Winding River Campground, Hamilton, NJ

Introduction / Overview: Embrace the Great Outdoors at Winding River Campground

For New Jersey residents looking to escape the concrete jungle and reconnect with nature, Winding River Campground in Mays Landing offers an authentic and accessible outdoor retreat. Situated directly on the banks of the pristine Egg Harbor River—noted as one of the purest and most scenic rivers in the United States—this family-owned campground is a jewel of the Atlantic County pinelands. Winding River is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it is a full-service destination built around river-based recreation and providing a tranquil, woodsy camping experience.

Open seasonally from May 1st to October 15th, the campground strikes a balance between rugged nature and modern comforts. Visitors frequently praise its state park-like feel, thanks to the ample shade provided by the surrounding woodlands. The campground caters to a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts, from tent campers seeking a back-to-basics feel to RV owners desiring full hookups, and even those looking for the convenience of an on-site cabin rental. Winding River is widely known for its exceptional access to water activities, making it a primary destination for canoeing and kayaking in South Jersey. While the setting encourages relaxation, the proximity to Atlantic City ensures that world-class entertainment and dining are never far away.

Location and Accessibility: Proximity to the Shore and South Jersey Highways

Winding River Campground is conveniently located at 6752 Weymouth Road, Mays Landing, NJ 08330. This location in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, is incredibly strategic for local New Jersey visitors. It’s close enough to major population centers for an easy weekend trip, yet perfectly secluded on the river for a true getaway experience.

Accessibility is a key advantage. The campground is just a short drive from the Atlantic City Expressway, making it simple to reach from Philadelphia, North Jersey, and other parts of the state. It is also well-positioned near Route 50 and Route 40, facilitating quick trips to local amenities. For those who enjoy a mix of wilderness and boardwalk excitement, the campground is approximately 30 minutes from the beaches, boardwalks, and casinos of Atlantic City and Ocean City. This makes Winding River an excellent "base camp" for exploring the entire Greater Atlantic City Region. While the environment is heavily wooded, the area is accessible by both cars and RVs. However, it is advisable for those with larger RVs to proceed with caution due to the possibility of tight spots and older, narrow interior roads that are typical of established, woodsy campgrounds.

Services Offered to Campers

Winding River Campground ensures a comfortable stay by offering a comprehensive suite of amenities and essential services for all types of campers.

Diverse Site Options: A variety of accommodation choices are available, including spacious, shady sites for tents, RV sites with electric and water (W & E) hookups, and full hookup sites (W, E, & S) for maximum convenience. Cabin rentals and seasonal sites are also offered.
River Trip Rentals and Transportation: The core service is providing daily trips on the Egg Harbor River. The campground rents canoes, single and double kayaks, and tubes, and provides essential equipment like life jackets and paddles, along with convenient transportation (shuttle service) to the drop-off point.
Equipment Transport for Personal Gear: For local users who own their own canoes, kayaks, or tubes, the campground offers a dedicated transportation service to the river launch point for a reduced fee.
Essential Facilities: The property features clean and modern restrooms with hot showers, a laundromat, and a sanitary dump station for RVs.
On-Site Convenience: A well-stocked campground store is available for basic supplies, snacks, and essentials. Propane is also sold on-site.
Pet Accommodation: Pets are welcome within the campground, provided they are kept on a leash and owners adhere to the established rules, ensuring a pleasant experience for all campers.

Features / Highlights for Local Users

The features of Winding River Campground are tailored for an authentic, family-friendly outdoor adventure that locals can easily access.

Direct Access to the Egg Harbor River: This is the key highlight. The campground is located directly on a highly-rated, scenic river, providing immediate access for canoeing and kayaking. Reviewers specifically mention the canoe trips being rewarding and challenging in a fun way, navigating various obstacles—an appealing feature for seasoned paddlers.
On-Site Pool and Recreation: For hot New Jersey summer days, the in-ground swimming pool provides a clean, convenient option for cooling off. Other recreational facilities include multiple playgrounds, a game room, a small fishing pond, and horseshoe pits.
Organized Themed Activities: Winding River plans activities for nearly every weekend of the season, from holiday celebrations (like Memorial Day or Christmas in July) to specialized events such as fishing contests, ceramics, ice cream socials, live music, and bingo, enhancing the family experience.
Rustic, Wooded Ambiance: The generous tree coverage provides shade and contributes to a genuine "woodsy" feel, which many campers prefer over open-field parking lots. This natural environment is a true escape from typical suburban sprawl.
Water Trail Adventure (Canoe/Kayak Focus): While tubing is offered, customer feedback strongly suggests that the winding, obstacle-laden nature of the river is best suited for paddlecraft (canoes and kayaks) that allow for navigation, offering a real "river trip" challenge that local adventurers will appreciate.

Contact Information

For reservations, current rates, or questions about the best river trip options, the campground staff is readily available during operating hours.

Address: 6752 Weymouth Rd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, USA

Phone: (609) 625-3191

Mobile Phone: +1 609-625-3191

Conclusion: Why Winding River Campground is Suitable for Locals

Winding River Campground is exceptionally suitable for New Jersey locals because it delivers a robust, authentic outdoor experience with minimal travel time. It is a true South Jersey gem, offering direct, convenient access to the beautiful Egg Harbor River—a precious local natural resource. For families, the combination of the swimming pool, playgrounds, and organized weekend activities provides structured fun, while the wooded campsites offer the relaxing privacy that defines a great camping trip.

Crucially, the campground caters to a range of budgets and preferences with its diverse lodging options, from simple tent sites to equipped cabins. For the adventurous local, the river trips—particularly by canoe or kayak—offer a highly engaging and challenging way to explore the pine barrens' waterways. It’s an ideal weekend destination or a seasonal home base that provides a quick escape into nature without ever having to leave the convenience and familiarity of the South Jersey region. By embracing the wooded environment and emphasizing active river recreation, Winding River Campground provides a memorable and easily accessible outdoor vacation for all local New Jersey residents.