Brendan Byrne State Forest provides equestrian camping near Beach Haven, New Jersey, in the distinctive Pine Barrens ecosystem. Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Beach Haven, the forest features multiple seasonal water access points for horses, though visitors should verify availability before arrival. Campers must observe specific campfire regulations limiting fires to evening and early morning hours (6pm-7am), and prepare for heavy tick presence during warmer months.
What to do
Trail exploration: The forest offers extensive sand trails beyond the established equestrian paths. "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," notes Benjamin K. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park provides a stocked lake with multiple fishing spots. "There is a pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office," reports Katheryn N. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Winter activities: Cold weather camping offers unique experiences with significantly fewer visitors. "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," shares Patrick M. about Allaire State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings receive regular maintenance. "The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening," notes Jesse G. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Secluded atmosphere: The distance from main roads creates a truly immersive forest experience. "It's far away from traffic noise. You can't hear any cars or any other noise from civilization at all. It's at least 10 miles away from anything more than a single house in the woods," explains Benjamin K.
Varied water recreation: Many parks offer multiple boating options. "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," shares Tylen L. about Turkey Swamp Park.
What you should know
Tick protection essential: The Pine Barrens region has high tick populations, particularly in warmer months. "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," warns Laura Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Campfire restrictions: Most New Jersey state forests enforce strict regulations about when fires can be maintained. "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker," notes Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly with some areas offering more seclusion. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," explains Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: The Pine Barrens region requires thorough insect protection, especially for children. "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," shares Jaewook P. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas near camping zones. "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.
Water activities: The region offers family-friendly boating options at various difficulty levels. "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," adds Dan W.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup planning: RVers should prepare for variable water access conditions. "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers," advises Shawn about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tent/RV combinations: Understand specific campground policies about mixed camping setups. "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," cautions Jesse G. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Road conditions: Prepare for variable access roads when driving larger rigs. "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," notes Lee D.
