Turkey Swamp Park campground sits on sandy soil amid pine forests typical of New Jersey's coastal plain, located at 200 Georgia Road in Freehold Township. The campground features dirt roads and pull-through driveways on its 64 sites arranged in five distinct loops. Water and electric hookups are available at each site, though campers need to prepare for the unpaved conditions which can be challenging after rain.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains a dedicated archery range where visitors can practice their skills. A camper noted, "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."
Winter recreation: Turkey Swamp Park transforms in winter with opportunities for cold-weather activities. "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," shares a regular visitor.
Historic village exploration: Visitors can explore the historic Batsto Village near Atsion Family Camp, just a 15-minute drive from the main campground. A camper explains, "While camping at Atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails). In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads."
What campers like
Wooded privacy: The mature forest at Turkey Swamp creates secluded camping spots. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge," reports one visitor.
Clean facilities: Brendan Byrne State Forest maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. A camper confirms, "Great place for a weekend getaway. Very well maintained campsites and facilities." Another adds, "Bathrooms were clean. Showers were a little spidery but kind of expected at a campground."
Waterfront sites: Campgrounds in the region often feature lakefront options. "I had a waterfront site, although you can't really see the water from the site itself. Two paths led down to the lake, about 20 feet," explains a camper at Atsion Family Camp, while another recommends, "LOVE!!!! I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake."
What you should know
Insect preparation: The region's wooded environment means ticks and other insects can be prevalent. "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," reports one Turkey Swamp visitor.
Road conditions: Many glamping sites close to Colts Neck, New Jersey have unpaved access roads. A camper at Timberland Lake Campground notes, "There are many pot holes that need gravel," while another describes "potholes that can swallow a small trailer."
Site preparation: Campsites often require some cleanup upon arrival. One visitor to Atsion Family Camp observed, "There was a bag tied to a tree with someone's trash in it... there was a lot of little bits scattered throughout the site, I spent my camp setup time also picking out the worst offenders (bottle caps, broken glass, zip ties, broken off plastic bits of kids toys etc.)"
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal activities: Round Valley State Park offers different experiences throughout the year. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," says one visitor, while another points out the "gorgeous sunset, beautiful views."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. A camper at Timberland Lake notes the campground has "plenty of activities for children of all ages. Play ground, basket ball, beautiful pool and for an extra fee beach access."
Water recreation options: Most parks have lakes suitable for family water activities. An Atsion camper enthuses, "Great places to kayak and Pineland Adventures right down the street has wonderful trips!" Another reports, "Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Washington Crossing State Park offers limited amenities for RVs. "Facilities are deliberately minimal... the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours," according to one reviewer.
Site dimensions: Turkey Swamp Park accommodates larger vehicles on spacious sites. "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. As mentioned, all roads and camper pads are dirt," reports a camper.
Water access planning: Many campers recommend bringing extra water hoses. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park advises, "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers."
