Turkey Swamp Park offers cabin and glamping accommodations from April 1 to November 15. The park spans 2,173 acres and sits approximately 200 feet above sea level in New Jersey's coastal plain region. Surrounding state forests and county parks provide additional alternatives with varying seasonal availability. Most sites require reservations due to popularity during summer and fall months.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking: Turkey Swamp Park features multiple short trails with the longest being 2.5 miles. Some sections cross swampy areas. "There are plenty of trails to hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes a visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Archery practice: Some campgrounds maintain dedicated ranges for visitors. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," recommends a camper at Turkey Swamp Park. The archery range offers a less common outdoor activity option beyond typical camping recreation.
Winter ice skating: When temperatures permit, skating becomes available on frozen lakes. "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," suggests a reviewer. This seasonal activity extends camping experiences beyond summer months at parks with year-round access.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Most local campgrounds offer wooded separation between sites. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," explains a Turkey Swamp Park reviewer. The natural buffers help maintain a wilderness feeling despite proximity to other campers.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower buildings receive consistent maintenance at established campgrounds. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!" Campground staff typically clean facilities daily during peak season.
Digital detachment: The natural setting encourages disconnecting from technology. "Every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," reports one camper. This break from constant connectivity represents a significant draw for glamping in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey and nearby areas.
What you should know
Tick prevalence: Wooded areas harbor significant tick populations, particularly during warmer months. At Allaire State Park, one camper reported "Ticks galore" during a July visit. Proper clothing and repellent become essential for comfort and safety.
Limited shower facilities: Even larger campgrounds may have restricted shower access. One visitor noted, "You have to come out practically naked to get your towel" due to awkward shower stall design. Check facility layouts before planning extended stays if regular showering is important.
Site surface conditions: Many campgrounds feature dirt or sand pads rather than paved areas. At Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines), a camper mentioned "The entire park was dirty sand with weeds growing everywhere." This affects tent setup and potential tracking of material into camping vehicles.
Varying rule enforcement: Regulations regarding noise, alcohol, and campfires differ across properties. "Fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker," observed a Brendan Byrne visitor. Rangers typically patrol sites regularly, particularly during weekends and holidays.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options for children: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play spaces. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes a Turkey Swamp Park reviewer. These provide entertainment alternatives between nature activities.
Bug management strategies: Some periods see reduced insect activity. "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!" This positive experience at Turkey Swamp Park shows timing can influence comfort levels.
Water safety considerations: Lakes provide recreation but require supervision. At Round Valley State Park Campground, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean" but swimming regulations vary by location. Life jackets should accompany children near any water access points.
Tips from RVers
Water connection planning: Hookups may require extra equipment. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," explains a Mahlon Dickerson visitor. Carrying extension hoses ensures proper connections regardless of site layout.
Limited big rig access: Several campgrounds have narrow roads or low-hanging branches. "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," warns an Adventure Bound camper. Vehicles over 35 feet face challenges at many facilities.
Electrical amperage variations: Available power connections differ between sites. "I reserved and paid for a 'Premium' site which listed 50-amp service... Nope. Only 30-amp service," reports a disappointed visitor. Confirm electrical specifications directly with campground offices before arrival, especially during high-demand periods when air conditioning becomes essential.
