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Best Campgrounds near Southampton, NJ

628 Reviews

The Pine Barrens region surrounding Southampton, New Jersey features extensive camping opportunities within Wharton State Forest, one of the largest state forests in New Jersey. Atsion Family Campground, located about 10 miles southeast of Southampton, provides 50 camping sites with amenities including restrooms, showers, and drinking water spigots. Nearby Goshen Pond and Batona campgrounds offer more secluded experiences with water access for kayaking and canoeing. The area's camping options range from primitive tent sites to RV-compatible locations with varying hookup availability. Several campgrounds provide lakeside sites that are particularly popular during summer months, with Brendan Byrne State Forest offering year-round camping options approximately 15 miles northeast of Southampton.

Sandy terrain characterizes many campgrounds in the region, creating both advantages and challenges for campers. As one visitor to Atsion Family Campground noted, "The ground is sandy and relatively level for easy camp set up." However, another camper mentioned that after rain, "our site was sandy dirt which created a bit of a mess." Most state forest campgrounds have limited or no electrical hookups, making them better suited for self-sufficient camping. Cell service varies throughout the area, typically described as "low but manageable" at Wharton State Forest locations. Reservations are essential during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), with many waterfront sites booking months in advance. The camping season for some facilities is limited to April through October, while others remain open year-round.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest praise from visitors, particularly at Atsion where sites 4, 8, 10, 12, 20, and 22 offer direct lake access. A frequent camper remarked, "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake." The Pine Barrens environment provides a unique backdrop for camping with its characteristic pine forests and tea-colored streams. Many campgrounds offer access to hiking trails, including the Batona Trail which connects several camping areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though privacy between sites varies considerably. Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at Wharton State Forest campgrounds, with one visitor noting, "While we were surrounded by other campers, we enjoyed how private it was!" Facilities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, with shower availability varying by location.

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Best Camping Sites Near Southampton, New Jersey (109)

    1. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    12 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."

    2. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    11 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!"

    3. Batona — Wharton State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    11 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."

    4. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    12 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."

    5. Wading Pines Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1313

    "The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground."

    "Very nice wading river next to the camp grounds. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."

    6. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "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. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time. Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

    7. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "Enjoyed a site away from the crowds. Quiet. Peaceful. Place is huge with many campsites to choose from. Checking in is slow so come early."

    "Walked from Batson to atsion 10 mile hike, campground was 5 miles in. The campground is open, it was closed because of covid in 2020"

    8. Godfrey Bridge — Wharton State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "I try to stay away from campgrounds with electrical hookups, because the sound of generators is not exactly the serenity of nature I'm looking for."

    "Bonus points for being driving distance to multiple locations that we could take our kayaks."

    9. Lower Forge — Wharton State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "they are primitive, pet-friendly, hike-in sites with direct access to the Batsto River."

    "They are primitive but right on the river with easy access to go for a dip or let the pups go for a swim. We went up on a Friday night and enjoyed being the only campers there."

    10. Bass River State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Tuckerton, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 296-1114

    "We have never camped here before, but wanted to hike the Batona trail nearby."

    "I'm particularly fond of the dog friendly loop, its a newer loop and the bathrooms are more modern than the others scattered around. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Southampton, NJ

207 Photos of 109 Southampton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Southampton, NJ

628 Reviews of 109 Southampton Campgrounds

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Sea Pirate Campground

    Lots to do

    The park was great. Very close to local sites like Tuckerton Seaport. Lots of activities on site including fishing, a heated pool, hot tub, and a couple of playgrounds. Bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. They had several activities and sent text reminders of what was going on

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.

  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!

Guide to Southampton

The Pine Barrens near Southampton offers diverse camping options with over 125,000 acres of forest across multiple state parks and campgrounds. Trails within the region connect camping areas through sandy terrain and dense pine forests. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making water access particularly valuable.

What to do

Paddling adventures: Mullica River at Lower Forge Campground provides excellent river access for water activities. "The sites are primitive but right on the river with easy access to go for a dip or let the pups go for a swim," notes a regular visitor. Sites accommodate canoes and kayaks with direct water access.

Bridge jumping: Cool off in the river systems at Godfrey Bridge during hot summer days. One visitor reports this area is "perfect for swimming, tubing, wading, or bridge jumping." The slow-moving current creates safe areas for water play during warmer months.

Historic exploration: Visit local historic sites accessible from Atsion Family Campground. A camper mentions, "In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads." Batsto Village, approximately 15 minutes away, offers self-guided tours through preserved 19th-century industrial town buildings.

What campers like

Trail access: Hikers appreciate the interconnected trail systems at Batona Campground, where "the Batona trail runs through the campground." Sites back up to creek areas, providing both water features and trail access from tent sites.

Spacious campsites: Bass River State Forest offers generous site dimensions. A visitor mentioned, "The sites are a great size and many are set back enough that you have privacy." Another camper confirmed, "Each site is very large, very clean and well maintained," making them suitable for groups and families.

Lake activities: Many campers enjoy access to lakes for swimming and boating. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, visitors appreciate the natural setting: "It's far away from traffic noise. You can't hear any cars or any other noise from civilization at all. It's at least 10 miles away from anything more than a single house in the woods."

What you should know

Tick prevalence: The Pine Barrens region has significant tick populations, particularly Lone Star ticks. Even with precautions, one visitor to Godfrey Bridge reported, "Even with 100% deet spray, we still had at least 2 on each person." Tuck pants into socks and perform regular tick checks.

Sandy access roads: Many campgrounds feature unpaved, sandy roads. At Goshen Pond Campground, visitors noted "roads into the place are single car only, with a good amount of spots to pull off if you find yourself head to head with another vehicle." Some roads become difficult after rain.

Noise considerations: Weekends bring more visitors and activity. One camper at Lower Forge advised, "We went up on a Friday night and enjoyed being the only campers there. Saturday night was a little crowded and the sites are very close so if you enjoy your peace and quiet in the woods, pick a week night to enjoy!"

Tips for camping with families

Weekend activities: Holiday weekends often include special events. At Timberland Lake Campground, "The Halloween weekend was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and trick or treating." Call ahead to check event schedules.

Lake swimming: Bass River State Forest offers lake swimming plus rentals. "They had canoe and kayak rentals at the lake. Some very easy trails for kids," mentions one family who visited during Labor Day weekend.

Wildlife education: The Pine Barrens ecosystem contains unique flora and fauna. One visitor to Batona shared, "It is so easy to get lost in these woods and I LOVE IT! If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT!" Teaching children about local plants helps them engage with the environment.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RV sites at Wading Pines Camping Resort accommodate larger rigs. A visitor noted, "They have 300 camp sites spaced out nicely. All the hook ups you need." The campground's riverfront location allows for water activities between setup and departure.

Seasonal considerations: Most state forest campgrounds lack hookups. Commercial campgrounds offer more amenities but often have different atmospheres. At Timberland Lake, a camper observed, "Small camp site. Fire ring seemed to be an old truck rim (no grill, but they'll sell you one). Old beat up picnic table in the weeds. No privacy."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Southampton, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Southampton, NJ is Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.

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