Spruce Run Recreation Area, located approximately 25 miles west of Millington, offers camping sites with water views of the reservoir. Sites feature a mix of sun and shade with various accommodation options. The terrain consists mostly of grassy areas with some woodland spots. While nearby states like Pennsylvania offer more extensive horse trails, New Jersey camping options tend to be limited for equestrian activities.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing at Spruce Run: The reservoir at Spruce Run Recreation Area provides water activities during camping season. "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore" and "Boats/Kayaks can be rented," note campers who enjoy water recreation at the park.
Hiking nearby trails: Stokes State Forest contains 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles. "We hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)," shares one visitor who explored beyond the campground boundaries.
Visit historic sites: The region near Mountainview Campground contains interesting historical remnants. "There were some open fields, some hunting trails with tree stands, and some remains of old structure foundations, chimneys, and farm equipment," a camper reports about their walking explorations.
What campers like
Lake views from campsites: Many campers appreciate waterfront camping at Turkey Swamp Park. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest... There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office."
Tent platforms at some locations: Stokes State Forest provides useful camping infrastructure. "Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform," making setup easier on potentially rocky ground.
Wildlife encounters: Natural experiences rank highly among camper reviews. "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise," recalls one camper who appreciated the natural soundscape.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: From primitive to modern, bathroom quality differs between campgrounds. At Ocquittunk, "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed," while at Spruce Run "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting... for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall."
Highway noise affects some campgrounds: Road noise can disrupt peaceful settings. At Spruce Run, "the only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down."
Ticks and wildlife concerns: The region requires proper precautions. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," notes a camper about local wildlife hazards.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer child-friendly facilities. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office" at Turkey Swamp Park, making it suitable for younger campers.
Water activities for children: Mohican Outdoor Center offers diverse water recreation. "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries."
Considerate site selection for quieter camping: Some campgrounds have louder sections. "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway" at certain sites, while others note "some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many sites lack full hookups. At Camp Starry Night, "This site was probably a good compromise in between as far as how remote the site was and the noise factor," though it lacks typical RV amenities.
Arrive early for better sites: Site selection matters for larger vehicles. "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," advises one camper at Spruce Run.
Bring extra water for dry camping: Many sites have limited facilities. "We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water" at sites without hookups, recommends an experienced RVer who appreciates the trade-off for better views.
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