The best camping near Wharton State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Wharton State Forest adventure.

98% (22 reviews)

Say all you want about New Jersey, you can't deny the parks are top notch.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Wharton State Forest

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Wharton State Forest

100%

(5)

Atsion Campground

59 sites · RVs, Tents In Wharton State Forest

100%

(1)

Buttonwood Hill Camping Area

5 sites In Wharton State Forest

100%

(1)

Godfrey Bridge Camping Area

34 sites In Wharton State Forest

100%

(1)

Batona Camping Area

13 sites In Wharton State Forest

100%

(1)

Hawkins Bridge Camping Area

13 sites In Wharton State Forest

100%

(3)

Bodine Field Camping Area

30 sites In Wharton State Forest

100%

(1)

Goshen Pond Camping Area

19 sites In Wharton State Forest

This is Campsite 1 at Lower Forge Campground. There is a fire ring. That's it.

100%

(4)

Lower Forge Camping Area

9 sites In Wharton State Forest

90%

(5)

Mullica River Camping Area

10 sites In Wharton State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Wharton State Forest

97%

(15)

Spacious Skies Country Oaks Campground

139 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Dorothy, NJ

Spacious Skies Country Oaks rests within the countryside of the Pine Barrens region of southern New Jersey, just an hour from Philadelphia and Wilmington, DE, and only 30 miles from the Atlantic City boardwalk. If you are looking for southern New Jersey’s best campsites you have found them! Find peace at our campground in New Jersey which is due south of the Wharton State Forest and surrounded by other wildlife management areas that dot the protected ecoregion. We offer back-in and pull-through RV sites that can accommodate all sized RVs and trailers! Each RV site includes a picnic table, fire ring, 30 or 50-amp electrical service, and sewer. We have deluxe patio sites and some rustic cabins too! Friendly people are waiting by the phone to tell you about our amazing activities, and an atmosphere that all campers will take to heart. Delightfully, Country Oaks campground happens to be surrounded by a number of designated wildlife management areas (WMAs)–Tuckahoe, Maple Lake, and Menantico Ponds to name a few! These areas are popular for hiking/walking, fishing, kayaking, and birding opportunities abound! Our nation’s bird, the bald eagle, is no stranger to this region, along with lots of other species for your bird-watching journal. The Warren E. Fox Nature Center is the headquarters for environmental education within the Atlantic County park system, with fun displays and trials for the whole family. Inland nature aside, Atlantic City and Ocean City beaches and boardwalks are 30-40 minutes away!

100%

(118)

Countryside Horse Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Salem, NJ

Our horse farm is located in one of the most rural areas of Southern New Jersey. This land was once occupied by The Lanape Tribe. The adjacent creek was named after Chief Alloway. Artifacts of Native Americans have been found alongside this brackish water creek. This farm was for many years a dairy farm which was passed on for 3 generations until the late 80's. Our main horse breeds are Arabs followed by Thoroughbreds and 4 miniature ponies. In addition to horses you will see free range rabbits, chickens and Mss. Moo our beautiful cow. There are many antique shops in this area which tell the rich History of Southern NJ. Cowen mall and Royal Port are my two favorites. Hope you enjoy visiting our forgotten part of NJ and make great memories! Learn more about this land: Relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Feast your eyes on the luscious green pastures with grazing horses and cow while enjoying the sound of wild life all around you. You might even be lucky and spot a Bald Eagle here on our property. If you get caught on a rainy weekend we offer Plenty of indoor activities inside our large indoor arena. You can sit on the lounge and read, play board games, air hockey, darts, archery, watch a movie on the big 20" screen etc... PS movie viewing subject to fees and pre booking

97%

(163)

Horse Farm Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bordentown, NJ

Learn more about this land:A beautiful horse farm centered between Philadelphia and New York City. 45 minutes from the beach, 45 minutes from the mountains. Local breweries, wineries and distilleries within minutes. World famous Columbus Farmers Market 5 minutes down the road. Historic Burlington City and the Delaware River just 5 minutes in the opposite direction. We are very social people if you are looking for a new way to meet fun people. Action sports is what we 're doing here a lot of the time (horseback riding, skateboarding, off road riding), so we can point you in the best direction to do the most fun things in the area.

