Turkey Swamp Park and Brendan Byrne State Forest offer glamping close to Fair Haven, New Jersey within a 30-minute drive. The coastal region sees average summer temperatures of 85°F, with humidity levels reaching 70% in July and August. Winter camping options remain available at select locations, with overnight temperatures typically dropping to the mid-20s from December through February.
What to do
Year-round archery: Turkey Swamp Park provides archery facilities open to campers of various skill levels. "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," notes Patrick M. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Historical village exploration: Washington Crossing State Park offers educational opportunities through its historic sites. "Washington's crossing is beautiful and historic. We often bike along the canal there. There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view of the surrounding area," explains Olivia M. about Washington Crossing State Park.
Winter activities: Seasonal ice skating and winter hiking trails remain accessible at several locations. "The campground is secluded and right on the Delaware River. Very enjoyable," says Wayne S. about the winter camping options at Washington Crossing State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at Turkey Swamp Park. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes Katheryn N. in her review of Turkey Swamp Park.
Pine Barrens environment: The unique ecosystem at Brendan Byrne State Forest creates a distinctive camping experience. "Camped here many of times. Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have," reports Dan M. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Clean facilities: Timberland Lake Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "This campground has a pretty lake, a bridge and is very woodsy, not just a camper parking lot like some other campgrounds! The staff and seasonals friendly!" Jessica D. shares about the luxury glamping near Fair Haven at Timberland Lake.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Camping sites at Allaire State Park require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there," writes Patrick M. about Allaire State Park.
Pest awareness: Several campsites report seasonal tick activity. "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," cautions Laura Y. about her experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Noise considerations: Highway traffic can be heard at certain campsites. "Tent camped July 1st. Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though. Ticks galore," reports Justin S. about Allaire State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Turkey Swamp Park offers multiple recreation options. "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!" shares Jaewook P. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Playground access: Many sites feature dedicated play areas for children. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes Lee D. about the facilities at Turkey Swamp Park.
Educational opportunities: Historic sites provide learning experiences for all ages. "Visit the park's historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it's easily the most memorable history lesson you'll ever get outdoors," recommends a visitor to Washington Crossing State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Be prepared for various terrain types when glamping near Fair Haven. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. 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 Lee D. about Round Valley State Park.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. "50 AMP, sewer & water hookup. Nice amenities. Cons: Sand sites. Overpriced. Tight site & hard to get in/out for big rigs," warns Beth R. about her experience at Adventure Bound Camping.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have road conditions that can be difficult for larger vehicles. "Smallish (64-site) county park campground. There are also three cabins. 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 a reviewer about Turkey Swamp Park.
