Camping options around Williamstown, New Jersey benefit from the region's flat to gently rolling terrain, with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level. The area's sandy, acidic soil supports distinctive pine barrens vegetation while providing well-draining tent sites. Temperatures typically range from 45-80°F during the main camping season of mid-April through October, with rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year.
What to do
Kayaking at lakefront sites: Several campgrounds feature direct water access for easy kayak launching. At Atsion Family Camp, site #8 offers exceptional water views. One camper noted, "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)."
Nature trails exploration: Wharton State Forest contains extensive hiking options suitable for beginners. The Batona Trail runs directly through some campgrounds. A visitor to Batona Campground explained, "Walking Trails Directly From Campsite... Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible."
Fishing from shoreline spots: Multiple campsites offer fishing opportunities without requiring a boat. The ponds at Old Cedar Campground are stocked and accessible. "Nice for a quiet weekend... Fishing was great," reported one visitor, while another mentioned, "Very quiet Campground. Easily can sleep late here! Clean, woodsy and nice staff."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites with natural barriers. At Parvin State Park Campground, campers appreciate the layout: "Site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites. Nice hiking trails. Staff very nice." Another noted, "Woodsy, nice lake and nature trails."
Easy city access: The area's proximity to Philadelphia provides a convenient base for exploring urban attractions. A camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA shared, "Stayed here in our RV. It was the closest campground to Philly so we called a Lyft to get us into the city. The staff was super friendly and helpful." Another visitor added, "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the quality of amenities at established campgrounds. One reviewer of Hospitality Creek described their experience: "The park was easy to find and located a short distance from the highway. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay... The entire site was level and covered in mulch. The water, electric, and sewer hookups looked practically brand new."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance bookings, especially for weekend stays. For Hospitality Creek Campground, campers noted the reservation system: "Like more and more campgrounds, they offered virtual check-in and payment online. This meant that we were handed a welcome packet at the front gate and sent on our way without delays for paperwork or payments."
Sandy roads in forest areas: Access to some Wharton State Forest campgrounds involves navigating sandy roads. A Batona Campground visitor advised, "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle." Another camper mentioned, "Roads into the place are single car only, with a good amount of spots to pull off if you find your self head to head with another vehicle. Pretty bumpy road."
Variable water quality: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality or availability. A Parvin State Park camper reported, "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." Another mentioned, "Note that water isn't available in winter months at some forest campgrounds."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with organized events provide entertainment for children. A visitor to Jellystone Park South Jersey shared, "The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream." Another camper described Four Seasons Campground as "Very nice campground with plenty of things to do for the kids. Beautiful pool, very nice playground and arcade."
Beginner-friendly sites: Some locations offer ideal setups for first-time campers. One visitor explained their experience: "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. Lots to do in the surrounding area too!"
Weekend noise considerations: Some campgrounds become considerably busier on weekends with different noise levels. A camper at Goshen Pond noted, "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 - no fault of the campsite, just note that this place will have a higher frequency of this type of visitor."
Tips from RVers
Hookup access planning: Water connections may require extra equipment at some campgrounds. A camper at Old Cedar Campground advised, "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."
Campground road navigation: Some campgrounds have tight turns and narrow roads that challenge larger RVs. One reviewer noted about Hospitality Creek: "We navigated the park to our lakefront site using the map with pre-marked route in our welcome packet. The roads and turns were tight for our 36' motorhome, but manageable."
Site selection for larger rigs: Identifying appropriate sites for big rigs requires research. A camper at KC's Camp Fitness mentioned the campground is "perfect for large rigs. A safe haven located just outside of the city." At Batona Campground, a visitor cautioned, "Sites are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."
