Buttonwood Hill Campsite

For New Jersey residents, the Pine Barrens represent a truly unique and vast natural landscape, offering a perfect escape for a weekend of camping and outdoor adventure. It's a place where you can find solitude and natural beauty just a short drive from the state's major cities. Located within this impressive wilderness is Buttonwood Hill Campsite, a spot that has earned a reputation as a hidden gem for those in the know. Tucked away in Egg Harbor City, this campground is a go-to for tent campers who appreciate a more rustic and quiet experience, far from the hustle of crowded RV parks.

Buttonwood Hill Campsite is an ideal destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic Pine Barrens environment. It's particularly popular with hikers, families, and anyone who enjoys the simplicity of tent camping. This guide will provide a comprehensive look at what makes this campsite a worthwhile choice for your next New Jersey camping trip, from its key features and accessible location to important details like permit requirements. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a family with young children, Buttonwood Hill offers a genuine outdoor experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

Buttonwood Hill Campsite is a designated campground situated in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. It is a primitive, tent-only site located within the expansive Wharton State Forest, which is a key part of the Pinelands National Reserve. The campground is known for its peaceful and lightly used camping areas, making it a favorite for those who prioritize tranquility and a genuine connection with nature. Its primary purpose is to serve as a base camp for hikers and campers exploring the extensive trail systems of the Pine Barrens.

The atmosphere at Buttonwood Hill is one of quiet seclusion. A customer review aptly described it as a "hidden gem," highlighting its lightly-used nature. While some external noise from a nearby highway and occasional live music from a separate location across the street may be present, the site itself offers a peaceful retreat. It is a no-frills location that focuses on providing the essential elements for a good camping experience: a space to set up a tent and access to the surrounding natural wonders. Due to its location within a state forest, it is important to note that a permit is required for camping, and specific rules, such as keeping dogs on a leash, must be followed.

Buttonwood Hill Campsite is located in Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, USA. This places it in the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, making it easily accessible from various parts of the state. For those coming from Philadelphia, Atlantic City, or other major population centers in South Jersey, the drive is relatively short. The campsite is situated on a road near a highway, which provides easy access but can also be a source of noise, as noted by a reviewer.

Access to the campground is straightforward, but it's crucial to understand that it's a primitive site. Visitors must obtain a camping permit from the Wharton State Forest office. The location's key advantage is its direct access to the vast trail network of the Pine Barrens. One reviewer specifically praised the "excellent" access to the 1808 trail, which is a major highlight for avid hikers. While the campsite itself may have some external noise, its placement within the state forest makes it an ideal launch point for wilderness exploration.

• Tent sites: The campground is a primitive, tent-only site. This ensures a classic camping experience and maintains a more rustic, low-impact environment.
• Restroom facilities: While the provided information does not specify the type of restroom, it's common for primitive sites like this to offer basic facilities, such as pit toilets or vault toilets.
• Permit required: Camping at Buttonwood Hill requires a permit. This system helps manage the usage of the site and preserve the natural environment.
• Leash rule for dogs: Dogs are permitted at the campsite, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of both the pets and the surrounding wildlife.

These services are designed to support a back-to-basics camping trip. The focus is on the essentials, allowing campers to enjoy the natural surroundings with minimal modern distractions. The permit and leash rules are part of the broader regulations of Wharton State Forest, which are in place to protect the area for everyone to enjoy.

• Hiking opportunities: A major highlight of Buttonwood Hill Campsite is its excellent access to hiking trails, particularly the historic 1808 Trail. This trail follows an old logging road, offering a unique journey through the Pinelands.
• Quiet, hidden gem: A customer review described the site as a "hidden gem," and noted its quiet and lightly-used nature. For those seeking solitude away from crowded parks, this is a significant feature.
• Good for kids: The campsite and its surrounding trails are noted as being "good for kids" with "kid-friendly hikes." This makes it an ideal spot for families who want to introduce their children to the outdoors in a safe and manageable way.
• Pine Barrens experience: The location within the Pine Barrens provides an authentic New Jersey wilderness experience. Campers can explore the unique ecosystem, with its sandy trails and pine-oak forests.
• Proximity to historic trails: The campsite's direct access to the 1808 Trail, which connects to the larger Batona Trail network, is a huge draw for serious hikers and history enthusiasts.

As a site within Wharton State Forest, inquiries and permit requests should be directed to the main park office.

Address: Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, USA

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

For New Jersey locals seeking a true taste of the Pine Barrens, Buttonwood Hill Campsite is an outstanding choice. Its primary value lies in its role as a peaceful and authentic base for outdoor exploration. Unlike many commercial campgrounds, it offers a more rustic experience, free from the noise and crowds of large RV parks. The fact that it is "lightly used" is a major draw for those who want a quiet retreat. The access to excellent hiking trails, particularly the 1808 Trail, is a significant highlight. For hikers, this is a perfect spot to begin and end a day of trekking through the unique ecosystem of the Pinelands.

The "kid-friendly" designation and availability of easier hikes make it a great option for families. It provides an opportunity to teach children about camping and nature in a safe and controlled environment. While it is important to be aware of the potential for noise from the nearby highway and occasional live music, as mentioned in a review, this is a small trade-off for the overall peacefulness and excellent trail access. The requirement for a permit also helps to maintain the campsite's condition and lightly-used nature. For New Jersey residents who value quiet, natural beauty, and direct access to some of the state's most iconic trails, Buttonwood Hill Campsite is a hidden gem that is well worth the visit.

Buttonwood Hill Campsite

Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, USA