Equestrian camping near Elizabeth, New Jersey is limited, requiring travelers to venture beyond the immediate area for horse-friendly accommodations. The region sits within the New York metropolitan area with elevations generally below 100 feet, creating mostly flat terrain across Union County. Summer temperatures average 74-85°F while spring and fall bring cooler conditions between 45-65°F, ideal for camping without excessive heat or humidity.
What to do
Hiking and trails: Turkey Swamp Park offers several short trails that are fairly well-marked though occasionally confusing. One visitor noted, "There are plenty of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone" (Turkey Swamp Park).
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer fishing and boating options within an hour's drive. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, campers can launch kayaks directly from shoreline sites. "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade," reported one regular visitor.
Historical sites: Allaire State Park offers cultural experiences beyond camping. "Working village and antique train are available most of the year. There are also lots of festivals throughout the summer months," shared one visitor who appreciated the park's historical attractions.
Mountain biking: For those seeking more active recreation, several parks offer varied trail systems. "Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between," noted a rider at Allaire State Park.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many campsites in the region offer wooded settings that create natural boundaries. At Mountainview Campground, a camper noted, "We've tent camped here three or four times. It's a quiet wooded campground (not all spots, but most). Easy to get to, and friendly family ownership."
Water views: Lakeside sites are particularly popular. "I love the water views, The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade," reported a regular visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area. Another camper at Ocquittunk shared, "We were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!"
Natural surroundings: Many campgrounds maintain their natural setting despite proximity to urban areas. "The campground is in five loops with the bathhouse located in the D Loop. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," noted a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The rural campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. "We heard foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!" shared an enthusiastic camper at Mountainview Campground.
What you should know
Limited horse facilities: Horse-specific camping facilities are very scarce near Elizabeth. None of the reviewed campgrounds advertise equestrian camping amenities like corrals, stalls, or horse-friendly campsites. Horseback riders need to investigate Stokes State Forest which has more extensive trail systems but is about 60 miles from Elizabeth.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate with limited seasons. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor cautioned, "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."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, one camper warned, "I can not speak to the condition of the bathrooms, I stopped going into them 6 years ago as soon as I bought a cassette toilet to avoid them."
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially during peak season. Many campgrounds fill completely on summer weekends, particularly those with water access.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, visitors appreciate the location for family activities: "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City."
Educational opportunities: Stokes State Forest offers nature exploration for children. "We took a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries. Lots of hiking options as well," shared a group camping leader.
Weather preparedness: Temperature changes can be significant, especially in spring and fall. One Stokes State Forest camper advised, "I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for insects and wildlife common in the region. A Turkey Swamp Park camper noted, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Urban camping options: RVers seeking proximity to NYC have limited but functional options. A visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park shared, "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8."
Site selection: At Camp Mohican Outdoor Center, larger vehicles have limitations. "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
Hookup availability: Many sites offer only partial hookups. A Spruce Run visitor noted, "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves unpaved roads. A Turkey Swamp visitor mentioned, "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."
