Camping in South Jersey is a wonderful way to connect with nature and have some fun. You can choose from a variety of campgrounds, depending on your preferred style of camping. Whether you want a relaxing trip or an adventure-packed experience, you will definitely find something that fits your preferences. Don’t wait any longer; start planning your camping trip today!
Choose the Type of Camping That Suits You the Most!
South Jersey Campgrounds fall into three groups: State park, private family, and RV/Trailer. And knowing which one you want saves a lot of scrolling.
State park and state forest campsites offer cleared sites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby restrooms and showers. Bring your own wood, and expect weak cell signal once you are deep in the pines.
Private family campgrounds feature amenities like pools, playgrounds, game rooms, and WiFi. Many rent rustic cabins if tent setup is not your thing. These fill up fast in summer, so call early.
RV and trailer sites vary the most when it comes to hookups, pad layouts, and accessibility designs. Some are simple gravel pads with electric only, while others have pull-thru sites, deluxe patio sites, and full water and sewer hookups. Check the site map before you reserve, because big rigs do not fit everywhere.
Burlington County Campgrounds
Brendan Byrne State Forest
(609) 726-1191
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is a huge natural area in the pine barrens of New Jersey. It has over 38,000 acres of land for outdoor fun like camping, hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and hunting. It is the second largest state forest in the Pine Barrens. History enthusiasts can learn about the history of the place by visiting Whitesbog Village, where the first cultivated blueberry was grown. If you like nature and adventure, you should check out Brendan T. Byrne State Forest! Hikers may pass through areas where remains of stone and brick structures of what was once a bustling town.
Godfrey Bridge Campground
(609) 561-0024
You’ll love this campground in Chatsworth. It’s near Wharton State Forest, where you can explore trails, lakes, and rivers. You can choose from 34 tent or trailer sites and enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. Or just chill by the fire at night. The campground is on the Wading River and close to the Oswego River. You can rent a canoe from Mick’s Canoe Rental nearby and have a blast on the water.
Wading Pines Camping Resort
(609) 726-1313
Come and enjoy the beauty of the New Jersey Pinelands at the Wading Pines Camping Resort on the Wading River. You can rent a canoe or kayak and explore the river or relax on their private island. The saltwater pool, fishing pond, and sports facilities are also great ways to have fun. Don’t miss the “Jersey Devil” train ride for a tour of the campground. And if you want more adventure, you can easily reach the beaches, casinos, theme parks, and fishing spots of Southern New Jersey.
Gloucester County Campgrounds
Oldman’s Creek Campground
(856) 478-4502
Oldman’s Creek is a family-oriented campground that was started in the 1950s by a visionary man. He wanted to make something for everyone, and his dream is still alive today. The campground has had new owners since 2016, and they are working hard to make it even better. You can enjoy camping here from April to November with electricity available at some sites.
Old Cedar Campground
(800) 582-3327
Old Cedar Campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent. It’s a family-run farm and campground where you can interact with friendly animals and enjoy nature. The campsites are spacious and shady, with full hookups, WiFi hotspots, and clean bathhouses. You can also have a blast with the pool, mini golf, playground, game room, and fishing lakes. Elephant Swamp Nature Trail is a stunning and mysterious spot that you can reach from the campground. You can also check out the local winery and the Two Bridges Wine Trail, which has several wineries along the Delaware River. Discover cozy restaurants, antique shops, and quirky roadside attractions along the way.
Lake Kandle Campground
(856) 589-2158
Lake Kandle is a cozy place to camp and swim with your family. It’s a private club that has been around since 1960 and is just a short drive from Philadelphia. It is more than just a campground; it’s a home away from home. Lake Kandle is not open to the public, so you need a membership or a rented campsite to enjoy this cozy place and the peace and quiet of this exclusive place. It’s like having your own slice of paradise.
Timberlane Campground
(732) 928-0500
Timberlane Campground has a charming vintage vibe, and it’s only a short drive from Six Flags Great Adventure and Adventure Crossing. You’ll have a blast enjoying the rides, games, and attractions nearby, and then coming back to your comfy campsite. This campground is all about family fun and creating unforgettable memories!
