Camping near Bordentown, New Jersey offers options for both primitive and full-service sites in the coastal plain region. The area features sandy soil typical of the New Jersey Pine Barrens with elevations rarely exceeding 200 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this region experience high humidity from June through August, with daytime temperatures frequently reaching 85-95°F.
What to do
Lake activities at Atsion Family Camp: Launch kayaks directly from lakeside campsites at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest. The recreation center includes beach access and several trails. One visitor reports, "While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails). In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads."
Archery at Turkey Swamp: The county park offers dedicated archery facilities for visitors. According to reviews, "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from." The park maintains several shorter hiking trails with the longest measuring 2.5 miles.
Winter activities: Turkey Swamp Park provides year-round recreation options including winter sports. One reviewer notes, "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods." The park maintains several trails that remain open through winter months.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Brendan Byrne State Forest. According to one camper, "Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have. Showers and bathrooms are ok, kept pretty clean. Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones."
Privacy between sites: Brendan Byrne State Forest provides good separation between campsites. One visitor mentions, "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." The forest's native pine trees create natural buffers between camping areas.
Waterfront access: Lakeside sites at Atsion Family Camp offer direct water entry. A reviewer shared, "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake." Another camper at a different site noted, "It was a really nice size, and the kids could fish right off the dock on the back."
What you should know
Site conditions vary by campground: Expect different terrain depending on location. At Timberland Lake Campground, one camper observed, "My biggest issue is the sand for all pull-throughs. They do offer full hookups that include cable if you have the outdoor wire." Many campgrounds in the region have sandy sites that can become messy after rain.
Wildlife considerations: Ticks are common throughout the Pine Barrens region, particularly in warmer months. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park reported, "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."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, with weekends filling quickly during peak season. At Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp, a reviewer noted, "Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay." This military campground offers an alternative option when other facilities are booked.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Butterfly Camping Resort schedules regular family-oriented events. A visitor mentioned, "Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night). There was also a dog park which was very nice!" Many campgrounds in the area offer weekend programming during summer months.
Consider the bathhouse location: At Turkey Swamp Park, the central bathhouse location may require planning. According to a camper, "Since it is located in the D Loop it would have been helpful to have pathways leading from the other loops." When booking with children, check proximity to facilities.
Expect varying noise levels: Campgrounds differ in enforcement of quiet hours. A camper at Tip Tam Camping Resort observed, "The only downside I saw was people here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in to fill the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup placement: At Tip Tam Camping Resort, full hookups are available but may require extra equipment. One RVer noted, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site." Another camper advised, "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric."
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation for larger rigs. At Adventure Bound Camping, a reviewer cautioned, "This place is not big-rig friendly, difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45' motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed." Check road conditions when booking, especially after rain.
Seasonal closures affect facilities: Many campgrounds in the region operate with limited services or close entirely during winter months. A visitor to Timberland Lake Campground mentioned, "Pool was open for a couple days following the lifting of restrictions for COVID." Most water facilities close by mid-October at the latest.
