Hunting horse campgrounds near Englishtown, New Jersey requires looking beyond immediate options. The area sits amid central New Jersey's coastal plain, characterized by sandy soil and pine forests at elevations ranging from 50-150 feet. Overnight facilities range from primitive woodland sites to RV-friendly parks with water and electrical connections throughout the region's hot, humid summers and mild winters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park offers lake fishing within 20 minutes of Englishtown. "The office is open until 9 pm and sells ice, firewood, and bait," notes reviewer Lee D. The park provides shoreline access with additional water activities available during summer months.
Archery practice: Some parks maintain target ranges for bow hunters or recreational archers. "Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," reports Dan W. about Turkey Swamp's facilities.
Winter recreation: Seasonal activities extend beyond summer camping. "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," writes Patrick M., highlighting year-round options despite limited winter camping availability.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Brendan Byrne State Forest provides secluded sites within the Pine Barrens. "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones," explains Dan M., describing the forest's accommodations that attract nature-focused campers.
Lake views: Water-adjacent sites rank highly among visitor preferences. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "There was so much to see and hiking trails in the campground and nearby. Bathrooms were clean and other campers were quiet making for a peaceful trip," reports Anna, highlighting the reservoir setting.
Minimal cell service: True disconnection appeals to many visitors seeking nature immersion. "Every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," writes Tylen L. about Turkey Swamp Park, indicating the area provides genuine escape despite proximity to urban centers.
What you should know
Tick prevention: Sandy soil and wooded areas harbor ticks throughout the region. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," warns Laura Y. from Allaire State Park, suggesting insect repellent and regular body checks as essential practices.
Unpaved access roads: Several campgrounds feature dirt or gravel entrance roads. "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," explains Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Noise factors: Highway sounds affect some camping areas. At Spruce Run, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," notes Frank J., while other parks maintain better sound isolation despite suburban proximity.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mountainview Campground provides dedicated play areas. "A playground for kids," notes Christina H., making it suitable for families seeking traditional recreation facilities alongside camping.
Insect preparation: Families should come prepared for regional bug populations. "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!" shares Jaewook P. about Turkey Swamp, though experiences vary seasonally.
Water activities: Lakeside options keep children engaged during summer stays. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," explains Lee D., detailing Turkey Swamp's family-friendly amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Liberty Harbor RV Park recommends positioning for maximum space. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig," advises Keith and Tia S., noting the premium on space at higher-density facilities.
Hookup planning: Water connections vary between campgrounds. "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's arrangement, which includes water and electric but no sewer hookups at individual sites.
Utilities preparation: Bring extension cords and extra hose lengths. At Spruce Run, "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," reports Frank J., highlighting the importance of adequate utility cables regardless of site description.
