Located in central New Jersey, Helmetta sits within Middlesex County at approximately 50 feet above sea level. Campers near Helmetta experience humid subtropical climate with warm summers reaching into the 90s and mild winters. The area's mixed hardwood forests provide natural habitats for white-tailed deer and over 100 bird species.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing options: Turkey Swamp Park features a peaceful lake for water activities with equipment rentals available seasonally. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot 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," notes Tylen L.
Hiking trail variety: Round Valley State Park Campground offers wilderness experiences through several miles of challenging trails around the reservoir. "The hike up in the cushetunk mountain is really nice as well. If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place," says James R.
Archery practice: Multiple campgrounds provide designated archery ranges for guests. "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," mentions Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park offers secluded camping areas with good spacing between sites. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge," writes Katheryn N.
Year-round activities: Seasonal opportunities extend beyond summer at several parks. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. 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," reports Patrick M.
Proximity to attractions: Butterfly Camping Resort provides convenient access to regional destinations. "This campground is conveniently located near six flags (5min), Sesame Place (40 min) and Philadelphia (60 min). Campground has friendly staff and plenty of activities for children of all ages," shares Tina D.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Many campgrounds have centralized bathhouses that can be distant from certain sites. "The campground is in five loops with the bathhouse located in the D Loop. Since it is located in the D Loop it would have been helpful to have pathways leading from the other loops," notes Lee D.
Insect concerns: Ticks can be problematic in wooded areas during warm months. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But 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. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Noise levels vary: Traffic sounds impact some campgrounds more than others. "Stayed in the family campground in a travel trailer. Longish bike ride or shortish drive to the main park. Used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly," says Theresa G. about Cheesequake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Timberland Lake Campground offers multiple recreation areas for children. "This campground is conveniently located near six flags (5min), Sesame Place (40 min) and Philadelphia (60 min). Campground has friendly staff and plenty of activities for children of all ages," writes Jim C.
Kid-friendly swimming: Pool facilities provide safer alternatives to lake swimming for families with young children. "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!" reports Jaewook P.
Holiday activities: Many campgrounds organize special events during holidays. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!" shares Jessica D. about camping at Butterfly Camping Resort.
Tips for RVers
Water hose requirements: Water access points may require longer hoses than standard. "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers," advises Shawn about camping at Turkey Swamp Park.
Sand management: Pine Cone Resort and other local campgrounds have sandy sites that require planning. "The entire park was dirty sand with weeds growing everywhere. This place is not big-rig friendly, difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45' motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed," notes Matt S.
Road conditions: Campground access roads vary in quality and surface type. "Overall will not rule this campground out in the future but will look for other campgrounds first. There are many pot holes that need gravel," mentions Jim C. about road maintenance at pet-friendly camping areas near Helmetta, New Jersey.
Legend