83%

(3)

Olivia's Woods

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Marmora, NJ

Tall pines, deep woods, spring peepers, hiking/jogging trails and crazy-cool serenity, all seven minutes from Ocean City, NJ's beaches. This is the New Jersey few people know. You can rent our camper, which has AC and and electric, park your own camper or van (bring your own electric and water) or throw down your tents. There's a small pond and fire pit by the camper and a community ping pong table, an outside shower, a jacuzzi and a private-entrance bathroom with a shower and washer/dryer. One highlight is the Cameron Wildlife Refuge, a little over a mile away. If you're interested in the camper, please let us know your dates because Airbnb keeps it busy, or ask us for the URL. For the camper, you'll need to book on Airbnb or VRBO. Right now the camper is $99 a night, with discounts for stays over 4 days. Besides the beaches (ask us about Strathmere, which has far fewer people and no parking fees) you've got a nearby park with tennis courts, pickleball courts in Ocean City, right across the bridge, state parks in Estelle Manor and Woodbine, less than a half-hour away, and more, including good mountain biking. Just ask.

100%

(33)

This Must be The Farm

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Freehold, NJ

Set on 6 acres in Freehold Township, the farm is home to a 1-acre vegetable garden, chickens, ducks, geese & guinea hens, honeybees, hardwood trees and Christmas trees. The farm is in a central location, with Turkey Swamp Park minutes away, Allaire State Park close-by, and beautiful New Jersey beaches within a 25 minute drive.

93%

(41)

Open Field for Dry Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Ocean View, NJ

Learn more about this land: The field is perfect for tent camping, camper vans, campers, or even sleeping under the stars. This field is available for dry camping, meaning there is no water or sewage hookup and everything is pack in, pack out. There is a water hose within walking distance available to fill buckets or bottles as needed. A fire pit is also available for use. The property also has friendly goats that love attention. Short distance from back bays, ocean, trails, beaches and an incredible amount of tourist attractions the Cape May County area has to offer!

98%

(674)

Pine Creek

4 sites · TentsMedford, NJ

Old Cranbury farm in the middle of West Jersey. Pitch your tent in our hay field or set up a spot in the woods. Fish off our dock. Dark skies for viewing the stars.

99%

(47)

Great Times Camp Ground

2 sites · Lodging52 acres · Waterford Works, NJ

Great Times Camp ground has been the home of "Great Times Day Camp" for 25+ years. In the heart of the pinelands, GTDC provides a beautiful ground for campers to enjoy the outdoors and experience new things like boating, hiking, and more. Update - We have added a parking location close to the main site area! It is now extremely easy to access the site location!AC Available! Great Times Camp Ground consists 52 acres of the amazing outdoors including a large natural lake, acres of woods to explore, and lots of fun activities such as volleyball, basketball, and even a beach to enjoy. Great Times operates as a children's day camp during the summer months, but now can be enjoyed all year round.Activities Available:- Basketball Courts- Tennis Courts- Fishing- Beach- Sport Fields for ActivitiesIf you would like the bunkhouse / cabin - you must add it as an extra, otherwise it will be assumed that you are tent camping.

