Brendan Byrne State Forest offers cabin camping within 37,000 acres of Pine Barrens terrain located 25 miles east of Hammonton, New Jersey. The forest's elevation averages 130 feet above sea level with predominantly sandy soil. Camping areas remain open year-round with temperatures ranging from average winter lows of 25°F to summer highs around 85°F. Sites include tent, RV, and cabin options with specific areas designated for equestrian use.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers extensive riding opportunities with connections to wider trail networks. "There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding," notes Katheryn N. about Turkey Swamp Park, which offers similar terrain just north of Hammonton. Trail rides range from 1-5 miles on mostly flat terrain.
Fishing at nearby ponds: Catch bass, sunfish, and pickerel at designated fishing areas. "There is a pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office," reports a camper at Turkey Swamp Park. Most fishing spots are within 2 miles of campgrounds, accessible by trail.
Winter exploration: The Pine Barrens offer unique cold-weather camping experiences. "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," shares Patrick M. about his stay at Allaire State Park. Winter camping provides reduced crowds and minimal insect activity.
What campers like
Distance from urban areas: The secluded setting provides a genuine forest experience. "It's far away from traffic noise. You can't hear any cars or any other noise from civilization at all. It's at least 10 miles away from anything more than a single house in the woods," explains Benjamin K. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Spacious sites: Campsites offer ample room for multiple tents, equipment, and horse trailers where permitted. "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," describes Lee D. about her experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower facilities receive regular maintenance. "Bathrooms were clean. Showers were a little spidery but kind of expected at a campground," reports Megan S. from her June camping trip. Most campsites are within 5-minute walking distance to bathroom facilities.
What you should know
Tick precautions essential: The Pine Barrens ecosystem harbors ticks, particularly during warm months. "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!" warns Megan S. about her experience at Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Fire restrictions: Campfires typically follow specific guidelines and schedules. "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker," notes Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest. Rangers patrol regularly to enforce these rules.
Site limitations: Understanding specific site restrictions prevents issues. "If using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people," explains Jesse G. from Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several horse campgrounds near Hammonton provide play areas for children. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Bug management: Insect control becomes crucial for comfortable family stays. "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," shares Jaewook P. about his family's experience with toddlers at Turkey Swamp Park.
Proximity to conveniences: Some campgrounds offer nearby access to supplies. "There is a dumpster at the entrance of the campground area which was nice. Also, there is a good amount of trails and a wawa down the street if you forgot anything for your trip," mentions Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne, noting the convenience for families who might need last-minute items.
Tips from RVers
Water and hookup locations: RV sites often have specific utility configurations. "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises Jean T. from her experience at Turkey Swamp Park. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality throughout the Pine Barrens. "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," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Site selection for privacy: Location within campgrounds affects noise levels. "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric," reports Jean T., explaining that site selection impacts both accessibility and privacy levels for larger vehicles.
