Tent and RV camping sites can be found throughout Monmouth County with several options within a 30-minute drive of Colts Neck. The area features sandy soil common in the coastal plain region, with elevations generally below 100 feet above sea level. Central New Jersey's camping season typically runs from early spring through late fall, with most locations closing during winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails and nature walks: Turkey Swamp Park offers several short hiking trails with the longest measuring 2.5 miles. "There are several short hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times. Some sections of the trails were muddy due to swamps and bogs but passable," notes Lee D.
Water activities: Multiple campgrounds provide fishing and boating options. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," according to a camper. Another visitor mentioned, "The lake has fishing and boat rentals. No gas motors."
Winter recreation: Some parks remain open for winter activities. At Allaire State Park, Patrick M. recommends "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there." Another camper noted you can "ice skate on the lake in the winter" at Turkey Swamp Park.
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Many campsites in the area provide good separation between neighbors. At Turkey Swamp Park, "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," according to one camper.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities are frequently mentioned. Butterfly Camping Resort received praise for having "some of the cleanest bath houses I've seen at a campground." Another camper noted the campground is "very well taken care of."
Nature immersion without isolation: Camping near Colts Neck offers a balance of wooded settings with convenient access to amenities. "This is a wooded campground with potholes that can swallow a small trailer," warns one camper about Timberland Lake Campground, while another praises it for being "very woodsy, not just a camper parking lot like some other campgrounds."
What you should know
Tick awareness: Ticks can be a problem in central New Jersey woodlands. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park reported, "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."
Highway noise: Several campgrounds are situated near major roadways. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, "the Parkway runs through/over the park, you will be able to hear traffic noises," according to Katrina Z. Another camper described it as "Urban Camping in crazy town."
Sandy soil conditions: The regional terrain includes sandy sites that can be challenging. At Timberland Lake Campground, one RVer noted their "biggest issue is the sand for all pull-throughs" and that it's "so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and organized activities: Family-friendly amenities are abundant. Pine Cone Resort offers "playground, pool, big open fields, horseshoes, basketball hoop," according to Jesse C. Butterfly Camping Resort provides "tons of activities for the kids" including "a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night."
Halloween camping events: Fall camping offers special activities for children. At Timberland Lake Campground, one camper shared, "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!"
Beach proximity: For families wanting to combine camping with beach trips, locations like Sandy Hook provide convenient access. "Ocean is close with lifeguards," notes one camper. From Allaire State Park, Dan X. mentioned "A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, Aaron E. stayed on "site 38. It was a really nice size, and the kids could fish right off the dock on the back." Another RVer at Turkey Swamp Park advised to "Bring a LONG water hose."
Seasonal differences: Weather conditions impact RV camping comfort. At Cheesequake State Park, an RVer mentioned staying "in a travel trailer. Longish bike ride or shortish drive to the main park." Winter camping options are limited, but some parks like Allaire State Park remain open year-round with "cabins a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks."
Military options: Active duty and retired military personnel can access NWS Earle RV Park in Colts Neck. "Small campground with 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete with full hookups and attached concrete patio," reports Jeffrey.
