Mullica River Campground

- Hammonton, NJ 08037

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents who define a true outdoor escape as being truly disconnected and away from vehicle noise, the Mullica River Campground offers the state's premier wilderness camping experience. Located deep within the protected expanse of Wharton State Forest, this campground is explicitly designated as a primitive, hike-in or paddle-in site. This critical feature immediately filters out car campers, motorhomes, and high-amenity seekers, ensuring the area maintains a rare and highly sought-after sense of profound solitude.

Mullica River Campground is the choice for the minimalist camper. It is celebrated by local users as one of the best campgrounds in Wharton State Forest, praised for being a substantial "15 minute drive directly in nature" (before the required hike or paddle) and offering a peace that is unmatched. Guests have noted that at night, "the sky is super clear and you can hardly hear anything besides nature." The campsites are designed to immerse you in the raw beauty of the Pine Barrens, with the river running directly alongside. Visitors who seek a complete break from digital life will find it here, as a strong theme among reviews is the lack of cell service—a feature that is promoted as a benefit for a perfect get away.

This is not a place for a quick overnight stay on a road trip, but rather a deliberate destination for those who are prepared to carry in their gear and truly embrace the tranquility of New Jersey’s wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

The Mullica River Campground is a designated Wilderness Campsite located within Wharton State Forest, near Hammonton, NJ 08037. Its specific location is one of its most defining characteristics, as it is purposefully kept remote. Unlike other campgrounds in the forest, motorized vehicles are not permitted access to the campsites.

Access is strictly limited to one of two methods: by hiking or by canoeing/kayaking. This requirement means the campground is often quiet and peaceful, as only those willing to make the effort will reach it. Many visitors paddle in via the Mullica River Canoe Trail, while others access it by backpacking trails, such as the Mullica River Trail, which is approximately a 5.5-mile hike from the Atsion Ranger Station. You must be prepared to carry all of your camping supplies, including food and gear, the entire distance to your site.

The remoteness guarantees that you are truly "far from roads and other homes." This seclusion is a major draw for New Jersey locals looking for an overnight experience that feels miles away from the nearest town, even though it remains geographically accessible from major state routes.

Services Offered

As a designated Wilderness Campsite, the Mullica River Campground offers a very limited, minimalist set of essential services. Campers must arrive fully self-sufficient and prepared for a rustic experience.

• Primitive Campsites: Offers approximately ten family sites. The sites are described as fairly large and reasonably spaced out, providing good privacy, especially for those near sites 1-5. Each individual site may accommodate up to six people and two tents.
• Water Source: Hand-pumped potable water is available, typically from a well pump. However, visitors should be aware that the status of the pump can change, and some reports indicate the pump has been permanently removed, requiring campers to filter and treat their water directly from the Mullica River. It is highly recommended to check with the park office for the current status and to always carry water filtration equipment.
• Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets (outhouses) are available and are noted by previous campers to be "very well maintained and stocked with toilet paper" and sometimes "spotless," which is a significant plus for primitive facilities.
• Fire Rings: Each designated campsite is provided with a fire ring for cooking and campfires, allowing for traditional camp cooking. Note that campfires must adhere to NJ Forest Fire regulations.
• Trash Policy: Wharton State Forest operates on a strict "Carry In, Carry Out" policy. There are no trash receptacles, and campers must pack out all refuse, maintaining the pristine nature of the wilderness area.
• Reservations and Permit: All camping requires a valid permit and reservation, which must be secured in advance through the New Jersey State Park Service.

Features / Highlights

The Mullica River Campground’s appeal lies in its inherent natural features and the sense of adventure required to reach it.

• Ultimate Seclusion and Peace: This is one of the most secluded campgrounds in New Jersey. The hike-in/paddle-in requirement guarantees minimal traffic and noise, providing a rare level of tranquility. One local highlighted that it’s the "most peaceful campsite I've been to so far within Wharton."
• Direct River Access: The campground sits directly on the Mullica River, providing easy access to the water. The river here is shallow with a consistent flow, allowing for swimming, wading, or just enjoying the "natural massage" of the current near sites 1-3.
• Superb Star Gazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky is "super clear," making it an excellent location for viewing stars and constellations.
• Natural Food Foraging: Depending on the time of year, particularly summer, campers can find blueberry bushes "all around sometimes packed with free blueberries," adding a unique element to the camping experience.
• Ideal for Paddling Expeditions: The location is perfectly situated for multi-day canoe or kayak trips along the Mullica River, serving as a natural halfway point for extended excursions.
• True Digital Detox: The near-total lack of reliable cell service ensures a complete and mandatory break from work emails and social media, forcing campers to enjoy the moment.

Contact Information

Mullica River Campground is a facility within Wharton State Forest. For booking and official information, contact the main park office:

Address: Located within Wharton State Forest, near Hammonton, NJ 08037 (No street address for the campsite itself)

Primary Park Office for Permits and Information:

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

Reservations: All permits must be reserved online through the New Jersey State Park Service's dedicated camping reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Mullica River Campground is the quintessential choice for seasoned New Jersey locals who are seeking an authentic "wilderness" experience without having to travel out of state. It provides the perfect physical and mental challenge: the journey in, either by a dedicated hike or a rewarding paddle, enhances the feeling of having truly earned your peaceful retreat. This is a vital option for urban and suburban residents of NJ desperate for a legitimate disconnect.

For those who value quiet, dark skies, and self-reliance, the Mullica River offers an unparalleled escape. It’s an opportunity to swap the sound of traffic for the gentle flow of the river and to experience the unique and cherished natural character of the Pine Barrens firsthand. It’s a recommended destination for any New Jersey resident ready to move beyond car camping and embrace the genuine minimalist adventure that the state's protected forest lands offer.

Mullica River Campground

Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA