Turkey Swamp Park and several other campgrounds within an hour's drive of Linden offer camping options ranging from tent sites to glamping accommodations. Located in New Jersey's Monmouth County, these campgrounds sit in a region with mild springs, humid summers, and fall temperatures that typically range from 50-70°F in September and October. Most yurt camping near Linden, New Jersey requires advance reservations, especially during peak summer months.
What to do
Archery practice opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park provides archery facilities where campers can practice their skills. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," notes a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Fishing in crystal waters: Round Valley State Park Campground offers exceptional fishing in its reservoir. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," shares a camper at Round Valley State Park Campground.
Winter recreation options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round, offering unique seasonal activities. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor comments, "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
Hiking accessible trails: The region features various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. "There are several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times. Some sections of the trails were muddy due to swamps and bogs but passable," explains a camper about Turkey Swamp Park.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the generous size of sites at these campgrounds. "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," reports a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Lakefront camping: Water views enhance the camping experience at several locations. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," shares a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Varied accommodation options: From tent platforms to yurts, the region offers diverse camping structures. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," notes a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Accessible boat-in camping: Some sites can only be reached by water, providing a unique experience. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," mentions a Round Valley State Park Campground visitor about their yurt camping experience near Linden.
What you should know
Ticks and wildlife concerns: Be prepared for potential insect encounters. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities differ widely between campgrounds. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," reports a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Noise from nearby highways: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "The only con to this campground is its proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," notes a Spruce Run visitor.
Primitive camping challenges: Some sites require significant effort to access. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir," explains a visitor to Round Valley State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated recreation for younger campers. "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!" shares a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Swimming options: Pools and lakes provide swimming opportunities during summer months. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Halloween weekend events: Fall camping includes special activities at some locations. "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," explains an Allaire State Park visitor about yurt camping options near Linden, New Jersey.
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," mentions a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: RV campers should note the terrain at potential sites. "For 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," advises a visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Hookup locations: Water hookups may require extra equipment at some campgrounds. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," notes a Mahlon Dickerson camper.
Dump station facilities: RV waste management is available at select campgrounds. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares a Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have unpaved access roads. "There are many pot holes that need gravel," reports a visitor to Timberland Lake Campground.
