Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Campground sits at the northern edge of New Jersey's Pine Barrens region, about 30 miles east of Linwood, Pennsylvania. The area features sandy soil and shallow groundwater that creates a unique ecosystem with dwarf pine forests and cedar swamps. Winter camping is available at several locations near Linwood, with temperatures typically ranging from 25-40°F during December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At French Creek State Park Campground, two lakes provide various fishing options. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored."
Hiking trails: Atsion Family Camp offers multiple trail systems. "Hikes start either there or you can access from Atsion as well. There are little trails around the campsite too." The paths wind through pine forests with relatively flat terrain, making them accessible for most fitness levels.
Historical sites: Several campgrounds provide access to nearby historical attractions. "Close by there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," notes one reviewer about French Creek State Park.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature lakes with restricted motor usage. "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."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom quality at Lums Pond State Park Campground. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated campsites. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers."
Year-round access: Some locations maintain off-season availability. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby."
Privacy between sites: Hibernia County Park offers wooded campsites. "It's tiny (19 sites in Fiddlers loop), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded. There is NOTHING to do except walk or bike the beautiful trails, spend time on Chamber's Lake, spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Limited hookups: Primitive camping is common at state parks. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Seasonal operations: Parvin State Park Campground has limited season. "They hold a Sunday morning 'Church at the Park,' which we were planning to go to, but then it rained, and we didn't know there was a rain location (the park office), so we ended up missing that."
Water quality issues: Some locations have mineral-rich 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."
Glamping options: Luxury glamping in Linwood, Pennsylvania area typically requires advance planning. Several campgrounds offer upscale tent accommodations with proper beds.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Old Cedar Campground offers dedicated children's programs. "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids…. EVERYONE was extremely friendly. I will definitely return - best kept secret!!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment. "Great for families with kids as there was a playground, so good for kids, but not so much an all adults stay."
Swimming options: Water features vary by location. "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."
Safety considerations: Camping near Linwood with children requires preparation. "Bring bug spray, usually see ticks." Most campgrounds have rangers patrolling regularly for security.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Philadelphia West-Chester KOA offers varied RV accommodations. "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."
Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility arrangements. "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."
Leveling challenges: Most natural sites require adjustment. "It was nice to just be able to back up our camper and have it mostly level already. Mostly every site that I saw also had a grassy area which is fantastic when you have young kids."
Size restrictions: Not all glamping options near Linwood, Pennsylvania accommodate large RVs. "Heads up, big rig owners! Tight squeeze into Site 25. Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together."
