The New Jersey Pinelands near Collingswood cover over 1.1 million acres of coastal plain, with elevations ranging from sea level to 200 feet. Camping options in this region feature sandy soil with pine and oak forests, creating natural drainage that's beneficial during summer thunderstorms. You'll find temperature variations of 5-10 degrees cooler in the forested campgrounds compared to urban Collingswood.
What to do
Swimming at Atsion Lake Recreation Area: Located in Wharton State Forest, the beach area provides supervised swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "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)," notes camper Alexa L.
Explore historic sites: Within a 15-minute drive from Brendan Byrne State Forest, you can visit historic Batsto Village, a preserved iron-making town. "In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads," reports Alexa L., who camped at Atsion Recreation Area.
Fishing in stocked lakes: Old Cedar Campground offers fishing opportunities with various species. "Nice pool, good fishing, staff is great," says Arnold M. Fishing licenses are required, with daily permits available at nearby tackle shops.
Kayaking the Pine Barrens waterways: The tannin-rich waters of the Wading River are accessible directly from some campsites. "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," shares Dina S., who visited Atsion Recreation Area.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Brendan Byrne State Forest campsites offer significant privacy between neighbors. "Nice and quiet, sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site," reports Lindsay D. Sites feature picnic tables and fire rings as standard amenities.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained shower facilities. "The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening," notes Jesse G. from Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Swimming pools and water activities: Jellystone Park South Jersey offers extensive water amenities. "The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream," says Matt S., who enjoyed the campground's recreational facilities.
Night sky viewing: The Pine Barrens region has minimal light pollution compared to nearby urban areas. "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," Dina S. remarked about Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds near Collingswood have limited operating seasons. "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," notes a reviewer about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Booking window challenges: French Creek State Park campgrounds require advance planning, especially for summer weekends. "Generally, we camp in the off season, and usually have the whole place to ourselves, so I had some concern prior to arrival that every site in every loop was booked for the whole weekend," explains Ellen C.
Tick awareness: The Pine Barrens ecosystem has ticks, requiring preventive measures. "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!" advises Megan S. who visited Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Sandy soil conditions: Most camping areas have sandy or soft soil that affects tent stakes and rain runoff. "Our site was gravel with a small concrete patio and had roomy however it poured and hailed for 1 hr and it still made a swamp," reports Nicole S. about her experience at Jellystone Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Lums Pond State Park offers extensive facilities for children. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," shares Mark, describing the park's appeal for families.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events for children. "They have a huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake, and an amphitheater at the campground where they hold events and Sunday morning church services," describes Jen R. from French Creek State Park.
Safety features: Look for campgrounds with regular security patrols, especially for families with younger children. "The Park Rangers drive by regularly which is nice in case you are having any problems or just have general questions about the park," notes Jen R. about French Creek State Park.
Swimming options: Most family-oriented campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying levels of supervision. "The pool was heated," notes Steve T., while another camper mentioned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites in the area vary widely in utility offerings. "Site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites," describes Frank J. from Parvin State Park Campground, highlighting the practical aspects RVers consider.
Site dimensions: Many RV sites can accommodate larger rigs, but verify before booking. "Our site included a nice concrete pad big enough to park our 45' motorhome+ toad," reports Matt S. about Jellystone Park South Jersey.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. "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," notes Frank J. about Parvin State Park, suggesting RVers bring drinking water.
Glamping close to Collingswood, New Jersey has grown increasingly popular, with several campgrounds now offering upscale accommodation options that combine camping comfort with modern amenities. The luxury camping experiences near Collingswood provide alternatives to traditional tent camping while still maintaining access to natural surroundings.
