Williamstown campers can access several Pine Barrens state forest campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. The area sits at the northern edge of the New Jersey Pinelands, characterized by sandy, acidic soil and pine-oak forests. Summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with temperatures between 60-75°F.
What to do
Hiking trails at Wharton State Forest: With over 125,000 acres, Wharton offers extensive trail networks for day hikes. "Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site! 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," notes a visitor to Wharton State Forest.
River tubing from Wading Pines: The Wading River provides natural water recreation opportunities. "We did have a great time tubing on the river. Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride," shares a camper from Wading Pines Camping Resort.
Mini golf and organized activities: Several campgrounds near Williamstown feature recreational facilities beyond swimming. "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," explains a visitor about the family entertainment options at Adventure Bound Campground (formerly Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park).
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded natural settings. "We tent camped at Atsion in 2015: had flush toilets and was close to the checkin station/store as well as the beach on the lake. Some sites were right on the water and the sites were very big," says a camper from Wharton State Forest.
Camping near cow pastures: Some campgrounds offer unique agricultural settings. "We faced the cow pasture so we had a great view. No prob w bugs. Sites r close together but not on top of each other," notes a guest at Old Cedar Campground, highlighting the rural charm just outside Williamstown.
Proximity to Philadelphia: For visitors seeking both outdoor and urban experiences, certain campgrounds provide access to major cities. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive," mentions a visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds experience water issues typical of the region. "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," reports a camper from Parvin State Park.
Seasonal variations in crowds: The Williamstown area experiences significant changes in visitor numbers. "We went during the week, there were 4 sites taken adjacent to me, the rest of the campsite barely had anyone," notes a camper at Wharton State Forest.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly across campgrounds near Williamstown. "Virtually NO cell service with AT&T, TMobile or Verizon. AT&T was the better of the 3. Our Winegard/Gateway give us no internet which we normally get," explains a visitor to Belleplain State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with structured kids' programs: Certain resorts focus heavily on family entertainment. "Been here 2 years in a row, going again this June (2022). We stay in the rental campers. They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area," shares a camper from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park about their glamping experience near Williamstown.
Consider sites near playgrounds: For families with young children, playground access matters. "We camped here in July. Besides the weather being ungodly hot. Had a good time. The only thing I would say is that the bathrooms need an upgrade. Everyone was very friendly at the resort," mentions a Wading Pines visitor.
Expect noise on weekends: Family-oriented campgrounds can get lively. "Stayed fathers day weekend and they had a breakfast, games and crafts geared towards it. The pool and splash park were great but you needed to be at least 42 inches to go on the slide or bounce house," notes a Jellystone Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Request level sites: Many campgrounds have terrain challenges. "We got there, the host wasn't very friendly. We had to pay $50 per night for a tent site that was sandy mud. The facilities were nice and they had a pool and some other amenities," reports a camper from Wading Pines.
Prepare for tight maneuvering: Some RV parks have narrow roads. "Roads into the place are single car only, with a good amount of spots to pull off if you find your self head to head with another vehicle. Pretty bumpy road," shares a visitor from Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Luxury glamping in Williamstown, New Jersey: Higher-end glamping accommodations provide RV amenities without the hassle. "My husband and I stayed for a week in one of the glamping tents. The staff was very friendly and the tents were more glamorous than we had tried before, but definitely had a good combination of woodsy and comfort," explains a Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor about their upscale outdoor lodging experience.
