Buttonwood Hill Campsite, Egg Harbor City, NJ

Introduction / Overview: Your Primitive Basecamp in the Pinelands

For New Jersey’s outdoor enthusiasts, the Buttonwood Hill Campsite in Wharton State Forest represents the quintessential back-to-basics experience. This primitive camping area is a “hidden gem” nestled within the vast, unique ecosystem of the Pine Barrens. It is specifically designed for the camper who seeks a no-frills, deeply connected natural retreat—a true departure from the crowds and amenities of a full-service RV park.

Buttonwood Hill is one of the smaller, quieter designated campgrounds within the State Forest system, offering a limited number of sites that foster a more intimate connection with the woods. It serves as an excellent starting point for hikers and explorers, situated directly adjacent to one of the region’s key trail networks. It’s an ideal spot for pitching a tent, enjoying a crackling campfire, and spending your evenings gazing at the South Jersey sky.

It is important to set expectations for this unique location. As a primitive campsite, the focus is on natural access rather than comfort. While many visitors cherish the quiet, lightly used atmosphere and easy access to trails, a distinctive element of the campsite's location is its proximity to a local highway (Route 542). This means that depending on wind direction and the site you choose, you may experience some noise from passing vehicles or nearby establishments. For the local camper, this is a trade-off: unparalleled trail access and a low-cost, pet-friendly site versus the occasional sound of civilization. If you appreciate the convenience of being near a main road for quick access and enjoy a lively background occasionally (perhaps an unexpected saxophone solo from across the way!), Buttonwood Hill offers a truly unique Pinelands experience.

Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Wilderness Gateway

Buttonwood Hill Campsite is conveniently located in the Wharton State Forest, one of the most significant natural preserves in New Jersey. The location is situated in the southern portion of the Pinelands, making it highly accessible for residents coming from the Atlantic City and Philadelphia regions.

The official address is listed as: Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, USA.

The campsite sits directly off of Route 542 (Batsto Road), making it one of the more straightforward primitive camping areas to reach by car. This proximity to the highway is both a point of convenience and the source of the occasional noise, as noted in visitor reviews. Critically, Buttonwood Hill is located directly across the highway from Cowley’s Landing Boat Launch, offering immediate access to the Mullica River for paddling adventures. For first-time visitors to Wharton State Forest, the check-in process requires a brief stop at either the Batsto or Atsion office to obtain your permit before setting up camp. Its position near Batsto Village—a major historical attraction in the forest—means you are never far from services, historical context, and a central point for further exploration. Its location serves as the perfect launch pad for multi-day hiking or paddling trips into the deeper parts of the Pinelands.

Services Offered at Buttonwood Hill Campsite

As a primitive site within a State Forest, the amenities at Buttonwood Hill are deliberately rustic and minimal, focusing on core needs while preserving the natural environment.

Campsite Type: Primitive, individual campsites suitable for tents and small RVs/trailers (typically limited to 6 people, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents maximum per site).
Sanitary Facilities: Pit toilets (outhouses) are available on-site. Note: Buttonwood Hill is a primitive site and does not feature flush toilets or shower facilities.
Water: Visitors are required to carry in all drinking water. Unlike some other primitive sites in Wharton, Buttonwood Hill does not consistently have a hand pump or potable water available, emphasizing the self-sufficiency required for camping here.
Fire: Campfire rings are provided at each site for contained fires, adhering strictly to New Jersey Forest Fire regulations. Firewood must be brought in or purchased from a nearby park office; cutting trees is strictly prohibited.
Pet-Friendly Status: Buttonwood Hill is designated as a pet-friendly campground. Dogs must be registered at the park office and kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
Site Layout: Campsites generally feature sandy, flat ground, which is ideal for tent camping. Picnic tables are often available at the individual sites for food preparation and outdoor dining.
Permit Required: A valid camping permit, obtained from the Wharton State Forest office (Batsto or Atsion), is mandatory for all stays.

Features / Highlights: Trail and River Connection

The primary appeal of Buttonwood Hill is its stellar connection to the Pine Barrens’ most significant recreational features, making it a favorite for active campers in New Jersey.

The 1808 Trail Connection: Buttonwood Hill serves as a key access point for the relatively new 1808 Trail (green blazes). This 1.6-mile path follows a historic 200-year-old logging road that once connected Crowleytown (the area where the campsite now sits) to Batsto Village. This trail is perfect for day hikers and directly connects the campsite to the wider trail network.
Batona Trail Proximity: The campsite is connected via a spur trail (the Buttonwood Camp Connector, light blue blazes) to the legendary 50-mile Batona Trail (pink blazes). This makes Buttonwood Hill an essential overnight stop for serious backpackers and section-hikers tackling the iconic Batona Trail.
Crowley’s Landing Boat Launch: Directly across Route 542 from the campsite is the boat launch for Crowley’s Landing, providing immediate access to the Mullica River for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. This is a major highlight for paddlers exploring the Pinelands’ dark, scenic waters.
Proximity to Batsto Village: The historic Batsto Village is just a short, scenic drive or a moderately challenging hike away. Visitors can easily spend a day exploring the preserved iron and glass-making town, the Batsto Mansion, and the Visitor Center.
Secluded, Small Capacity: With a small number of sites (typically five), the campground offers a more intimate and secluded feel compared to the larger family campgrounds in the state, appealing to those who prefer less traffic and greater privacy once inside the forest.

Contact Information

Reservations and all general inquiries for Buttonwood Hill Campsite, and all primitive camping in the area, are handled by the main offices of Wharton State Forest.

Address: Located off Route 542 (Batsto Road) near Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, USA

Phone for Wharton State Forest Office (Batsto/Atsion): (609) 561-0024

Note: All camping permits must be secured prior to arrival, typically through the online reservation system or in-person at a park office.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Local New Jersey Residents

Buttonwood Hill Campsite is an ideal destination for New Jersey locals, particularly those who identify as hikers, paddlers, or minimalists. It offers one of the most direct trail-to-campsite experiences in the entire state, functioning as a vital link in the Batona and 1808 Trail systems. For residents of South Jersey, the drive is minimal, translating into more weekend time spent exploring and less time traveling. While the noise from the nearby highway and the lack of running water define its primitive character, these factors are precisely what keep it affordable and ensure its survival as a true rustic alternative. It provides the essential elements for an impactful retreat—a fire ring, a place to pitch a tent, pit toilets, and direct access to the rivers and trails that define the Pinelands. For the local looking to ditch the crowds, lace up their hiking boots, and truly carry in everything they need for a self-sufficient night under the pines, Buttonwood Hill offers an unbeatable value and unparalleled convenience to the heart of New Jersey’s wilderness.