Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds

For residents of New Jersey looking to escape the hustle of the metropolitan corridors, the New Jersey Pine Barrens offer a unique and tranquil sanctuary. Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds, located in the historic New Gretna area, serves as an ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in this rare ecosystem. As a family-owned and operated facility, it prides itself on a quiet, "back-to-nature" atmosphere that focuses on the simple joys of outdoor living. For local Jersey campers, this spot represents the perfect balance between the seclusion of the deep woods and the convenience of being just a short drive from the southern Shore towns.

The spirit of Pilgrim Lake is rooted in the natural beauty of its 20-acre private lake and the towering Atlantic White Cedars that define the region. Unlike high-traffic resort-style parks, this campground is designed for those who appreciate privacy and a slower pace of life. The sites are carved into heavily wooded terrain, providing a natural canopy that keeps the area cool during the humid New Jersey summers. Whether you are a "seasonal" looking for a permanent summer home-away-from-home or a weekend warrior with a tent, Pilgrim Lake offers a clean and welcoming environment where the wind through the pines is the primary soundtrack to your stay.

Location and Accessibility

Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds is situated at 940 Stage Rd, New Gretna, NJ 08224. This location in Burlington County is exceptionally strategic for local travelers. New Gretna serves as a quiet crossroads, perfectly positioned between the Pine Barrens and the Great Bay. For residents coming from the Philadelphia area or Northern Jersey, the proximity to major arteries makes getting here remarkably straightforward.

• Conveniently located near the Garden State Parkway (Exit 50 or 52), making it an easy drive for Shore-bound travelers.
• Direct access via Stage Road, a scenic route that connects the heart of the Pinelands to the surrounding coastal communities.
• Approximately 20 minutes from the glitz and glamour of Atlantic City, offering residents a quiet retreat after a day of boardwalk excitement.
• Close proximity to Long Beach Island (LBI), providing campers with easy access to some of New Jersey’s finest ocean beaches.
• The facility features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the natural beauty of the grounds is available to all guests.
• On-site parking is plentiful and designed to accommodate both day visitors for picnics and long-term campers.

Services Offered

The services at Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds are designed to facilitate an authentic camping experience while providing the modern comforts necessary for a stress-free stay. The management team, often praised by visitors for their kindness and helpfulness, ensures that the grounds are well-maintained and that utilities are reliable for those bringing their own mobile "home" along for the journey.

• Daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal camping options to suit any travel schedule or vacation length.
• Full-service RV camping sites equipped with water, sewer, and electrical hookups (including 30-amp and 50-amp options for modern rigs).
• Traditional tent camping sites for those who prefer a more primitive and direct connection with the outdoors.
• A well-stocked camp store providing essential supplies such as firewood, ice, and basic grocery items.
• Clean and modern bathhouse facilities with hot showers and restrooms centrally located within the park.
• Flexible payment processing, including the acceptance of debit cards for site fees and camp store purchases.

Features and Highlights

The centerpiece of the community is undoubtedly the 20-acre lake. Because it is a "cedar water" lake—naturally stained a tea-brown color by the roots of the local cedar trees—it is remarkably clean and refreshing. This natural feature dictates the recreational rhythm of the park, offering activities that keep both children and adults engaged from sunrise to sunset.

• A dedicated swimming area with a sandy beach and a floating dock, perfect for cooling off during a New Jersey heatwave.
• Canoeing and kayaking opportunities on the calm waters of Pilgrim Lake, with rentals often available for those who don't bring their own.
• Excellent fishing prospects for local species, providing a quiet way to spend an afternoon on the water.
• A designated playground area that is good for kids, allowing younger campers to burn off energy and make new friends.
• Designated picnic areas that are perfect for family reunions or a simple afternoon lunch under the trees.
• A pet-friendly environment where dogs are allowed, ensuring that the whole family can participate in the vacation.
• Biking and hiking trails that connect the campground to the vast network of the surrounding Pine Barrens, including proximity to the Batona Trail.

Contact Information

If you are interested in booking a seasonal spot or checking availability for a weekend getaway, the best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information is to contact the campground office directly. The staff can provide details on current rates, specific site dimensions, and any seasonal events planned for the upcoming months.

• Address: 940 Stage Rd, New Gretna, NJ 08224, USA
• Phone: (609) 296-4725
• Mobile Phone: +1 609-296-4725
• Website: https://www.google.com/search?q=pilgrimsakecampgrounds.com

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds is a decision to prioritize "all-natural beauty" over flashy, commercialized resort amenities. For many New Jersey families, it is the quiet that makes this place worth choosing. In a state that is the most densely populated in the nation, the ability to find a campsite where you can hear nothing but the breeze and the birds is a rare and valuable thing. The kindness of the owners, Helen and Todd, adds a personal touch that makes you feel like a guest in a friend's backyard rather than just another customer.

Furthermore, it is an excellent choice for those who want a "Shore-adjacent" vacation without the Shore price tag or the Shore crowds. You can spend your morning on the pristine beaches of LBI or the Atlantic City boardwalk and be back in the cool, shaded seclusion of your Pine Barrens campsite by late afternoon. The lake's cedar water is famously soft on the skin and hair, and the wooded privacy of the lots means you aren't staring into your neighbor's window. Whether you are looking for a place to raise your kids with a love for the outdoors or a quiet spot to retire for the summer season, Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds offers an authentic, beautiful, and affordable slice of New Jersey life.