Equestrian camping opportunities near Somerdale, New Jersey extend beyond the Pine Barrens region. Most sites are situated within 40-60 minutes from Somerdale, with seasonal availability typically from April through November. Horse-friendly campgrounds in this region provide varying levels of equestrian amenities, though most require riders to bring their own containment systems and water buckets.
What to do
Trail riding at multiple parks: Turkey Swamp Park provides several short hiking trails suitable for horseback riding, with the longest trail measuring 2.5 miles. As one visitor noted, "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."
Lake activities between rides: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers water recreation options after trail rides. "There are two side compartments for water bottles which are deep and stretchy. They definitely keep your bottles in tack and can even handle an umbrella without worry of it falling out," noted one camper about carrying supplies to the lake.
Explore historical sites: When staying at equestrian campgrounds near Somerdale, you can visit nearby historical attractions. At Hibernia County Park, "There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends," according to one reviewer, providing cultural activities between trail rides.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Blackbird State Forest Campground provides ample room for horse trailers and equipment. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" writes one camper, highlighting the privacy important for those with horses.
Clean facilities: French Creek State Park Campground maintains well-kept shower facilities appreciated after dusty trail rides. A visitor reported, "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes." The cleanliness extends to equestrian areas as well.
Seasonal beauty: Fall camping is particularly recommended for horseback riders. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, one camper noted, "Quite site with pretty foliage," making autumn an ideal time for trail riding when temperatures are cooler for horses and riders alike.
What you should know
Site selection for trailers: When booking at Turkey Swamp Park, choose sites carefully for trailer accommodation. "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose," advises one camper, which is particularly relevant when setting up horse trailer parking.
Wildlife awareness: Ticks and other wildlife can affect horses and humans. One visitor warned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," highlighting the need for proper tick prevention for both riders and horses.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, securing sites for horse trailers requires advance planning. At French Creek, a reviewer noted, "We were able to book our sites online which was also a nice feature," though equestrian sites often fill quickly during prime riding seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities between rides: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers family activities when not on horseback. One camper shared, "They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening," providing security for families with children and valuable horses.
Playground access: For families with both riders and non-riders, look for campgrounds with play areas. A visitor to Lums Pond observed, "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine."
Safety considerations: Horse camping with children requires extra planning. At Turkey Swamp, a camper with young children reported, "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!" This can be valuable when managing both children and horses.
Tips from RVers
Trailer positioning: At equestrian campgrounds with limited hookups, creative positioning is often necessary. At Hibernia County Park, a reviewer with a 28-foot fifth wheel advised, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," which applies equally to horse trailers.
Water management: For RVers bringing horses, water access is crucial. A visitor to Lums Pond recommended, "If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," as water access points may not be convenient to equestrian sites.
