Richland, New Jersey sits within the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem characterized by sandy, acidic soil and pine-oak forests. The area maintains relatively mild temperatures during camping season, though summer nights can drop by 20-30 degrees from daytime highs. Yurt camping near Richland offers a middle ground between traditional tent camping and cabin rentals, with many sites providing sturdy canvas structures on wooden platforms.
What to do
Tubing on Wading River: Wading Pines Camping Resort provides river access for water activities. "We had 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 Stacy D.
Nature photography at Thundergust Lake: Belleplain State Forest offers diverse ecosystems for photographers. "We walked through the site areas and they seem to be a nice size but not offering too much privacy. We are usually there in the off season so not sure how crazy it gets in the warmer months with the lake being there," shares Maggie H.
Canoeing on Atsion Lake: Atsion Family Camp provides watercraft access. "Campsite G014 was awesome! 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," says Brianna P.
Visit historic Batsto Village: Located 15 minutes from Atsion campground, this preserved iron-making town offers self-guided tours. "Batsto is a 15 minute drive. Hikes start either there or you can access from Atsion as well. There are little trails around the campsite too," explains Steve.
What campers like
Year-round glamping options: Wharton State Forest offers yurt accommodations during all seasons. "LOVE!!!! I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," reports Alexa L.
Clean bathroom facilities: Pleasant Valley Family Campground maintains well-kept restrooms. "Very clean! Mostly seasonal residents with new and properly maintained sites. Very friendly, as almost everyone waved when we went by. Pool was open and monitored," shares Stacy D.
Lake swimming beaches: Ocean View Resort Campground provides multiple water recreation options. "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," says Tiffany P.
Heated accommodations: Luxury yurt camping near Richland includes comfort amenities. "This camp site is super convenient and close to Philly/Trenton/ocean city. But when you're there you don't feel totally secluded. The camp sites are a little close together and there are busy roads in close proximity," notes Amy C.
What you should know
Iron content in water: Several campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. "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. Most of the showers were out of order," reports Frank J. at Parvin State Park.
Sandy roads: The Pine Barrens soil affects campground infrastructure. "The entire park is sand and gets very dusty and messy. This was the dirtiest campground we've stayed at, meaning the trailer and truck needed a full bath once we got home," mentions Debbie W.
Limited cell service: Belleplain State Forest has connectivity challenges. "Virtually NO cell service with AT&T, TMobile or Verizon. AT&T was the better of the 3. Our Winegard/Gateway give us no internet which we normally get. There'd be way too many trees for Starlink," notes Anne H.
Seasonal operations: Many facilities close during winter months. "Note- this does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," advises Travyl Couple about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve splash pad access: Jellystone Park South Jersey offers water features for children. "The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream," mentions Matt S.
Check height requirements: Many water attractions have restrictions. "The pool and splash park were great but you needed to be at least 42 inches to go on the slide or bounce house," reports Nicole S.
Pack insect repellent: The wooded environment supports active bug populations. "We love Parvin Park. Camped here last year and arrived after check in. We called first then the next morning paid $20 for one night. Relaxing hiking trails around the lake. Bring bug spray, usually see ticks," advises Rachel S.
Consider proximity to facilities: When yurt camping with children in Richland, New Jersey, bathroom location matters. "We were NOT happy that the bathrooms next to us were closed, apparently for years, and it was not noted. We purposely booked in 105 due to the proximity," explains Anne H.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment. "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," notes Daniel C. about Mays Landing Resort.
Narrow internal roads: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA requires careful navigation. "The spots were tight and when our neighbor parked his truck in his spot, my chair could almost touch it. The exit is very tight to get out of and all lanes are one way so be careful if you have a big rig," warns Yamileth K.
Limited dump stations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "The worst was the dump station. It is just a little hole on the side of the road and the ONLY dump station for the 3 campgrounds! It was very unlevel and not easy to fully dump our tanks," cautions Anne H.
CCC section access: Select sites offer better amenities. "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," notes Frank J.
