Map showing campground location near Chatsworth, New Jersey

Camper submitted image from Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest

Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Wharton State Forest's western edge, along the Wading River, is where Hawkins Bridge sits, managed by the Division of Parks and Forestry and open April through October. The campground has three larger group sites and several smaller private sites, each with a parking spot, plus a central water pump and toilet facilities. Sandy Pine Barrens soil means soft, rock-free ground for sleeping, and fallen timber is easy to gather for campfires. Water access for kayaking and canoeing is available behind one of the group sites, though the path down is steep. No picnic tables are provided, and trail access requires driving to a trailhead. Paddlers planning a multi-day run down the Wading River often use this as a launch point before continuing to Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest and beyond. Pets are welcome.

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Map & DirectionsHawkins Bridge is located in New Jersey near Chatsworth

Public Campground

Coordinates

39.72496388999996 N
74.56434935999998 W

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Presented by

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
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Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Trash
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

32 min from Atlantic City, NJ
46 min from Vineland, NJ
51 min from Philadelphia, PA
53 min from Trenton, NJ

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Hawkins Bridge

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2 Reviews

Hallie M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Hawkins Bridge Chillin'

Wharton State Forest has a few campsites available for primitive camping (my preferred choice). This is a review for HAWKINS BRIDGE.

Hawkin's Bridge campsite is located in the western portion of Wharton State Forest along the Wading River. The Pine Barrens overall have a fascinating ecosystem. Nutrient poor, sandy soil limits the amount of foliage, and the barrens are primarily populated with fast-growing pines that grow tall, die, and fall. These decaying trees give the rivers in the barrens its signature dark color (it's not dangerous or sewage, it's completely natural).

The unique ecosystem of the barrens give campers some advantages: the ground is soft and comfortable to sleep on (NOT rocky at all, like almost weird how few rocks there are). It also means that there is plenty of kindling to gather for fires.

Hawkins Bridge is very quiet and doesn't see a lot of traffic. There are three larger group campsites and a few smaller campsites. All are large and fairly quiet. It's not a busy site, so there's a high likelihood that you'll have a few sites to yourself.

There's water access behind Group Campsite A for kayaking or canoeing. The path down to it is steep and a little slippery, so use caution. If you're camping with a group, aim for this site. Each of the private campsites have a parking spot. It's really all the benefits of backwoods camping (the quiet, the solitude) with all the conveniences of car camping.

PROS:

Soft, even ground for sleeping.
Drinking water at a pump central to all campsites.
Quiet, private, relaxing.
Ease of access with a car.
Lots of fallen trees for kindling.

CONS:

No picnic table at the campsite. Bring a folding table or a cooler for a cooking surface.
No trail access - you have to drive to a trail head or hike along the road for a good ways before accessing a trailhead.
Pretty close to a road, so you'll get a bit of truck noise every once in a while.

Overall, highly recommended campsite.

SiteHB001

Month of VisitMay

Thomas M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 22, 2017

2 day canoe tour down the Wading river

Did a two day Canoe tour down the wading river and used the outfitter Micks Canoe. We started Friday night camping at Hawkins Bridge campground. This is a primitive campsite near the river. There is water but just compost toilets that are bit few for the size campground. We put in the water the next day and travel 10 miles to Bodine Fields campground. Similar to Hawkins bridge but the water is of poor quality. Sunday we went another 4 miles and pulled out at Chips Folly(they charge extra to pull out at that site $5 per boat)

Wading river has a nice flow. It's a dark black river from the tannins. Not much fishing. mostly easy with some trick currents for inexperienced paddlers. River well maintained from deadfalls.

SiteHawkins Bridge and Bodine Fields group sites

Month of VisitMay

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there hiking trails or recreational activities near Hawkins Bridge Campground?

Hawkins Bridge Campground offers excellent recreational opportunities, particularly water-based activities. The Wading River is perfect for canoeing and kayaking, with many visitors using the campground as a starting point for multi-day canoe tours. The surrounding Pine Barrens ecosystem provides fascinating hiking opportunities where you can explore the unique flora and fauna of this special region. Local outfitters like Mick's Canoe service the area for those needing equipment rentals for river adventures.

Where is Hawkins Bridge Campground located in New Jersey?

Hawkins Bridge Campground is located in the western portion of Wharton State Forest in New Jersey. The campground sits along the Wading River in the Pine Barrens region, making it an ideal spot for those interested in exploring this unique ecosystem. Its riverside location provides convenient access for canoe trips and water activities on the Wading River.

What facilities and amenities are available at Hawkins Bridge Campground?

Hawkins Bridge is a primitive campground with basic amenities. The site provides potable water access and composting toilets, though the number of toilets may be limited relative to the campground size. As a primitive camping area, don't expect luxury facilities or full hookups. The campground's main appeal is its natural setting along the Wading River, making it popular for those who enjoy a more rustic camping experience.

Is there a map available of Hawkins Bridge Campground and its campsites?

Maps of Hawkins Bridge Campground and its campsites are available through the New Jersey State Park Service and Wharton State Forest offices. When planning your trip, contact the forest headquarters to obtain the most current campground layout and site information. The Wharton State Forest website also provides downloadable maps of the area, showing the campground's location relative to the Wading River and other forest features.

Can I see photos of Hawkins Bridge Campground before visiting?

Photos of Hawkins Bridge Campground can be found on The Dyrt website and mobile app. Additionally, the New Jersey State Parks website may feature official images of the campground. Since this is a primitive camping area within Wharton State Forest, browsing photos beforehand will help set appropriate expectations for the rustic facilities and natural Pine Barrens setting.

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