Horse enthusiasts seeking equestrian camping options near Allenwood, New Jersey should note that the Pine Barrens region offers extensive trail networks amid lowland forest terrain. While designated horse corrals aren't available at most local campgrounds, the area's sandy soil conditions allow for year-round accessibility on many trails. Camping elevation ranges between 30-100 feet above sea level with coastal influences affecting temperature and humidity.
What to do
Fishing and boating: Turkey Swamp Park features a lake with good fishing and boat rentals. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," notes Tylen L.
Winter activities: Seasonal options include ice skating when conditions permit. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," explains Patrick M. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Mountain biking: The trail networks offer various difficulty levels. "Great camp ground and State Park. Very clean with professional staff. Lots to do in the area! Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between," shares Beau B. about Allaire State Park.
Hiking Pine Barrens trails: Miles of hiking paths through unique ecosystem. "There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore. Can't tell you how much I love it. Could spend a whole vacation just with these trails and never leave this state park," says Benjamin K. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," writes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening," notes Jesse G. from Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Seasonal camping options: Year-round opportunities with winter cabin camping. "I've stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone. Cabins are no frills yet very nice no electricity they are equipped with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat," explains Erik M. about Allaire State Park.
Disconnect from technology: The remote setting helps campers unplug. "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!" shares Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
What you should know
Tick awareness: The wooded environment requires vigilance. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," cautions LAURA Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Water access points: Plan for water needs and locations. "Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have," notes Dan M. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Campfire regulations: Time restrictions may apply to fires. "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker," mentions Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Road conditions: Prepare for dirt roads that may become challenging in wet weather. "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy," explains Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate repellent and check for ticks. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!" shares JAEWOOK P. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Playground access: Multiple recreation areas available for children. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing. We really enjoyed our stay," notes Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Family-friendly layout: Sites accommodate multiple tents. "Nice and quiet, sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site," explains Lindsay D. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Diverse activities: Options for different age groups and interests. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," says Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Consider space requirements when booking. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," mentions Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
RV site regulations: Understand tent addition policies. "We were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people," warns Jesse G. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Hookup locations: Plan for water hose length needs. "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers," advises Shawn about Turkey Swamp Park.
RV amenities: Note dump station locations and rules. "Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups. They don't have primitive campsites so your stuck paying the higher rate even though you don't need the hookups," explains Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park.
