Equestrian camping near Lawrence, New Jersey offers trails and facilities specifically designed for horseback riders. Situated within the mid-Atlantic region, these campgrounds experience moderate seasonal temperatures with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s. Trail systems throughout these natural areas connect riders to thousands of acres of protected woodlands, with terrain varying from flat meadows to gentle rolling hills.
What to do
Trail riding on designated paths: Tuckahoe State Park Campground has "20 miles of hiking trails are also open for biking and horseback riding." One camper noted, "We tend to use Tuckahoe as a way station while camping our way up and down the Bay."
Fishing in local waterways: At Martinak State Park, visitors enjoy access to prime fishing spots. A visitor shared, "This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here." Another camper confirmed it's a "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports."
Kayaking and canoeing: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers water recreation options with "a kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake with more of the creek on the other side of the lake."
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Campers at Blackbird State Forest Campground appreciate the "spacious and private" sites. One reviewer mentioned, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!"
Clean facilities: Martinak State Park receives high marks for maintenance. A camper noted, "Bathhouses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us." Another reviewer confirmed, "Bathrooms were like brand new."
Natural surroundings: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers a balance of nature and amenities. As one camper described, "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved." Another mentioned, "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian camping destinations fill quickly. At Lums Pond, a camper advised, "Book early because it fills up fast!" This is especially important during peak seasons and holidays.
Limited facilities at some locations: Blackbird State Forest Campground has basic amenities only. A reviewer mentioned, "No running water- only port a potties but they were clean." Another noted, "There are a couple portapotties in the camping area, which are a few feet from one campsite, or a few blocks from another."
Seasonal considerations: Delaware Seashore State Park Campground operates year-round but has distinct seasonal patterns. A visitor warned about environmental factors: "The only negative was how bad it smelled from all the dead horseshoe crabs!" Weather can also be a factor, as "The winds were nuts and over 50mph."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Martinak State Park Campground offers multiple play areas for children. A reviewer mentioned, "They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us."
Consider cabins for comfort: Some parks offer cabins as alternatives to tent camping. At Tuckahoe State Park, "There are 8 camper cabins, 4 on each loop. There are beds for 4 or 6 people, and the cabins have air conditioning, a ceiling fan and electricity. These are a nice alternative to camping in a tent."
Choose sites based on bathroom proximity: At Blackbird State Forest, plan your site selection strategically. A camper observed, "There are multiple port a potties here but some sites are a bit far from them. Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies: Delaware Seashore State Park Campground offers various site types. A reviewer noted, "There are two units to this state park campground - one north of the Charles W. Cullen Memorial Bridge and one on the south side. The south side has over 300 campsites, some with hookups and some without."
Site size considerations: When choosing a site, verify dimensions for your equipment. One camper at Tuckahoe State Park warned, "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door."
Dumping facilities: Martinak State Park has limited hookups but provides dump stations. A camper shared, "Sites do not have sewer but does have dump. Great park that offers alot!" This allows for longer stays with proper waste management.
