Turkey Swamp Park offers 64 wooded campsites arranged in five distinct loops on sandy, dirt roads. The campsites are generally level with spacious pull-through driveways in loops B-E. The park operates seasonally from April 1 to November 15, with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Campers should be prepared for sandy conditions throughout the park and tick prevention is essential during spring and summer months.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains an archery range where visitors can practice their skills with proper equipment. Patrick M. notes that you can "bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels" during your stay.
Boating opportunities: The lake at Turkey Swamp Park offers multiple watercraft options for visitors. Dan W. explains, "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from" including canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and row boats during the summer months.
Winter recreation: When temperatures drop, some campgrounds in the area transform for cold-weather activities. Patrick M. mentions you can "ice skate on the lake in the winter" at Turkey Swamp Park, providing year-round recreational opportunities even outside camping season.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Butterfly Camping Resort features sites separated by natural vegetation. Caitlin F. reports, "The sites had good tree coverage and we didn't feel like we were right on top of the next site. There was tons of stuff to do."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. Lee D. reports about Turkey Swamp Park: "Bath/Shower House: Very clean. Soap and paper towels are provided. The only thing missing were hooks or shelves for toiletries but there was a large bench that could be used."
Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners appreciate dedicated spaces for their animals at Butterfly Camping Resort. Caitlin F. mentions "There was also a dog park which was very nice!" making it an excellent option among dog friendly campgrounds near Allenwood.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Ticks can be prevalent in New Jersey woodlands, especially during warmer months. LAURA Y. warns about Turkey Swamp Park: "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2... I could not enjoy myself after having 3 biting me at one time."
Sand management: Sandy soil conditions are common at campgrounds in the region. Beth R. notes about Adventure Bound Camping: "Sand sites" can be challenging to manage, especially after rain or with equipment.
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways. Justin S. observed at Allaire State Park that sites are "Noisy with highway traffic" which may affect light sleepers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Timberland Lake Campground offers multiple play areas for children of different ages. Ann Marie M. shares, "We went to Timberland Lake last fall. It happened to be the Halloween weekend which was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and trick or treating."
Swimming options: Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds near Allenwood feature swimming facilities for cooling off. Robyn W. mentions Timberland Lake has a "plenty of activities for kids with park area and pool" making it ideal for families during hot summer days.
Seasonal activities: Many area campgrounds offer special themed events during fall. Jessica D. notes about Timberland Lake: "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a DJ every Saturday!"
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Tip Tam Camping Resort offers full hookup sites with reliable utilities. Brian S. notes it is a "diamond in the rough" with "several transient sites with full hookup" and recognition from Good Sam and Passport America.
Site layout considerations: Many campgrounds have specific site configurations that affect larger rigs. Matt S. mentions about Adventure Bound Camping: "This place is not big-rig friendly, difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45' motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed."
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds provide on-site laundry options. Lee D. notes that Turkey Swamp Park has "a laundry facility with brand-new washers and dryers (however, you need to pay using an app on your phone)," which is valuable for extended stays.