Glamping sites near Thorofare, New Jersey offer alternatives to traditional tent camping with varying levels of luxury. The sandy soil characteristic of southern New Jersey creates well-draining campsites but can become dusty during dry periods. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F, with higher humidity levels making shade structures particularly valuable at sites without natural coverage.
What to Do
Water activities at Hopewell Lake: French Creek State Park provides access to two lakes where visitors can fish, kayak or canoe. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," notes a visitor to French Creek State Park Campground.
Historic site exploration: Visit nearby Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site while camping at French Creek. "There is the Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau and Chester County Visitors Bureau, State Game Lands 43, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," one camper shared about attractions surrounding the park.
Fishing opportunities: The region offers multiple fishing options with varying catches. At Evansburg State Park, one visitor reported, "I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago! Great park. You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently $9.90."
Hiking trail systems: Many campgrounds connect to extensive trail networks. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course," explains a camper from Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
What Campers Like
Expansive site layouts: Luxury camping options often include larger sites with added features. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, guests appreciate the riverside locations: "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. They are close enough for you to camp with a group, but most also have a small fence between each site to clearly delineate between the sites."
Modern bath facilities: Several glamping locations prioritize clean facilities. "The bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports a visitor at Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Organized activities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide scheduled entertainment. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. The staff are friendly and welcoming," notes a Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor.
Waterfront options: Some sites offer direct water access. "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)," explains a camper from Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest.
What You Should Know
Water conditions vary: Some campgrounds have water quality issues to consider. At Old Cedar Campground, a visitor reported, "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. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance bookings, especially during peak season. For Parvin State Park Campground, campers should be aware of certain regulations: "The actual beach is gated and have to pay an additional fee," one visitor noted.
Site specifications: Research site dimensions before booking, particularly for RV glamping. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room," advises a French Creek camper.
Seasonal operation: Not all glamping sites operate year-round. "This is a great state park with so many wonderful activities. There really is something for everyone here and if you can't find it you aren't looking very hard," notes a French Creek visitor, though their winter accommodations are limited.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water features for children: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. At Jellystone Park South Jersey, "The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line," shares a French Creek visitor.
Activity scheduling: Many glamping sites offer organized children's programs. "They have recreational activities for kids and families from ice-cream parties to bingo to hayrides to movies on a giant screen in the rally field," notes a camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer.
Noise considerations: Family-friendly campgrounds may have higher noise levels. "There are two separate playground in the same area to accommodate kids of all ages. They also have pickleball, mini golf and a lovely pool," explains a Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV glamping sites vary in preparation. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports a French Creek visitor.
Hookup configurations: Check utility placement before arrival. "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," warns a Lums Pond camper.
Access challenges: Some luxury sites have challenging approaches. "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road," cautions a Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor.
Concrete pad benefits: Luxury sites often include concrete parking areas. At Jellystone Park South Jersey, a visitor appreciated that "Our site included a nice concrete pad big enough to park our 45' motorhome+ toad."
