96% (26)
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C
Chris
2 days ago
22 ft Class B
With pets
Great spot. Very responsive host and easy check in.
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Dawn
4 days ago
With pets
What a fabulous time it was on this farm. I went in December so it was a bit cold. The owner was was very kind. She had already put a space heater in there and warms it up for me. If you don't like the cold then do not go in the cooler months but you ABSOLUTELY should go in the 3 other seasons. I loved meeting the horses and waking up to the sounds of a rooster. On the way out to this farm I saw a few other farms. I saw the biggest bald eagle I've ever seen in my life as well as peacocks. All this in NJ. This was an amazing experience.
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Ryan
5 days ago
With pets
Stayed here numerous times in between areas for work and its just what I need. Loredana is great and I guarantee I will be back as needed. Quiet area, easy booking, laid back.
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Sweety
3 weeks ago
With kids
We had weekend trips at Bern’s place and it was wonderful. Cabin is really cozy and had everything needed. Everything was properly marked for convenience. My kid had a wonderful time hiking and watching horses.
Beautiful fire pit and peaceful nature.Bren was super responsive and helped whenever we needed anything. Wonderful place and helpful people.
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APR
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
I absolutely love this place. I always get site 1 in front of the lake. Spacious well kept. Very responsive host, super clean port-a-jon will be back time and time again!
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Ryan
November 2025
With pets
Great, easily accessible place. Dog friendly a huge plus with fenced area to roam. Host is very friendly and checked in during our stay how we were doing. Highly recommended if you are in the area! Cabin even in fall/winter has space heater and holds heat well.
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Yolie
November 2025
Tent
Loredana's land is absolutely amazing and peaceful. I had a wonderful 2 night stay and will be returning. Loredana is so warm and kind and the horses are beautiful. This was my first ever camping trip and this was the perfect place, thank you so much Loredana!
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Braudio
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
We had a great time staying here. My nephews and I were looking for a spot to spend the night and they quickly accepted our reservation. The farm is amazing and unique. We would definitely stay here again!
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Keiko
October 2025
21 ft Class B
With pets
We had a great time for a quick overnight. I definitely want to return with my grandson for a weekend.
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Ann
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Creekside at Crystal Lake
We had a fantastic weekend at this site. Because the weather was cooler, we were looking for cabin camping, and the cabin was thoroughly prepped with everything we might need and was very clean. The outhouse was also spotless. Our favorite part was the outdoor area beside the cabin, with the picnic table and campfire. It felt like we were in the middle of the woods, even though we weren’t far from civilization. There is some nearby road noise, which is hard to avoid given the location, but in the morning we heard birds and the crackling fire helped drown out the car sounds. This spot is perfect for anyone seeking cabin camping with a private, secluded feel for a getaway.
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Carly
October 2025
Group trip
We had such a GREAT TIME at Great Times Camp! Bathrooms and parking are a short walk away from the cabins. The camp is private and quiet with plenty of room for our large group. Will was helpful and prompt with answering any questions. We will definitely be back!
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Kaitlin
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
We stayed at campsite #1 and had a wonderful time. Loredana was so kind and super helpful in setting up firewood & eggs for our arrival. Beautiful view from our site. Nice balance of being tucked away in nature with access to some comforts.
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Jason
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
We stayed at Bren's place with our 3 dogs in a 27' travel trailer. Easy in and out very convenient for traveling. Clean and friendly.
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Tetiana
October 2025
With pets
I booked the cabin and one tent site to accommodate our group of 2 adults, three kids, and one dog. We setup the tent near the cabin and had a fantastic time! The cabin is cozy and was very comfortable for mom with two boys. The dispersed area looks great, although we did not use it. The host was very accommodating and responded to my barrage of questions. We felt very comfortable and safe. What a great place for a family getaway!
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J
October 2025
Tent
With pets
I stayed at campsite #1 a few years ago and decided to come back this past weekend with some friends who were brand new to camping. The site sits right by the dock near the pond — it’s currently being worked on, so there wasn’t much water this time. But that didn’t stop us from having a good time. The space was perfect for our big group of 13! It’s quiet, roomy, and far enough from the other sites that you get plenty of privacy.
Getting in touch with Timothy, the owner, was super easy. He responded quickly to messages and made sure we had everything we needed for our stay, which made the whole experience even better. Since it’s pet-friendly, I even brought my kitten along, and he had a blast exploring the outdoors. Overall, it was an awesome weekend, and I’d totally recommend campsite #1 to anyone looking for a fun, relaxing getaway with friends or family.
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Sumona
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved camping in this beautiful area. Plenty of space to put up our tent and have some peace and quiet. We are local but it is a great way to end a busy, stressful week.
