Horse enthusiasts seeking equestrian camping near Edison, New Jersey face limited options in the immediate area. This central New Jersey region sits within the Piedmont plateau at elevations between 50-400 feet above sea level, characterized by rolling hills and deciduous forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall provide cooler camping conditions with average temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
Trail riding near Turkey Swamp Park: Located about 20 miles from Edison, Turkey Swamp Park features several short hiking trails where visitors can explore the natural surroundings. "There are several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) 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.
Kayaking opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park has a lake with multiple water activities available seasonally. "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," writes Tylen L. Rentals are available during summer months for those without equipment.
Archery practice: Some camping areas provide archery facilities for visitors. Patrick M. from Turkey Swamp Park mentions, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Mountainview Campground in Little York, campers appreciate the spacious layout. Christina H. notes, "Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Fire ring had a grate for cooking. Our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors). Beautifully secluded and quiet. Pretty rare for campgrounds in NJ."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, Dorian P. reports, "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use! The campsites are a little bit close to each and didnt offer much privacy but they weren't right on top of each other."
Wildlife encounters: The natural surroundings offer chances to observe local fauna. Christina H. from Mountainview Campground shares, "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise! I guess if you don't like that kind of stuff you should avoid an area like this, but for some of us, this is what camping is all about."
What you should know
Ticks are prevalent: Be prepared with proper protection when camping in this region. At Turkey Swamp Park, LAURA Y. warns, "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. I have been RVing for 2-3 years and this is the first time this many ticks ambushed us."
Fire restrictions: Some parks have specific rules about campfires. Dorian P. notes at Brendan Byrne State Forest, "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker."
Water access: Not all sites have convenient water hookups. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Frank J. mentions, "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun." Another visitor noted that some water spigots may not be working, requiring campers to walk to others.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers various recreational options for children. Dan W. shares, "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. Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups. Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door."
Bug preparation: Based on multiple reviews, insect protection is essential when camping in this area. JAEWOOK P. from Turkey Swamp Park had a positive experience: "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. It was perfect!"
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Jocelyn G. at Spruce Run Recreation Area notes, "You can bring a camper, tent, or use one of the cabins. Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir. Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area."
Tips for RVers
Site selection: For RVs, choosing the right site is crucial at most campgrounds near Edison. Douglas P. from Spruce Run Recreation Area advises, "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs."
Hookup options: RV sites with utilities are available at select campgrounds. Sarah from Mountainview Campground reports, "Our spot was #27 and pretty spacious. The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure. The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp."
Dump station considerations: When planning an RV trip, note the dump station availability. Ruette W. at Spruce Run Recreation Area explains, "They do a great job of mowing the grass on the sites, and if you need to, you can go and request if they could cut your grass if it's too long. They have been nice to come around and trim it when I had a site that got missed in the mowing."
