Horse camping areas near Far Hills, New Jersey offer diverse terrain for riders seeking overnight adventures with their equine companions. The region sits at the edge of the Highlands physiographic province with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. Most equestrian campgrounds in this region maintain sites from April through November, though some offer limited winter accommodations when weather permits.
What to do
Trail riding through diverse terrain: Stokes State Forest contains multiple trail difficulty levels suitable for different experience levels. As one visitor noted, "We took a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower" with "trails throughout the forest [that] are well-maintained and suitable for riders of various experience levels."
Water activities after riding: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers a convenient place to cool off after a day on horseback. "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," reports Dan W.
Wildlife observation: Morning rides often provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper at Mountainview Campground shared, "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!"
Winter riding options: Some equestrian areas maintain limited winter trails. "Open most of year. Fun if u lik3 camping," notes Jennifer P. about winter trail access when snow conditions permit.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Stokes State Forest Lake Ocquittunk receives praise for its site layout: "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites," according to Catherine S.
Natural water features: Horse campers appreciate water access points. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," mentions Jules T. about sites with natural water features for both horses and humans.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean amenities make horse camping more comfortable. "Facilities were clean and stocked so no complaints there," reports Josh S. about the bathroom and shower facilities that remain accessible to equestrian campers.
Evening quiet: The campgrounds enforce rules to ensure peaceful nights. "Everyone was up pretty late, but was not crazy loud. The rest of the weekend it seemed like everyone's simmered down," notes Adeline M. about the general atmosphere at night.
What you should know
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Spring can bring muddy conditions on bridle paths. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park warns: "Some sections of the trails were muddy due to swamps and bogs but passable."
Wildlife awareness: Riders must be prepared for wildlife encounters. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," cautions one visitor.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise. "The only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," mentions Jules T.
Reservation requirements: Equestrian sites fill quickly during peak season. "We came on a Friday night. Everyone was up pretty late, but was not crazy loud," reports one camper about weekend crowds.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational activities: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers diverse options beyond riding. "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife," shares Dan X.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for sites with dedicated play areas. "There are playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes one visitor about features specifically designed for children.
Safety considerations: Some sites provide better supervision for young riders. "Staff friendly and helpful. Great spot for stargazing," mentions Scott A. about the attentive staff that can assist families with safety concerns.
Educational opportunities: Many equestrian areas offer learning experiences. One camper shared, "If you're looking for a scenic drive that makes you forget that you're in NJ, head on over to the Alpha Grasslands Preserve in Alpha, NJ."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions for trailers: Liberty Harbor RV Park 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."
Water and electric connections: Some sites require planning for hookups. "Not including the bathroom situation, the only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway," notes one RVer about infrastructure placement.
Site leveling realities: Many equestrian sites require preparation. "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," shares Sarah about site conditions.
Overnight temperature management: Plan for temperature fluctuations. "It went down to 40 degrees that night so we had to make due with extra layers and bundle up but we made it through the night," shares one camper about overnight conditions.
