The New Jersey Pine Barrens region surrounding Villas features sandy terrain with extensive pine forests and wetland areas, creating unique camping conditions. Most tent camping options are located within Wharton State Forest, which contains over 122,000 acres of protected wilderness with three major rivers. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F during day and 65-70°F at night, while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
What to do
Paddle the Mullica River: Access point available near Mullica River — Wharton State Forest, where you can "start hike kayak trip at 206 hike 6 miles in camp then hike kayak out 5 miles to batsto" according to camper Ragen W.
Fish for pickerel: The cedar-stained waters near Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest offer good fishing opportunities. One camper notes, "You're right next to the wading river/creek with that amazing cedar water. As well as a quick drive Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake. Good fishing for pickerel."
Hike the Batona Trail: The 53-mile trail passes through Wharton State Forest, connecting multiple campgrounds. A camper at Buttonwood Hill describes it as "Great location for Questival, would visit again. Easy access and felt very safe and secluded."
Wild blueberry picking: Summer campers can forage for wild blueberries near Mullica River campground. As one visitor mentioned, "Wild blueberries abound during summer months!"
What campers like
Privacy at off-peak times: Weekday and off-season camping provides much more seclusion. A camper at Bodine Field shares, "During the off season is in and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be."
Spacious group sites: Abbot Sawmill receives high marks for group camping, with one visitor noting it's "Close to the main roads but feels remote."
Swimming options: Red Wing Lakes offers swimming facilities that complement tent camping. A seasonal camper mentions they have a "Swimming lake catch and release lake sells wood has bath houses, electric, water and sewer hookups."
River access: Many campsites sit near waterways. At Bodine Field, a camper appreciated the "Clean site along River. Quiet and calm."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping near Villas offers basic amenities. At Redden State Forest Campground, "There is no water, no electric, no bathroom. This is primitive camping/boondocking. This is a 'leave no trace, carry in/carry out' facility."
Tick prevention crucial: The Pine Barrens has high tick populations, especially in warmer months. One camper at Mullica River specifically warns, "NOTE: There are LOADS of ticks in this area."
Reservation requirements: Many previously first-come campgrounds now need advance booking. For example, Redden State Forest "is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed."
Water color: Don't be alarmed by the brown water in local streams. A camper explains the Batsto River "provides plenty of water for filtering--don't be weirded out by the brown color caused by tannins."
Tips for camping with families
Check campground schedules: Some family-friendly sites offer regular activities. At Shellbay Campgrounds, former visitors recall "my excitement to go camping, meet other kids at the campground, and have plenty of things to do close by (beach, shopping, swimming pool)."
Beach proximity options: Families wanting beach access should consider locations like Shellbay, which is "within biking distance of the beaches at Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and Cape May."
Noise considerations: Family campgrounds tend to be livelier. A Shellbay reviewer noted "There were a lot of things for kids to do but it was not the kind of camp ground for peace and quiet."
Seasonal planning: The family camping season typically runs April through October, with Shellbay operating "from May - October 1" according to one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Some forest campgrounds limit vehicle size. At Redden State Forest, "Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed."
Ground surface challenges: RVers should research site conditions. As one Redden camper discovered, "the gravel - can't get stakes in. Plus, it's a pine forest and I didn't want to get sap on my tent."
Self-check procedures: Many forest campgrounds use self-service systems. At Redden, a camper explains, "After going past the office you will take a right to get to a closed yellow gate which you will open and close behind you yourself."
Firewood payment systems: Several campgrounds use honor system payments for firewood. According to a Redden visitor, "There is firewood, but it is not free. You pay for it on the 'honors system'. Bring cash."
