Campers seeking alternatives to horse campgrounds near Mendham, New Jersey have several options within a 30-mile radius. Mendham sits in the rolling highlands of north-central New Jersey at around 700 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity. Fall camping season brings colorful foliage displays across the region's mixed hardwood forests, making September and October popular months for tent and RV camping.
What to do
Fishing and boating activities: At Spruce Run Recreation Area in Clinton, campers can enjoy a reservoir for fishing and water activities. "Decent overnight park. Lots of space. Great for sailing and fishing," notes Mike D. Some sites provide excellent water views, with Ruette W. mentioning, "I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Archery and paddling: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township offers multiple outdoor activities beyond standard camping. "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," says Dan W. The park maintains dedicated archery facilities and a small lake ideal for beginners.
Hiking opportunities: Stokes State Forest offers extensive trail networks ranging from easy to challenging. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," describes one camper. The forest's elevation changes provide moderate hiking conditions suitable for day trips from Mendham.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mountainview Campground in Little York receives praise for its secluded sites. "The campsite was wonderful and isolated," notes Kyhlea D. Another camper, Christina H., shares, "Campsites are either in thick, wooded areas, or in open fields... Our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors)."
Waterfront camping options: Many campers appreciate lakeside options at Pickerel Point Campground in Promised Land State Park. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper," says Kelly F. Carolyn M. adds, "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet... Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Turkey Swamp Park, a camper notes, "The bathrooms were absolutely clean." Similarly at Stokes State Forest, E.M.V. reports, "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary: Reviews indicate inconsistent bathroom maintenance across campgrounds. At Spruce Run, Jules T. warns, "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." Conversely, Yolanda T. notes, "Clean bathrooms with very hot water and flushable toilet."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience noise issues. Douglas P. reports at Spruce Run: "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!"
Tick concerns: Allaire State Park and other wooded campgrounds report tick problems. Justin S. warns simply: "Ticks galore." Appropriate repellent and daily tick checks are essential when camping in this region, especially in late spring and summer.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Turkey Swamp Park provides dedicated children's recreation areas. Jean T. mentions, "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area." The park's layout places playgrounds conveniently near camping areas.
Educational opportunities: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers nature-based learning experiences. "The Visitor Center is only 3/10 mile away and has wi-fi, bathrooms/showers and a shop with food that is open from 8am to 8pm," notes Shawn B. Wildlife viewing opportunities include turtles, fish, and seasonal bird migrations.
Cabin options for easier family trips: Several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations when tent camping isn't ideal. At Pickerel Point, one reviewer notes, "The cabins look very nice inside." W.L. at Stokes State Forest shares, "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend."
Tips from RVers
City access from RV bases: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides a unique option for those wanting to combine camping with city exploration. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," explains Shawn B.
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds near Mendham offer partial hookups at best. At Spruce Run, Ruette W. advises, "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV."
Site size considerations: RVers should verify site dimensions before booking. Christina H. notes about Mountainview Campground, "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle." Most campgrounds in the region were designed before larger RVs became common, so length restrictions may apply.
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