Best Campgrounds near Somerdale, NJ

Camping options around Somerdale, New Jersey span several established campgrounds offering varying levels of amenities and experiences. The Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, located about 9 miles southwest of Somerdale, provides full-service sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups for RVs along with cabin accommodations. Wharton State Forest, approximately 20 miles east, contains multiple camping areas including Atsion Family Camp and Goshen Pond Campground, supporting tent camping, cabin rentals, and limited RV access. Brendan Byrne State Forest, situated to the northeast, adds to the regional camping inventory with year-round availability.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many state forest sites open from April through October. Road conditions are generally suitable for standard vehicles, though some camping areas have unpaved access roads that can become difficult after rain. Several campgrounds feature reservable sites that fill quickly during summer months. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family in Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was quick and responsive," noted one visitor about the Clarksboro KOA. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some state forest campgrounds offering lake or river proximity while others provide more isolated wooded experiences.

The camping experience near Somerdale reflects a mix of suburban convenience and natural settings. Lake Kandle and Old Cedar Campground represent private camping options with varying amenities, from swimming facilities to full hookups. Many campers praise the state forest locations for their natural surroundings and relative quiet. Hospitality Creek Campground in Williamstown provides water recreation opportunities with its on-site lake. One camper described Wharton State Forest as "a great getaway from the everyday rat race" and "perfect for beginners who you're trying to break into backpacking." Cell service is generally available but can be spotty in more remote forest locations. Campgrounds closest to Philadelphia tend to be more developed with shower facilities and electrical hookups, while those deeper in the pine barrens offer more primitive experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Somerdale, New Jersey (126)

    1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

    2. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    16 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."

    3. Hospitality Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Winslow, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 629-5140

    "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."

    "We love the lake side campsites."

    4. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "★★★★ Quiet Getaway Weekend 

    We went to Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, New Jersey, for a quiet getaway weekend. This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

    5. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "It's only a one minute walk from the parking area to the site. Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent."

    "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/ trucks. Pretty good boating/ fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks."

    7. Lake Kandle

    1 Review
    Glassboro, NJ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 589-2158

    "Lake with swing and fishing and two pools. No pets no alcohol no store but they have a snack stand. Make sure to get an end campsite or your table will be by the sanitary dump."

    8. Batona — Wharton State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "I grew up near the pine barrens and would camp here many times with friends.  If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT!

    You might even see the Jersey Devil :)"

    "Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve."

    9. Four Seasons Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Pilesgrove, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 769-3635

    $50 - $150 / night

    "They have many amenities form a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds,theres a convenient store and even an arcade, and the best part is all the farms around."

    10. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1191

    $3 - $60 / night

    "Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"

    "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"

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Recent Reviews near Somerdale, NJ

760 Reviews of 126 Somerdale Campgrounds


  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • 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!

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    A Gem Among State Campgrounds

    We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did. 

    We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). 

    This place is a gem, even among nice state parks. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Easy access from I-95 

    • Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved 

    • Friendly and helpful staff 

    • Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • There’s nothing we didn’t like about this place 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do
  • 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.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Boulder Woods Campground

    Amazing campground with helpful staff and disc golf course

    The name says it all. It has boulders and woods.  The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did.  It was super tight.  Gorgeous place though.  They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs.  That's where we fell in love with disc golf.

    We stayed there in August 2017.


Guide to Somerdale

Camping options near Somerdale, New Jersey benefit from the region's sandy Pine Barrens soil and moderate climate, with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and spring/fall ranging from 55-70°F. The area's flat terrain makes for accessible camping without elevation changes, though sandy access roads can become challenging after rain, particularly in the state forest campgrounds located within a 30-minute drive.

What to do

Swimming and water recreation: At Hospitality Creek Campground, visitors have access to both a swimming lake and two pools with lifeguards on duty throughout the day. "We rode our bikes around, enjoyed time on the lake in a rented paddleboat, and had a blast at the 70s-themed live concert at the pavilion on Saturday night," shares one camper.

Hiking the Batona Trail: The 50-mile Batona Trail runs directly through Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest, offering easy access for day hikes or longer treks. "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," notes a visitor. The sandy soil makes for soft walking conditions.

Kayaking and fishing: At Goshen Pond Campground, waterfront sites provide direct water access. "Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent. We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient," explains one camper. Water levels vary seasonally, with spring typically offering the best flow conditions.

What campers like

Privacy levels: While some campgrounds offer secluded sites, others have more social layouts. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, "sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site." However, campers should know site layouts vary significantly between campgrounds.

Night sky viewing: The Pine Barrens region offers darker skies than surrounding urban areas. One camper at Atsion Family Camp noted, "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." Light pollution increases closer to Philadelphia.

Proximity to urban amenities: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides convenient access to Philadelphia while maintaining campground comforts. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily," reports one visitor.

What you should know

Insect awareness: Ticks and chiggers are common in the Pine Barrens, especially in warmer months. A camper at Wharton State Forest advises, "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off-road trails for dirt bike/ATV/trucks. Pretty good boating/fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks." Daily tick checks are essential from April through October.

Fire restrictions: Campfire regulations vary between sites. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker." Most state forests require purchased firewood to prevent spreading invasive species.

Water access variability: Water access points differ widely between campgrounds. At Goshen Pond, "It's a short walk to the drinking water pump, the parking area and a VERY primitive outhouse. Bring your own waste bucket if sharing with others isn't your thing." Some sites require bringing your own water during shoulder seasons.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Lake Kandle offers multiple water features suitable for different age groups. "Lake with swing and fishing and two pools. No pets no alcohol no store but they have a snack stand. Large sites kids had fun," reports one family. Most family-oriented campgrounds have structured weekend activities during peak season.

Nature exploration opportunities: The Pine Barrens ecosystem provides unique plant viewing. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, one visitor mentioned, "if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty." Many campgrounds offer nature programs on weekends.

Family site selection: When booking with kids, consider proximity to bathrooms and activity areas. At Old Cedar Campground, "Quiet during the week - numerous seasonal campers. My grandchildren loved visiting us, pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great - playground was adequate. Mini golf was fun for all."

Tips from RVers

Access road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging entry roads for larger rigs. At Batona Campground, "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle. 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."

Hookup logistics: RVers should verify hookup arrangements before arrival. 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." Some campgrounds require longer-than-standard utility connections.

Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. Four Seasons Family Campground offers extended season camping, with one visitor noting, "It was our first trip of the year last week of April." Many campgrounds close between November and March, with limited winter options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Somerdale, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Somerdale, NJ is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.