Camping options near Richland, New Jersey sit within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by sandy soil and elevations rarely exceeding 200 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching the high 80s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for tent camping. Most Richland NJ campgrounds operate in a heavily wooded environment with mixed pine and oak forests creating natural privacy barriers between sites.
What to do
Kayaking at Winding River: This campground offers kayak rentals with transport service for 2, 3 and 5-hour river trips that return directly to the campsite. "They have kayaking and tubing available with their own transport 2,3 and 5 hour trips and you come right back down to the campsite!! Bring your own and just pay a small transport fee," explains Michelle F. at Winding River Campground.
Fishing at multiple locations: Fishing opportunities abound at smaller ponds throughout the region. At Holly Acres RV Park, campers report "Good fishing at the lake," while Old Cedar Campground visitors note, "fishing was great" with children regularly catching bass from their dedicated fishing areas.
Hiking at Belleplain State Forest: The flat terrain makes for accessible walking trails suitable for all skill levels. "Nice hiking trails and playground. About 20 minutes away from the Cape May zoo," reports April E., highlighting the combination of natural trails and nearby attractions.
What campers like
Spacious sites at Atsion Family Camp: The Wharton State Forest campground offers generous camping spaces with water access. "Our site was HUGE!!!! It was also super private with trees and a lot of privacy from the road and our neighbors," shares Anne H. at Belleplain State Forest, describing similar site layouts found at many state forest locations.
Clean facilities with modern amenities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained facilities. "The campground was clean and orderly. From what I've seen staying twice in April, the owner drives around to check on things," notes Stephanie H. about Hospitality Creek Campground, which offers full hookup sites.
Swimming options in natural settings: Many Richland NJ campgrounds feature swimming opportunities. "The swimming lake was beautiful. We biked the trails, and hiked others that didn't allow bikes," explains a reviewer at Belleplain State Forest, highlighting the combination of water recreation and trail access.
What you should know
Sandy soil conditions affect site quality: The regional sandy soil can create challenges, particularly after rain. "It also had rained and there were puddles in the sand," mentions one camper at Belleplain, while another notes sites at Parvin State Park Campground have "no gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground."
Water hookup configurations vary: Several campgrounds have shared water hookups that require extra preparation. At Old Cedar Campground, "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."
Seasonal availability differs by location: While state forests may operate year-round, private campgrounds typically close in late fall. "Nice campground with good electric and water hookups" at Belleplain operates year-round, while Hospitality Creek maintains a season from "Apr 20 - Oct 7."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with children should prioritize campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Plenty of things to do for the kids. We love the lake side campsites," notes Arnold M. about Hospitality Creek, while another campground features "a nice playground, basketball court, 2 fishing areas."
Weekend activities at Old Cedar Campground: This campground offers structured weekend activities for children. "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids.... EVERYONE was extremely friendly," writes Craig W., adding that visitors can access miniature golf, swimming, and fishing for an $8 daily fee.
Nature center programs: Some state forest locations provide educational opportunities. "The nature center had planned activities for families each day," shares a Belleplain camper, making these locations ideal for families interested in environmental education.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at several locations. "Sites are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled," reports Daniel C. about Mays Landing Resort, indicating this is a common regional challenge.
Narrow access roads: Many campgrounds feature tight turns and narrow roads that challenge larger vehicles. At Parvin State Park, "narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large," cautions Cynthia, advising that "a larger rig may have a tough time maneuvering the narrow roads."
Hookup locations and length requirements: RVers report needing extra-long water and electrical cords at multiple campgrounds. "We ended up pulling in after dark since we both ended up working late and took us about 1 1/2 hours to set up our water and electrical lines were short from where we parked," notes Michelle F. at Winding River Campground.
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