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JAEYONG
October 2025
Tent
With kids
cheap and nice location between phili and new york.
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Dave
October 2025
Group trip
7th trip to Great Times in 6 years and every year is better than the last. Our host Will is always just a message away and is very accommodating.
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Cecelia
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Creekside at Crystal Lake
This cozy little cabin in the woods is a fantastic little find. The cabin is comfortable, cute, clean, and just overall a wonderful place to stay. I especially like the fire pit and sitting out and hearing all the crickets and sounds of nature. The double bed is quite comfortable and the host greeted us and made sure we had everything that we needed. Overall a high recommendation.
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Yvonne
October 2025
4 ft travel trailer
With pets
This campground spends a lot of effort looking for activities for children and adults. There are a lot of things to do for children!! I received text every day about what they had planned for the day.
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Wharton State Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Wharton State Forest, NJ guide
Overview
About
Wharton is the largest state forest in N.J. It's also the largest single tract of land in the New Jersey park system. Encompassing about 122,880 acres, it's a huge nature-lovers playground.
Wharton houses Batsto Village, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867.
You'll find miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking and horseback riding. Numerous lakes, ponds, and rivers beckon to canoers, kayakers, and anglers. The open fields here are ideal for wildlife observation. Plentiful hiking trails include a major section of the 50-mile Batona Trail.
Comfort campers find nine furnished cabins located on Atsion Lake. Atsion campsites include 50 tent and trailer sites. Godfrey Bridge offers 49 tent and trailer sites.
Primitive campers have many options equipped with hand pumps for water and pit toilets. Two primitive campsites can only be accessed by hiking, canoeing or horseback.
Notable campgrounds
- Batsto River Campground: Nestled by the river, perfect for water enthusiasts and serene star-gazing.
- Mullica River Campground: Offers a remote escape, ideal for experiencing the forest's natural tranquility.
- Goshen Pond Campground: A picturesque spot for anglers and kayakers, surrounded by the forest's lush greenery.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early to secure your ideal spot, as campgrounds fill up quickly during peak seasons.
- Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
- Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute openings.
- Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding a site.
When to go
The prime time to visit Wharton State Forest is during the spring and fall, when mild temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Summer offers lush foliage but can be hot and busy, while winter brings a peaceful solitude, albeit with chillier weather.
Know before you go
- Check the forest's website for any trail closures or safety alerts before your visit.
- Ensure you have a map, as cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike or bike the trails.
- Remember to pack out your trash and respect the natural environment.
- Accessible facilities are available, but check ahead for specific needs.
96%
26 ratings · 19 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
35 ft travel trailer ·
Bodine Field Camping Area
Exactly as described. Easy communication with hosts.
Would definitely stay again. 😃
Thanks!!
J
Jaime K.
7 months on Hipcamp
The water pump at this tenting site has been permanently removed due to concerns over impure water. There are no picnic tables anywhere. Toilets have no paper -- bring your own.
It's a four mile hike from Batso to this tenting site, but it's perfectly flat the entire walk. An average walker can do this in about two hours.
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Arthur G.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2023
The Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest is a small campground best suited for tent campers. It can get busy (and rowdy) on weekends. The road into the campground is sand.
A water pump provides fresh water but is not available in the winter. There's at least two pit toilets in the campground - don't expect luxury. Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage.
Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve. Site 6 is one of the more private sites as it's tucked into the back corner.
Sara + Mike (.
9 reviews
May 2023
We had a great time camping here in summer 2022, and plan to again in summer 2023. Some of the camp sites are close enough to the RV campground across the road called Wading Pines and you'll hear music into the night if on a weekend -- just something to be aware of. They no longer require you to check in at an office, so you can book online and show up at whatever time. Don't stay here if you want nice bathroom facilities. But the location is great and it's beautiful, and good size.
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Marina Noelle B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2022
We stayed in Hawkins Bridge Campground last week and we really liked it! We actually originally booked in Lower Forge (not realizing it was a 7 mile hike to camp) so they switched us here, but we really liked it.
If all sites were booked, it would have been pretty crowded/close proximity, however we were the only ones in the area that night so it was very quiet.
The outhouse/bathroom was close and clean.
There was a fire pit included with a grill over the one side for easy cooking.
The main thing I do want to mention is: you have to drive on dirt roads to get to the camp and there is no cell service.
We were in a truck so we had no issues but if it had rained or if we had a smaller car, we may have had an issue making it to the camp.
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Rachel L.
3 years on Hipcamp
May 2022
AVOID this campground. I am someone who camps multiple times a year and am low maintenance when it comes to camping - I prefer primitive camping to anything else.
I saw some reviews before coming saying ticks were bad but thought hey it can't be that bad... it's that bad.
