Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds, Bass River, NJ

For New Jersey residents seeking an authentic and deeply natural camping experience, Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds in New Gretna offers a refreshing escape right in the heart of the storied Pine Barrens. This family-owned and operated campground focuses on the natural beauty of the surrounding environment, providing a peaceful, wooded setting that feels miles away from the everyday bustle of the Garden State. Known for its kind and accommodating owners, Pilgrim Lake offers a genuine, no-frills outdoor adventure perfect for families, couples, and seasoned campers.

Nestled around its picturesque 20-acre freshwater lake, the campground provides a tranquil base for exploring the rich ecosystem of the Pinelands National Reserve. The sites are intentionally wooded and private, a key feature that distinguishes it from more developed RV parks. This setting allows campers to truly relax by their campfire, surrounded by the characteristic pitch pine and oak trees of the region. Whether you prefer a small tent site or are bringing a large recreational vehicle, Pilgrim Lake offers a variety of camping options tailored for a comfortable stay.

While the focus is on natural ambiance, the campground maintains a high level of convenience. It operates seasonally, typically from May 1st to October 31st, making it a perfect spring, summer, and fall destination. It successfully balances a secluded, remote feel with fantastic accessibility, as it is situated just a short drive from major Shore Region attractions like Long Beach Island and Atlantic City. This unique combination of deep woods serenity and coastal proximity makes Pilgrim Lake a local favorite for a well-rounded New Jersey vacation.

A note for those bringing larger trailers or RVs: the campground retains its rustic, wooded character, which means the interior roads can be narrow with heavy tree cover. While this creates beautiful, private sites, veteran trailer pullers have noted that navigating larger units (up to the maximum 50 feet allowed) requires careful maneuvering. This is part of the adventure, but newcomers should be prepared for a slightly challenging—yet rewarding—parking experience.

Location and Accessibility

Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds is conveniently located in Bass River Township, New Jersey, making it highly accessible from the central and southern parts of the state. Its address places it directly in the Pine Barrens, adjacent to Bass River State Forest, which ensures a preserved natural environment for miles around.

The location on Stage Road, New Gretna, offers straightforward access from the Garden State Parkway. For those traveling south, Exit 52 (New Gretna) provides a quick route. From the north, taking Exit 50 to Route 9 and then following local roads into New Gretna will guide you to the campground. The exact address is 940 Stage Rd, New Gretna, NJ 08224, USA. Using Bass River Township for GPS directions may be helpful for pinpointing the exact location.

This geographical advantage means that local users are never far from essential services or major destinations. The world-famous casinos and entertainment of Atlantic City are only about a 30-minute drive away, while the beautiful, family-friendly beaches of Long Beach Island (LBI) can be reached in a similar amount of time. This accessibility makes it simple for residents to blend a relaxing camping trip with a day of beach fun, shopping, or nightlife.

Services Offered

Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds provides essential amenities and lodging options to ensure a comfortable stay, whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a seasonal retreat:

Seasonal Operation: The campground is open for reservations annually from May 1st to October 31st.
Diverse Campsites: Offers a total of 116 sites, including a mix of Tent Sites, RV Sites, Pull-Thru Sites, and dedicated Seasonal Sites.
RV Accommodations: Sites include various electrical options, with a total of 66 RV sites featuring up to 30 or 50 Amp service, accommodating trailers up to a maximum length of 50 feet.
Full Hook-Ups: A number of sites are available with full hook-up connections (Water, Electric, and Sewer).
Restrooms and Showers: Clean bathhouses with restrooms and hot showers are available to all guests.
Utility Services: A dump station is on-site for RV and trailer sanitary needs, and LP Gas is available by meter.
Flexible Stays: Daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal camping options are available to suit any vacation length.
Recreation Rentals: Canoes are available for rent on-site for use on Pilgrim Lake.
Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground welcomes pets, making it a great option for New Jersey families who want to bring their dogs or cats along.
On-Site Store: Features a camp store for essential supplies and firewood.

Features and Highlights

The primary appeal of Pilgrim Lake is its focus on natural, lake-centered recreation and its unparalleled location within the Pinelands:

Pilgrim Lake Access: The beautiful 20-acre freshwater lake is the centerpiece of the property. It is available for swimming, catch-and-release fishing, and non-motorized boating, providing a cool, natural relief during the summer months. The water is characteristically tea-brown (cedar water) from the surrounding trees, which is a sign of its natural purity.
Deep Woods Privacy: Campsites are highly wooded and private, offering a genuine 'in the forest' experience with ample shade. The owners have been praised for creating spacious, individual sites, many of which are situated near the lake.
Proximity to Natural Attractions: The campground is practically adjacent to the sprawling Bass River State Forest, providing immediate access to miles of additional hiking, cycling, and natural exploration, including the famous Batona Trail.
Easy Access to the Shore Region: The convenience of being roughly 20 to 30 minutes from major South Jersey Shore destinations—including Long Beach Island, Atlantic City, and Ocean City—allows campers to easily spend a day at the beach or boardwalk before returning to their quiet woodland retreat.
Nearby Local Exploration: For those looking to explore local culture, the campground is a short drive from charming New Jersey towns, as well as local gems like breweries and wineries in the surrounding areas.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The friendly, hands-on involvement of the owners, who have run the campground for decades, creates a welcoming and safe environment that is highly suitable for family camping.

Contact Information

To inquire about availability, rates, RV size limitations, or seasonal camping at this cherished Pinelands spot, please use the following contact details:

Address: 940 Stage Rd, New Gretna, NJ 08224, USA

Phone: (609) 296-4725

Conclusion: Why Pilgrim Lake is a Must-Visit for New Jersey Locals

Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds is uniquely suited for New Jersey residents who value authentic outdoor living over commercialized amenities. It embodies the rustic charm of the Pinelands, offering private, wooded campsites that are a welcome sanctuary for those looking to escape the state’s population density. The hands-on, highly accommodating nature of the owners ensures that guests feel like part of a community, a personal touch often missed in larger camping resorts.

For the local user, the campground’s dual appeal is unbeatable: the serenity of a 20-acre freshwater lake right outside your door for swimming, fishing, and canoeing, coupled with the incredible convenience of having the entire Jersey Shore entertainment and beach experience less than a half-hour drive away. This allows for a flexible and fulfilling vacation that can shift from a quiet hike in Bass River State Forest to a lively night on the Atlantic City boardwalk, all within a single day.

While the narrow, wooded roads require caution for RV and trailer owners—a trade-off for the deep woodland ambiance—the reward is a highly private, natural setting. For any New Jersey resident seeking a family-friendly, lakeside camping destination that stays true to the character of the Pine Barrens while providing easy access to the Shore, Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds is undoubtedly an excellent, highly recommended local option.