Turkey Swamp Park campground operates from April 1 to November 15 and consists of five dirt road loops with 64 sites spread across a wooded setting. The campground provides pull-through sites for convenience and connects directly to miles of forested trails suitable for hiking and horseback riding. Sites include water and electric hookups, with a central dump station available for RVs. The campground enforces quiet hours starting at 10 PM to maintain a peaceful environment for all visitors.
What to do
Archery practice: Visitors can use the designated archery range at Turkey Swamp Park. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," notes Patrick M.
Winter activities: Turkey Swamp Park offers year-round recreation options beyond the camping season. "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," suggests Patrick M., highlighting off-season activities.
Boat rentals: Enjoy the 17-acre lake at Turkey Swamp Park with rental watercraft during summer months. "In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," reports Lee D. The rental facility is within walking distance from the campground area.
Fitness trails: Exercise while camping at Brendan Byrne State Forest, where marked pathways support outdoor workouts. "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones," notes Dan M., who camps there frequently.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The wooded setting at Allaire State Park provides natural separation between campsites. "I've stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone," reports Erik M.
Minimal electronic distractions: The natural setting at Turkey Swamp Park encourages disconnection from technology. "I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," says Tylen L., who gave the park a perfect rating.
Spacious campsites: Mountainview Campground offers generously sized sites for comfortable camping. "The campsites are spacious and the facilities are clean," confirms Emily, adding that the campground's proximity to the Delaware River makes it convenient for water activities.
Well-maintained facilities: Regular cleaning and upkeep of bathroom facilities make for a more pleasant camping experience. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," reports Katheryn N. about Turkey Swamp Park, noting that the campground features "widely spaced apart" sites.
What you should know
Tick protection required: Some parks in the region have significant tick populations. "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 her experience at Turkey Swamp Park. Bring repellent and perform regular tick checks.
Cold showers at some locations: Spruce Run Recreation Area has limited hot water facilities. "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that," notes Frank J., who visited in July 2024. Check facility details before booking if hot showers are important.
Dirt roads can be challenging: Access roads at several parks become difficult after rain. "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.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience highway noise. "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," reports Jules T. about Spruce Run Recreation Area. Sites furthest from major roads offer the quietest experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple play areas at Turkey Swamp Park cater to different age groups. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," mentions Lee D., providing recreation options for children beyond trail activities.
Bug management: Insect activity varies by season and location. "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 their summer experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies near campgrounds allow for family fishing activities. "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," explains Dan W., highlighting activity options at Turkey Swamp Park.
Cabins for beginners: For families new to camping, cabin rentals provide comfort with outdoor access. "Cabins are no frills yet very nice, no electricity they are equipped with 4 bunks a large picnic table and a wood stove for heat. Also a nice porch fire ring and a charcoal grill," describes Erik M. about accommodations at Allaire State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Turkey Swamp Park, water and electric connections may require extra equipment. "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises Jean T., noting that "sites are level and well maintained."
Tree clearance: Check site descriptions carefully when booking for large rigs. "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," warns Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Dump station access: Plan for potential wait times at single-station facilities. "If it was packed, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station," advises Ericka T., suggesting off-peak departure times for more efficient service.
