for being driving distance to multiple locations that we could take our kayaks."

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Recent Reviews near Port Republic, NJ

528 Reviews of 104 Port Republic Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Tiffany P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Ocean View Resort Campground

    Lots of fun

    This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities. Does get very crowded and definitely have to book a head. We loved where our site was located. Will definitely be visiting again.

  • C
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Pros and cons

    We have been to this campground twice. First time everything was very clean and lots to do. The last time things had slipped a little bit. Campground was definitely not as clean. The first time there was staff riding around picking up garbage and keeping things neat. Last time it seemed like it was just a bunch of teenagers flying around on golf carts not doing much. Almost all the games were broken in the arcade. Plus a lot more seasonals. The seasonals also have a lot of political flags with profanities. Not very family friendly! Pros love the pool, lake, waterslides, and proximity to cape may Cons broken equipment, kids racing golf carts all hours of the nights, lots of seasonals with over the top decorations, with flags with profanities and cleanliness slipping. We will try it again. Hopefully they were just having an off year.

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • Frank J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Belleplain State Forest

    Relatively new to this

    Stayed in site 116 in CCC section (only section with electric and water). Good privacy. Check-in went smoothly. Staff at office said all the roads in the CCC section were 2-way. Not wide enough in my opinion but we didn't have a problem. Restrooms/showers were ok. Sea Isle City is not too far away if you're into the Jersey shore, restaurants, live music.

  • Joshua N.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Some issues

    The campsite is very nice except for a few issues not have not been addressed over the many years we have been coming here. First, the WIFI is absolutely terrible! I have complained before and it never improves. 2nd, when we checked in, we were told that there currently no cable TV. We were told to stream which was terrible as I stated above. Last, there was an older gentleman that works there as a pool attendant. He told one of the guests that vaping is not allowed in the fenced area of the swimming lake in a scolding tone and told the guest that it's against the rules and that he did not make up the rules. He then ran off to find the woman in charge of the pools(her name is Marie). She came in hot on her golf cart like Bo Luke in the Dukes of Hazzard and came over to the guest and started yelling at the guest like she committed murder. Totally uncalled for!!! She has an absolutely terrible personality and should not be working in the hospitality industry. There were a few other staff members that were very rude towards guests(including us). When I'm paying over$1000 for a week here, I expect to be treated much better. We almost felt like we were bothering the staff. We have seen Marie many times over the years and never see any behavior changes. The staff could use a good training session on hospitality and appreciation that guests come here to relax and spend a lot of money here to do so, so they are employed.

  • M
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Holly Acres RV Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are on the smallish side, but the staff is super nice and the facilities are maintained and clean

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins

    Clean spacious sites, friendly staff

    We stay here at least two times each year. Staff is so friendly and helpful. The section we stay has very clean, spacious sites.


Guide to Port Republic

Camping near Port Republic, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do:

  • Explore the beach: Cape Henlopen State Park Campground is just a short drive away and has great access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "This park has a LOT of activities: the beach, a nice nature center... So much to do."
  • Biking and hiking: Many campgrounds, like Turkey Swamp Park, offer trails for biking and hiking. A visitor said, "This beautiful park has some of the nicest campsites in a wooded area. Biking and hiking trails are located in the park."
  • Fishing and boating: At Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One reviewer noted, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cape Henlopen State Park Campground said, "The shower houses were clean."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the welcoming vibe at local campgrounds. One camper at Sun Outdoors Cape May mentioned, "The staff was very friendly and welcoming."
  • Variety of activities: Campgrounds like Bass River State Forest offer a range of activities. A camper shared, "The campground was clean and well maintained. It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience."

What you should know:

  • Busy weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "Very hard to snag a spot for a weekend. It's always busy."
  • Limited cell service: Some areas, like Brendan Byrne State Forest, have poor cell reception. One camper mentioned, "Cell service was fair... No WiFi."
  • Check-in confusion: At places like Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, check-in can be tricky. A camper shared, "Check in was confusing as it is across the street & closes promptly at 4pm."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. One camper at Sun Outdoors Cape May said, "The pool area looked nice and there were plenty of bathhouses and laundry."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Seashore Campsites & RV Resort mentioned, "Firewood was cheap $5 a bundle."
  • Pack outdoor games: Bring games for the kids to play outside. One camper at Bass River State Forest noted, "The sites are spacious and not on top of each other."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cape Henlopen State Park Campground advised, "Watch the site dimensions or you might not be able to fit your vehicle AND camper on the site."
  • Use the dump station: Many campgrounds have dump stations, but check their availability. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "The dump station works well with trash & recycling drop off next to it."
  • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA said, "The campground was clean and well maintained... close to civilization."

Camping near Port Republic, New Jersey, has something for everyone. Whether you're with family or just looking to unwind, these campgrounds offer a great experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities are available at Port Republic lake?

Port Republic's lake areas offer various recreational activities including fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking. Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake near Port Republic provides lake access for water activities. Nearby, the Butterfly Camping Resort features a fishing lake where campers regularly catch fish, though it's described as smaller in size. Beyond water activities, the region offers hiking trails, playgrounds, and organized recreational events at most campgrounds during peak season. Many facilities also provide swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming.

Where is Port Republic beach located and how do I access it?

Port Republic beach is located along the Mullica River in Atlantic County, New Jersey. The beach area is primarily accessible through nearby campgrounds rather than as a standalone public beach. Atlantic Blueberry RV Park in Port Republic offers access to water recreation and is situated not far from Brigantine and Atlantic City beaches. For additional beach options, many campers visit the nearby ocean beaches at Cape May or Brigantine, which are approximately 20-30 minutes away by car from the Port Republic area.

Which is the most popular campground near Port Republic, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Republic, NJ is Bass River State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.