The Pine Barrens region near Moorestown spans over 1.1 million acres of sandy, acidic soil that supports unique plant species like pitch pines and pygmy pines. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F, while winter can drop to 20-40°F with occasional snowfall. The sandy terrain creates well-draining campsites, though rain can sometimes flood low-lying areas near lakes and streams.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers a dedicated archery range where visitors can practice their skills. "There's a nice lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding," notes one camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Historic exploration: Visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, located 15 minutes from French Creek State Park Campground. "There are several cottages, cabins and yurts available as well. For this trip, my husband and I camped alongside our friends, which included three other couples and their children," shares a visitor who enjoyed the historic sites nearby.
Winter ice skating: Some parks maintain winter activities when weather permits. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," mentions a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Kayaking off-site: Take a short trip to explore regional waterways. "We did have a great time tubing on the river. Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride," notes a visitor to Wading Pines Camping Resort.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer wooded separation between campsites. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," reports a visitor to French Creek State Park Campground.
Scenic lakefront sites: Several campgrounds offer premium waterfront locations. "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake," shares a camper from Atsion Family Camp at Wharton State Forest.
Pine Barrens ecology: The unique ecosystem provides distinct camping experiences. "We wanted a more rustic experience and tent camped at Bodine campground in 2018. Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site! Our tent has a full view of the sky and at night it was like a planetarium as we admired the sky from our cots," explains a visitor at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer special programming throughout the year. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids," shares a visitor to Timberland Lake Campground.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality. "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," notes a camper at Parvin State Park Campground.
Tick awareness: The region's wooded areas support tick populations. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," warns a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Varied shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs between campgrounds. "The showers were a little spidery but kind of expected at a campground. Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!" advises a Brendan Byrne State Forest camper.
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds have different noise levels between weekdays and weekends. "Went during the week, there were 4 sites taken adjacent to me, the rest of the campsite barely had anyone. Unfortunately 2 of them were taken by a large family group who were pretty loud until midnight," reports a visitor to Atsion Family Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Several campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. "The camp ground is secluded and right on the Delaware River. Very enjoyable," notes a visitor to Washington Crossing State Park, which features playgrounds and historical sites kids enjoy.
Kid-friendly water activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas. "We stayed here in July. Besides the weather being ungodly hot. Had a good time. The only thing I would say is that the bathrooms need an upgrade. Everyone was very friendly at the resort," shares a Wading Pines Camping Resort visitor.
Halloween weekends: Fall camping includes special events for children. "We went to timberland lake last fall. it happened to be the Halloween weekend which was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and tricker treating. Lake was beautiful," reports a visitor to Timberland Lake Campground.
Easy first-time options: Some sites cater well to camping novices. "Me and my girlfriends first camping trip so we're both kinda new to the whole thing. This place was great for beginners. Had plenty of space at the campsite, picnic table and fire pit," says an Atsion visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection important: Choose sites based on your RV size and needs. "My rig is 31 ft class C and it was fine for me but a larger rig may have a tough time maneuvering the narrow roads. Woodsy, nice lake and nature trails," advises a visitor at Parvin State Park Campground.
Seasonal occupancy levels: Certain times offer more privacy for glamping close to Moorestown, New Jersey. "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself," notes a Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor.
Paved sites available: Some campgrounds offer concrete pads. "Our site included a nice concrete pad big enough to park our 45' motorhome+ toad. Our site was roomy with plenty of mature shade trees," reports a camper at Jellystone Park South Jersey.
Extended hookup hoses needed: Water connections may require extra equipment. "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