Salem County Campgrounds and State Parks
Four Seasons Family Campground
(856) 769-3635
Four Seasons Family Campground invites you to join them in their cozy corner of Southern New Jersey’s farmland. Relax, grab a drink, and find your spot around the fire. You can do as much or as little as you want because they have lots of fun activities for you to enjoy. During your stay, you can experience the simple pleasures of life like chasing fireflies, fishing in the pond, and gazing at the stars. Make yourself comfortable and feel at home at Four Seasons Campground!
Adventure Bound Camping Resorts-Tall Pines
856-451-7479
Adventure Bound Camping Resorts is a place to make memories that will last a lifetime! Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it here. Enjoy the beauty of nature, the thrill of activities, and the comfort of the facilities. Bring your family and friends and discover the magic of camping!
Parvin State Park Campground
(609) 358-8686
This campground is perfect for nature-lovers! You can explore the beautiful trails and lakes in the park and have fun outdoors. You can choose to stay in a tent or an RV at one of the campsites, which are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. You can also access the restrooms and showers nearby. The park offers many activities for you to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and swimming.
Camping Near the Water: Canoe, Kayak and Boat Access
Half the appeal of a waterfront campsite is that you can be on the water at any moment during your camping experience.
The Wading River and the Oswego River run through the Burlington County pines. Both rivers generally have calm waters perfect for first-time paddlers, canoers, and kayakers. Godfrey Bridge Campground and Wading Pines Camping Resort sit right on the Wading River, so you can rent a canoe or kayak without loading the car again.
South Jersey also has lakeside campsites with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating, perfect for groups wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation. Cast a line in either of the two dedicated fishing areas or on-site lakes at Old Cedar Campground.
Go for a swim in the supervised lake at Lake Kandle Campground or enjoy a day of boating on Parvin Lake at Parvin State Park Campground, featuring a public launch ramp and a cartop launch available year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Pack the Car, the Southern New Jersey Campgrounds Are Waiting
Pick a county, pick a campground, and go. With most sites under an hour from Philadelphia, your first trip doesn’t require a week of planning. Browse the full campgrounds directory to compare sites, or request a Visitors Guide and plan the whole weekend at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best camping in South Jersey?
It depends on the trip you are picturing. Burlington County has the most Pine Barrens camping, with Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest covering tens of thousands of acres between them, plus historic sites like Whitesbog Village nearby. Gloucester County suits families who want pools, playgrounds, and towns nearby. Salem County is the quietest of the three, with farmland, campgrounds, and dark skies. Match the county to the kind of weekend you want.
Do South Jersey campgrounds have RV hookups?
Many do, though what you get varies from one campground to the next. Old Cedar Campground has full hookups, and Parvin State Park takes RVs at its campsites. Some private campgrounds offer pull-thru sites and patio sites built for larger rigs, while others provide electric only. Call ahead with your rig length and hookup needs, since site maps differ and not every loop fits a big trailer.
When is camping season in South Jersey?
New Jersey camping season at most private campgrounds runs from roughly April through October or November. Oldman’s Creek Campground, for example, opens in April and closes in November. State park and state forest campsites often shut down over winter, and dates shift year to year. Summer weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the busiest stretch by a wide margin. Check directly with the campground for current opening dates.
Can you camp in the Pine Barrens?
Yes, and it is one of the main reasons people camp in this part of the state. Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest both sit in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey and take campers. Godfrey Bridge Campground and Wading Pines Camping Resort put you right on the Wading River in the Pinelands. Expect sandy ground, tall pines, weak cell signal, and genuinely dark nights.
Are there cabins at South Jersey campgrounds?
Some campgrounds rent cabins alongside their tent and RV sites, which works well if you want the campfire without the tent setup. Availability changes by season and by property, and cabins are usually the first thing to book out on summer weekends. Contact the campground directly to check, since cabin types range from rustic one-room shelters to units with heat and small kitchens.
Do you need reservations to camp in South Jersey?
For summer weekends, plan on it. Popular campgrounds fill their sites months ahead for holiday weekends and peak July and August dates. Midweek and shoulder season in spring or fall are much easier, and you can sometimes find a site on short notice. State park campsites use their own reservation system, separate from private campgrounds. Lake Kandle works through membership or rented sites, so check access terms first.