Atsion Hotel Tips by KiKitC

Primtive Camping in Wharton: Remoter Camping

Looking to get further away, and feel what it would be like traveling these stage roads as it wasin the 1800s? Try some primitive camping int he pines. Some fields have water, all have pit toilets.

We got a site just off the creek, with a great wading beach and canoe launch. There are different fields that one can camp at, varying in areas along the rivers. We had a wonderful time, and the full moon lit the woods beautifully.

From the Department of Environmental Protection site:

Primitive Campsites: Bodine Field, Hawkins Bridge, Batona, Mullica River and Goshen Pond have hand pumps for water and pit toilets. Buttonwood Hill and Lower Forge sites have no water. Mullica River and Lower Forge can only be accessed by hiking, canoeing or horseback; motor vehicles are not permitted. All other areas are accessible by motor vehicles. Please call ahead for campfire regulations. Maximum campsite capacities vary from 50 to 250 persons. $2 per person per night

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Atsion or Batsto Ranger Stations for reservations

Phone: (609) 268-0444

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Campground

Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html

Atsion Campground: Not so Remote Camping

We didn't stay here yet. The Atsion Campground has 50 tent and trailer sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. Unlike the other campsites in Wharton State Forest, this camping area has flush toilets, showers and potable water.

Campsites are open April1 through mid December. The campground is along Atsion Lake. In the nearby Atsion Recreation park, there is swimming, playgorunds, trails and more.

Atsion also has nine furnished cabins which sit adjacent to Atsion Lake. Each has a screened porch overlooking the lake, fireplace, refrigerator, hot and cold running water, bathroom with toilet and shower and single beds. Cabin #6 contains 2 bunks. All cabins are designed for people with disabilities.

Five cabins accommodate 4 people; three cabins accommodate 6 people; 1 cabin accommodates 8 people. Open April 1 through October 31.

Campsites are $20 per night.
Cabins:
Four Person Cabin: $45 per night, $315 per week
Six Person Cabin: $65 per night, $455 per week
Eight Person Cabin: $85 per night, $595 per week

Address: Route 206, Shamong Township

Comparison: about average

Directions: Wharton State Forest has two offices - one at Batsto Village and one at Atsion Recreation Area. Batsto Village is located on Route 542, eight miles east of Hammonton. Atsion is on Route 206, eight miles north of Hammonton.

Phone: (609) 268-0444

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Campground

Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html