RV campgrounds near Southampton, New Jersey range from quiet, family-friendly settings to larger resorts with seasonal operations. Most camping options cluster within 20-30 miles of Southampton, primarily in the Pine Barrens region with its sandy soil and pine forests. Seasonal temperatures typically reach 85°F in summer months with high humidity, making spring and fall popular camping seasons.
What to do
Beach excursions: 15-20 miles away from most Southampton RV parks, with Mays Landing Resort providing convenient access. "There are a bunch of walking paths that lead from the camp so you have ample places to walk," notes one camper, adding value to the location despite some site challenges.
Seasonal celebrations: Halloween activities are popular at several campgrounds. "Halloween decorations were the best. The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt," shares a Mays Landing visitor who appreciated the family programming.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer on-site fishing. At Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, "Lake has plenty of fish," according to one regular visitor, making it a good option for anglers looking to cast without traveling far from their campsite.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. "It was very quiet and the people were friendly," notes a visitor to Mays Landing Resort, highlighting the community feel despite some site layout issues.
Pool facilities: Swimming pools rank highly in camper reviews. A guest at Shady Pines Campground mentions, "My daughter made friends with kids her age in the pool," showing the social benefits of this amenity for families.
Community events: Weekend activities create social opportunities at several campgrounds. "They had a little party by the pool with a DJ and food on July 3rd," shares the same Shady Pines camper, illustrating the extra programming many parks offer during summer holidays.
What you should know
Uneven terrain: Many sites require significant leveling. At Echo Farms RV Campground, a visitor noted "large sites, close to Sea Isle City, quiet, friendly campers" but experienced communication problems and unexpected facility closures.
Site spacing concerns: Tight sites are common at regional campgrounds. "The spots were tight and when our neighbor parked his truck in his spot, my chair could almost touch it," explains a Mays Landing visitor, indicating the proximity challenges at some facilities.
Bathroom quality varies: Facility conditions differ significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms were cleaned multiple times each day, showers were warm," reports a Mays Landing camper, contrasting with others mentioning dated facilities at different locations.
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Southampton close between November and April. "Very clean. Very quiet at night.... almost too quiet! We stayed because we love nearby Brigantine beach," notes a Shady Pines camper who appreciated the cleanliness during summer season.
Tips for camping with families
Check playground conditions: Not all advertised amenities meet expectations. One Echo Farms camper mentioned, "Upon arrival we found that the pool was closed, as was the playground. We were not informed by management," highlighting the importance of confirming facility status before arrival.
Consider weekend activity levels: Some campgrounds become lively on weekends. "On Saturday night, there is a DJ and a dance party from 7-10 pm. It is extraordinarily loud," shares a camper about Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp, who recommends planning accordingly.
Ask about flooding concerns: Low-lying sites may collect water during storms. According to a regular at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, visitors should "stay away from the front middle spots, they flood when it rains," providing practical advice for choosing sites during rainy seasons.
Tips from RVers
Plan for leveling needs: Bring adequate leveling equipment. "The site was still on a decline, but not as bad as the other three," explains a visitor at Village Scene Park who tried multiple sites before finding one that would work, indicating the terrain challenges RVers face.
Expect tight navigation: Many campgrounds have narrow roads. "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 a camper at Mays Landing Resort, highlighting access challenges for larger vehicles.
Verify hookup positions: Some sites have inconveniently placed connections. "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," explains an RVer at NWS Earle RV Park, pointing out design issues that affect comfort and convenience.