I stayed with a group of 12 spread out over four sites (005-008) and we were only able to stay one night because within the span of 24 hours we counted over 100 Lone Star ticks that had either attached to us or our dogs, or were crawling on us or the dogs. This does not include the 60 ticks we pulled off of our dogs when we got home and could really look them over.
I have never experienced anything like this in my life.... we were getting these ticks just setting up and
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Marina L.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2021
It is not on the Mullica, it is on the Batsto river. Google Earth calls both rivers the Mullica. No drinking water on site. It is currently not possible to canoe from upstream so hiking in is the only real option.
M Hercule F.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2019
Bodine Field is my go-to camping location. The plots are typically much larger than what you are probably used to. There is a local canoe launch as well as decent access to potable water. If you are camping alone, go early in the season. It is a very attractive site for larger groups so it can get noisy in the summer months. I have met dozens of people on multiple trips and never had any issues from my neighboring campers.
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Anthony C.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2019
Based on my site scouting hike in 2018, LFC is about as primitive as the State of New Jersey allows.
The sites are mostly open space, suitable for tents with some trees for hammocks and tarps.
Sugar sand is along a portion of the 1/4 mile hike, which may increase the level of difficulty for some.
Seasoned dead wood for campfires will take time to locate during the frequent use season.
Joe M.
6 years on Hipcamp
March 2019
Target date is March 16 for 1 overnight to do gear testing at site #1. I’ll post the details about the site sometime over the weekend. 7 of the 9 sites were already reserved as of early Friday morning, prior to my reservation.
Joe M.
6 years on Hipcamp
January 2018
I love Bodine Field . Great for tent camping pushed back about over a mile down a dirt road in the woods. Right on the wading river. We always end our kayak trip right at the campground. It does list on here that it has picnic tables ,but no site has them here. They have pit toilets and no toilet paper in most of them, so defiantly bring TP.
Kara A.
7 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
Spent the night here before launching for a canoe trip down the wading river. Nice site area for groups. Water available that tasted good. Easy access to the river.
Thomas M.
10 years on Hipcamp
November 2016
Topher, LFC is located on the Batsto River, not the Mullica. Google Maps has mislabeled the Batsto as the Mullica. At LFC, the Mullica is actually a little less than a mile west of the Batsto.
No potable water as Topher stated. There are also no picnic table(s). There is a latrine, but be careful in the warmer weather as wasps like to build hives inside.
Ed D.
9 years on Hipcamp
February 2016
Buttonwood Hill is the first campground when hiking the Batona Trail South to North (Bass River to Ong's Hat). It's a long walk, 16 1/2 miles to the turnout and then another mile to the campsite. Nicely wooded.
There are only 5 sites at the campsite. It is right by County Road 542 so you'll hear some traffic all night. You'll have to watch your kids and pets carefully. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and one pit toilet.
During the summer months, there is a potable water (and flush toilets!) at the restrooms at Crowleys Landing restroom across the road & down the access road about 1/4 mile. There is no water at the campsite itself. You could walk to the boat landing to get water from the river to filter if necessary.
Topher B.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
My section time at Batona Camp. First time was hiking the trail this spring. This time just me and Spirit. One correction, no picnic tables at this camp site. If you are lucky, there is a log near your fire ring. Great water supply, I've posted a picture of the pump. I have heard from friends that it can be a rowdy on the weekends in the summer. That was certainly the case on my first outing there.
Also for other pet owners. You need to register your pet at the one of the park offices, either in Atsion or Batsto. Both are drive from the campsite, so take that into account when you plan your trip. At this point ReserveAmerica does not take the payment for pets online; it has to be in person.
With respect to LeeAnn K, I like Site 1.
Topher B.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
Lower Forge is my favorite campsite on the Batona Trail, but there are some things that are incorrect. First, there is NO potable water at the site. The campsite is on the Mullica River but you will need to filter or boil the river water. Second, you cannot drive into the site. It is illegal to do so. There is a dirt road that will get you to within a quarter mile or so, but you have to hike in or boat in from the river.
Topher B.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Just a little over an hour from Philly this is a great weekend spot. Clean, primitive with no showers or anything like that but who needs 'em? Sites have a good amount of distance so you're not cramped. Accessible to a few trails. Site 9 is the best site :)
Lee Ann K.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Our walkin was big & close to the water. Pond is beautiful w/ pickerel weed, water lilies, & mirror like water. Good for canoeing. Edible berries were all around.There were no picnic tables at the walkins but we were fine. Beware of chiggers. Great spot!
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Lori P.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2015
This is a gorgeous spot and feels very secluded. Be cautious with your car as some of the roads are deep sand.
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Joanna H.
10 years on Hipcamp