Best Tent Camping near Winslow, NJ
Wharton State Forest offers several tent camping opportunities near Winslow, New Jersey, with multiple campgrounds scattered throughout the 122,000-acre pine barrens. Goshen Pond Campground features walk-in tent sites situated along the Mullica River with secluded, primitive options. The Batona Campground provides tent-specific sites directly connected to the 50-mile Batona Trail, making it popular with hikers and backpackers seeking access to the extensive trail network. Both areas operate seasonally from April 1 to October 31, with facilities shutting down during winter months.
Most tent camping areas in Wharton State Forest have minimal amenities designed for wilderness experiences. Walk-in tent sites at Goshen Pond require campers to park and carry gear to their camping area, increasing privacy but requiring extra effort. Tent sites typically feature sand or pine needle surfaces with little grading. While some areas like Batona Campground offer basic pit toilets and seasonal drinking water from hand pumps, others like Mullica River Campground are accessible only by hiking or boating in. According to one visitor, "Be bear aware and practice proper food storage" as bears frequent these campgrounds.
The tent camping experience in the pine barrens provides a unique wilderness setting within reasonable proximity to urban areas. Sandy trails and access roads characterize the region, with loose sand sometimes challenging for vehicles without four-wheel drive. "We were wholly unprepared to hike about 8 miles to a campground, despite that and the thunderstorm, had an amazing time," noted one Lower Forge camper. Primitive backcountry campgrounds like Lower Forge and Mullica River create opportunities for multi-day hiking or paddling trips. Tent campers should be prepared for ticks and chiggers, particularly during warmer months, as multiple reviews mention these as common concerns. The walk-in tent sites throughout the forest typically offer more privacy and separation from neighboring campers than drive-in areas, particularly at less-visited campgrounds.