The Pine Barrens region surrounding Vincentown offers camping areas with distinctive ecological features such as cedar swamps and acidic soil that creates the characteristic tea-colored waters. Camping spots near Vincentown, New Jersey can be accessed via sandy roads that may require higher clearance vehicles in some areas. Cell phone reception varies significantly between campgrounds, with stronger signals in the northern parts of Wharton State Forest.
What to do
Kayaking on Wading River: Wading Pines Camping Resort provides direct river access for paddlers. "You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other," notes camper Layne, who appreciated the convenient water access.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated archery facilities for campers wanting target practice. According to one visitor, "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels" - just one of several outdoor activities available at this Turkey Swamp Park.
Pine Barrens hiking: The Batona Trail connects multiple campgrounds throughout the region. One camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest reports, "There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore. Can't tell you how much I love it. Could spend a whole vacation just with these trails."
Historical sites exploration: The area contains preserved industrial villages from the 1800s. A camper at Atsion Family Camp notes, "In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads."
What campers like
Secluded wilderness feel: The Pine Barrens provide genuine isolation despite proximity to urban areas. A Brendan Byrne State Forest camper writes, "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! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!"
Spacious wooded sites: Timberland Lake Campground offers well-spaced camping areas with shade. According to Aaron E., "Stayed here from June 24th-27th on site 38. It was a really nice size, and the kids could fish right off the dock on the back."
Swimming access: Multiple campgrounds provide designated swimming areas with beaches. A visitor to Goshen Pond mentions, "It's also a 5 minute drive from Atsion lake, a great place for kayaking and swimming."
Nighttime stargazing: The relative distance from major cities creates opportunities for astronomy. One camper at Wharton State Forest recalled, "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."
What you should know
Tick awareness essential: The Pine Barrens have significant tick populations, particularly in warmer months. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park reports, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Site maintenance varies: Some campgrounds maintain higher standards than others. At Goshen Pond, one visitor noted, "There was a bag tied to a tree with someone's trash in it. Speaking of trash, there was a lot of little bits scattered throughout the site, I spent my camp setup time also picking out the worst offenders."
Bathroom facilities limited: Remote sites often have minimal facilities. A camper at Lower Forge described, "They are primitive, pet-friendly, hike-in sites with direct access to the Batsto River. The hike in is about a 1/2mile so you need to be conservative with gear but if you plan correctly the peace and quiet is well worth it."
Weekend crowding: Popular sites fill quickly Friday through Sunday. According to one Lower Forge visitor, "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
Halloween weekend activities: Fall camping offers special programming at several sites. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! 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," explains a visitor to Timberland Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The proximity to Six Flags Safari Park creates unique animal encounters. "There is a road that goes between the campground and the Safari you can drive, walk, or bicycle down and see the animals!" shares Jessica D. about Timberland Lake Campground.
Beginner-friendly sites: Some areas cater specifically to new campers. At Atsion Family Camp, one visitor noted, "Me and my girlfriends first camping trip so we're both kinda new to the whole thing. This place was great for beginners. Had plenty of space at the campsite, picnic table and fire pit."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. According to a Turkey Swamp Park camper, "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing."
Tips from RVers
Road quality considerations: Many access roads are unpaved and may present challenges. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," reports one RVer at Batona Campground.
Variable hookup locations: Water and electric connections often require planning. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor advises, "Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric."
Site dimensions and access: Not all campsites accommodate larger vehicles. At Mullica River campground, visitors note, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds close during winter months. As one camper noted, "A water pump provides fresh water but is not available in the winter. There's at least two pit toilets in the campground - don't expect luxury."
