You know that feeling when you just need to whack a bucket of balls until your hands hurt? I get it. Finding a decent spot to practice in South Jersey can feel like a chore sometimes, especially when you’re tired of the same old dusty mats. But the Camden County Driving Range at Cooper River Park—honestly, it’s one of those local spots that people either swear by or completely overlook because they’re too busy staring at the rowers on the river. It isn’t just a patch of grass. It’s actually a pretty sophisticated setup that manages to be both a serious practice facility and a place where you can bring a date without it feeling weirdly intense.
Located right on North Park Drive in Pennsauken, this place has a vibe. You’ve got the water nearby, the Philly skyline peeking out in the distance, and that specific rhythmic thwack of drivers hitting range balls. It’s run by the Camden County Improvement Authority, which might sound like a boring government office, but they’ve actually put some real money into making this place competitive with private clubs.
What the Camden County Driving Range Gets Right
Most ranges are just fields. This one is different. They use a massive aquatic landing area.
If you haven’t hit into a water range before, it’s a trip. You aren’t aiming for a flag in the dirt; you’re aiming for floating targets scattered across a section of the Cooper River. It’s strangely satisfying to see a ball splash exactly where you intended. Because the balls are designed to float, they feel a tiny bit lighter than a Titleist Pro V1, but the feedback is surprisingly accurate. You’ll know if you sliced it. The water doesn't lie.
The facility features 60 hitting stations. That is a lot. Even on a Saturday morning when every suburban dad in a three-mile radius decides they need to fix their hook, you can usually find a spot. About 30 of these stations are covered, which is a lifesaver when the Jersey humidity turns into a random afternoon thunderstorm. They also have those high-quality TurfHound mats. If you’ve ever played on cheap, thin mats that feel like hitting off a concrete sidewalk, you’ll appreciate the extra cushion here. It saves your elbows.
The Tech Factor: Toptracer is a Game Changer
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Toptracer Range technology. This is why people actually come here. Every bay is equipped with the same ball-tracking tech you see on the PGA Tour broadcasts.
It’s addictive. You hit a ball, and a screen immediately shows you your carry distance, ball speed, and launch angle. It turns a boring practice session into a data-driven workout. Or, if you’re like me and occasionally lack focus, you can play the "Points Game" or virtually tee off at Pebble Beach. It makes the Camden County Driving Range feel more like an experience and less like a chore. Honestly, if you aren't using the monitors, you’re missing out on half the value.
The Cost of a Bucket
People always ask if it’s overpriced because it’s a "destination" range. Not really. It’s pretty standard for the area, though they definitely want you to use their specialized debit cards.
- A small bucket usually runs around $10.
- Medium is about $13.
- The large bucket—the "I’m staying here until I figure out my backswing" size—is roughly $16.
They do this thing where you buy a range card and load it with credits. If you’re a local or a regular, just dump $100 on the card. They usually throw in bonus credit, which basically gives you a few free buckets over time. It’s better than digging for crumpled fives in your golf bag every time you show up.
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Dealing With the "Floaters"
There is a catch. We have to talk about the golf balls.
Because the balls have to float, they are inherently different from the balls you’ll use on a real course like Valleybrook or Pennsauken Country Club. Aerodynamically, they’re designed to stay buoyant. This means they might fly about 10% shorter than a premium ball. If you’re hitting your 7-iron 150 yards on the range, don't be shocked if it goes 165 on the course.
Professional instructors often tell students to focus on the shape of the shot rather than the raw distance at a water range. If the ball starts straight and draws back to the target, it’s a good swing regardless of what the yardage marker says. Don't let the shorter flight get in your head. It’s about the contact.
The Practical Side: Timing and Crowds
If you show up at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, be prepared to wait. The after-work crowd is real. The range is lit for night play, which is fantastic during the fall when the sun disappears at 4:30 PM, but that also means it stays busy late.
The best time? Early morning. There is something peaceful about the mist coming off the Cooper River while you’re the only person working on your short game. The staff is usually pretty chill, but they are strict about the closing times. If they say they’re closing at 9:00 PM, they start clearing the decks at 8:45 PM.
Also, keep an eye on the weather. Because it’s right on the water, it can get significantly windier than it is in your backyard. That wind usually blows right into your face or across from the left. It’s great practice for "keeping it low," but it can be frustrating if you’re trying to gauge your true distance.
Lessons and Learning
They have PGA professionals on-site. If your swing looks like a chaotic octopus falling out of a tree, pay for a lesson. They offer individual sessions and group clinics. The cool thing about doing a lesson here is the video analysis combined with the Toptracer data. Seeing your swing on camera while looking at the data points makes the "feel vs. real" gap much smaller.
Beyond the Range
The location is a major plus. Since you’re already at Cooper River Park, you’ve got the 3.7-mile paved loop right there. I know people who hit a medium bucket and then go for a run. It’s a solid way to spend a Saturday.
Parking is usually easy, though it shares a lot with the miniature golf course next door. Oh yeah, there’s mini-golf too. It’s a 18-hole course that’s actually decent—not just plastic windmills and clowns. If you have kids, you can park them there while you go pound drivers. It’s a win-win.
Common Misconceptions About the Range
People think because it's a "county" facility, it’s going to be run down. It’s not. The Camden County Parks department treats this place like a flagship. The mats are rotated regularly to prevent wear spots, and the screens actually work.
Another myth is that you can’t practice your short game here. While the main draw is the long-game water range, they do have areas for putting and chipping. Don't ignore the flat stick. You can have the prettiest drive in Jersey, but if you're three-putting every green at Ron Jaworski’s RiverWinds, your score will still be trash.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To really get your money's worth at the Camden County Driving Range, you need a plan. Don't just show up and "machine gun" your balls. That’s when you hit 100 balls in 20 minutes without thinking.
- Start with your wedges. Get the rhythm.
- Use the Toptracer "Warm Up" mode to see your averages.
- Pick a specific floating target. Don't just "hit it out there."
- Switch clubs every five balls. You never hit the same club twice in a row on a real course, so why do it on the range?
The facility is located at 8001 North Park Drive, Pennsauken, NJ. It’s easy to get to from Route 130 or Route 70.
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Honestly, the best part isn't even the golf. It’s the sunset. Watching the sun go down over the river while you’re under the bright lights of the range is one of those "hidden in plain sight" South Jersey moments. It makes the $16 for a large bucket feel like a bargain.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the Toptracer Range App before you go. You can sign in at the bay and it will save all your session data to your phone so you can track your progress over months.
- Check the wind direction on your weather app. If it’s gusting over 15 mph toward the hitting bays, focus on "stinger" shots and punch shots rather than high fades.
- Purchase a Range Card if you plan to go more than twice. The bonus credits add up, and it saves you the hassle of dealing with the payment kiosk every single visit.
- Check the seasonal hours. They change based on the time of year, and they occasionally close for maintenance or special events at Cooper River Park. Calling ahead or checking the county park's social media can save you a wasted drive.
Go hit some balls. Even if you're playing terribly, a bad day at the range is still better than a good day at the office. Just don't aim for the geese. They were there first.