Camp Acagisca, Hamilton, NJ

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents seeking a rustic and group-friendly outdoor experience in the heart of the Pine Barrens, Camp Acagisca in Mays Landing represents an exceptional resource. This unique destination, now operated by the Atlantic County Division of Parks and Recreation, holds a significant place in local history, having once served as a beloved Girl Scout camp (with the name being an acronym for Atlantic City Area Girl Scout Camp). Today, Camp Acagisca has been thoughtfully preserved as a haven for organized groups, focusing on communal camping, education, and unparalleled access to the region’s natural waterways.

Unlike many commercial campgrounds that cater to individual families and RVs, Camp Acagisca is exclusively dedicated to group camping. It provides a foundational, affordable, and private setting ideal for scout troops, youth organizations, large family gatherings, and educational excursions. Its greatest natural asset is its location bordering the Wild & Scenic Great Egg Harbor River, positioning it as a key entry and exit point for one of South Jersey’s most cherished paddling adventures. It is a place where the focus is on shared experience, natural exploration, and disconnecting from the everyday hustle in a peaceful, wooded setting.

The camping season at this Atlantic County Park facility typically runs from April 1st to October 31st. All usage, including camping and river access, is managed by the Atlantic County Parks System, ensuring the preservation and integrity of this valuable Pinelands environment.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Acagisca is situated deep within the natural landscape of Atlantic County, yet remains easily accessible for local New Jersey users.

Address: 6755 Weymouth Rd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, USA

The camp is located off Weymouth Road (County Route 559) in Mays Landing. While the camp itself feels remote and surrounded by woods, its proximity to Mays Landing allows for quick access to local services and amenities. For regional travelers, the location is conveniently close to major routes such as the Black Horse Pike (Route 322) and the Atlantic City Expressway, making it a viable weekend destination for groups coming from all corners of New Jersey.

The key aspect of Camp Acagisca's location is its direct frontage on the Great Egg Harbor River. This makes it a crucial “halfway point” for canoe and kayak trips, serving as a dedicated vessel entry or removal site. Access is controlled, requiring a Special Access Permit, which helps maintain the quiet, non-commercial nature of the river entry area. Visitors should be prepared for a dirt road access and a slight carry from the hilltop parking area to the river bank, adding to the rustic charm.

Services Offered

As a public group campground facility, Camp Acagisca provides the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale outdoor events while maintaining a simple, nature-focused experience.

Group Camping Only: Exclusive availability of two dedicated group campsites, each designed to accommodate up to 20 people per site.
Water Access: Potable water is available via a hose or spigot.
Sanitary Facilities: Flush restrooms are available at Site #1, with additional bathroom facilities at Site #2, ensuring necessary comforts are provided.
Communal Shelter: A large pavilion is located on the property, featuring numerous picnic tables and a substantial stone fireplace/grill area, perfect for group meals and activities even during inclement weather.
Permit Management: Camping permits and reservations are handled by the Lake Lenape Reservation Office. Reservations must be made in person or online, not over the phone.
River Access Permit: The site is one of three Atlantic County-maintained access points for small vessels on the Great Egg Harbor River, requiring a separate, annual $5 Special Access Vehicle Permit from the Lake Lenape Boathouse.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Camp Acagisca center entirely on its natural setting and its suitability for organized, large-scale outdoor programs.

Premier Great Egg Harbor River Access: The camp is one of the most desirable put-in/take-out locations on the Wild & Scenic Great Egg Harbor River, making it an essential staging area for multi-hour paddling trips down the cedar-water river.
Unspoiled Pine Barrens Scenery: Camp Acagisca is bordered by the river and deep woods, offering an immersive, quiet, and authentic Pinelands experience, complete with opportunities for wildlife observation.
Affordable Group Rates: With a user fee of only $25.00 per night for a site accommodating up to 20 people, it is one of the most budget-friendly options for non-profit and educational groups in South Jersey.
Rustic Charm and Privacy: The sites offer a good degree of privacy compared to highly commercial campgrounds, appealing to groups that value a more secluded, traditional camping environment.
Proximity to Estell Manor Park: Campers are very close to Estell Manor County Park, which features miles of additional hiking trails, a nature center, and historical ruins of a World War I munitions factory, extending the recreational possibilities.

Contact Information

All reservations and access permits for Camp Acagisca are managed through the Atlantic County Parks Reservation Office, located at nearby Lake Lenape Park.

Address: 6755 Weymouth Rd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, USA (Camp Location)

Reservation Office Address (for booking/permits): Lake Lenape Boathouse, 6303 Old Harding Hwy, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Phone (Reservation Office Information): (609) 625-8219

Please note that reservations for camping sites and the mandatory $5 annual Special Access Vehicle Permit for river access must be completed in person or online via the Atlantic County Parks system website; they cannot be processed over the phone.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camp Acagisca is an invaluable asset for New Jersey locals, particularly for those involved in youth groups, educational programs, or large family clubs. Its primary suitability lies in its dedicated focus on group experiences at a highly affordable rate within an exceptionally beautiful natural setting. For Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other youth organizations, it provides a safe, structured, and enriching environment for teaching outdoor skills and fostering teamwork, continuing its legacy as a site for youth development.

Crucially, for local paddlers across the state, Camp Acagisca represents a key gateway to the famous Great Egg Harbor River. The existence of a dedicated, county-maintained access point simplifies logistics for personal canoeing and kayaking excursions, giving local residents a highly coveted resource for enjoying the Wild & Scenic River. By offering rustic, private, and budget-conscious group camping combined with premier river access, Camp Acagisca allows New Jersey residents to fully embrace the unique wilderness heritage of the Pinelands without the crowds and commercialism found elsewhere. It truly is a local gem for group adventures and water-based recreation.