100%

(11)

That Dome Home RV Site

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Manahawkin, NJ

Want to be close to Long Beach Island (LBI) without the crowds? You've found the place! Our lot is 1.22 acres only several miles away from LBI, New Jersey. The owner-occupied residence is tucked away from the road with only one neighbor in sight. We live in a 1987 geodesic dome home on the property. Additionally, our self-converted 2002 International Blue Bird school bus is parked here. There is plenty of room for you to park in the circle driveway or to the left of the dome. Enjoy our large, fenced backyard with plenty of room for activities. We have yard games available (Yard Yahtzee, Spikeball, Molkky, lawn darts, and more) and you're welcome to bring them to the beach. Crab traps, fishing poles, and a cooler are available too. Feel free to start a campfire in the designated area or relax in the two hammocks. We promise you'll never be bored here! LBI beaches, the Manahawkin Lake, restaurants, bars, shopping, and more are all minutes away. Proximity via car: -5 minutes to LBI -3 minutes to Manahawkin Lake -3 minutes to The Old Causeway and Mud City (restaurants) -4 minutes to ManaFirkin Brewing Co. -40 minutes to Atlantic City -70 minutes to Philadelphia

94%

(9)

Beach Getaway

1 site · RV1 acre · Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Property located on the Jersey Shore including 50 amp, sewer, and water. Family friendly area with countless options for all outdoor family fun. Don't miss this opportunity to stay on the Jersey Shore without breaking the bank. Walking distance to beaches and boardwalk with amazing food options in the heart of Point Pleasant beach. **Please understand we offer this property as a campsite because it has full hookup and you're literally a 10 min walk to beach. This is an oversized driveway in a large backyard. In Point Pleasant Beach a hotel is $350 per night. This is an alternative to spending fortune for a weekend or longer**

79%

(12)

Summer Jade Stables

7 sites · Lodging, RVs18 acres · Waterford Works, NJ

Learn more about this land: Please READ to avoid confusion!! We are not regular RV/Trailer park. We are an active horse/cattle farm with both indoor and outdoor arena. We often hold ranch sorting events and training. So we provide a few 30A RV outlet for visitors. There is hydrant available to fill up your freshwater tank. Not a full hookup as you expected in campground. We also provide RVs for rent or rooms in the house. The entire farm is flat with plenty parking space. The entrance may look like a narrow long driveway, the parking lot behind building is huge, even for big truck.

100%

(3)

Bucks County Boondocking

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Yardley, PA

Motorized self-contained up to 27’ RVs only. RV Boondock at the top end of our paved driveway next to our B van in a quiet neighborhood. We are located in Historic Bucks County, 40 miles north of Philadelphia. Close to Yardley Borough, Washington Crossing (and historic park), Sesame Place, New Hope/Lambertville (NJ), Bowman Hill Tower and wildflower preserve, Peddler’s Village, Tyler and Core Creek Parks. New Jersey Beaches, Jackson, and the Shore Premium Outlets to the east, and Lancaster/Pennsylvania Dutch attractions to the west are about a 1.5-hour drive. Travel a little further for Hershey, Harrisburg, and the Pocono Mountains. We can fill your water tank and have 15 and 30 amp service. Please note that if you are coming from New Jersey or going to NJ from PA, some bridges have height and weight restrictions. Additionally, there is a propane restriction in the Route 29 (John Fitch Way) Tunnel. **All these can be easily avoided: Safe bridges (but tolled entering PA) are I-295 and Route 1. New Hope/Lambertville (Bridge Street) is restricted. Avoid the Washington Crossings Bridge with anything but a car. Delaware River Bridge (Calhoun Street) is restricted. Lower Trenton Bridge (Bridge Street) is restricted. **To avoid the Route 29 (John Fitch Way) Tunnel: From the east or south on I-295 or I-195 that turns into Route 29, exit to Trenton Route 129 and make a left on Cass Street to get back on Route 29 to the Route 1 Bridge. Leaving PA to NJ to go south or east, use the Route 1 Bridge, pass the Route 29 exit (tunnel), take the next exit Trenton train/transit center/station, stay in the center lane (that goes straight or left) at the stoplight (left turn signal on), make the left (do not immediately bear right back onto the highway ramp) but stay straight for a few hundred yards and make the right, stay left to Route 129 that will take you to 29/195-295.

The best camping near Wharton State Forest 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.