Brendan Byrne State Forest in Woodland, New Jersey consists of 37,000 acres of protected Pine Barrens habitat with sandy soil and flat terrain. The forest's campground sits at an elevation of 180 feet above sea level with typical summer high temperatures reaching 86°F. While horseback riding trails exist within the forest, they don't connect directly to the campground areas and riders need to transport horses separately as no boarding facilities exist at the campsites.
What to do
Trail exploration: Miles of sand trails wind through Brendan Byrne State Forest, accessible directly from the camping area. According to visitor Marcus N., it provides a "very well maintained" environment for a "weekend getaway," with trail systems suitable for day hikes of varying lengths.
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park offers a stocked lake for anglers with on-site bait sales. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming," notes Lee D., who appreciated the variety of water activities available.
Historic village visits: When camping near Allaire State Park, visitors can explore a 19th-century iron-making town with interpretive exhibits. Beau B. mentions the "working village and antique train are available most of the year" with "lots of festivals throughout the summer months," providing educational opportunities beyond typical outdoor recreation.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While not all locations offer seclusion, Mountainview Campground provides more separation than most New Jersey options. Christina H. notes their site "was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors)" and describes the campground as "beautifully secluded and quiet" which is "pretty rare for campgrounds in NJ."
Clean facilities: Shower buildings and restrooms receive regular maintenance at most campgrounds near Mount Laurel. At Brendan Byrne, Dan M. found "showers and bathrooms are ok, kept pretty clean" with "lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs."
Night sky viewing: The relative distance from urban centers creates opportunities for astronomy. At Mountainview Campground, Scott A. found it a "great spot for stargazing" with minimal light pollution compared to other New Jersey camping locations.
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: The Pine Barrens ecosystem harbors ticks throughout warm months. Megan S. warns that at Brendan Byrne State Forest, "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!"
No equestrian camping facilities: Despite having horseback riding trails, campgrounds near Mount Laurel, New Jersey lack dedicated equestrian camping amenities. Visitors seeking equestrian camping near Mount Laurel, New Jersey must trailer horses in for day use only as no overnight horse boarding exists at these properties.
Campfire restrictions: Some locations limit when fires can be burned. Dorian P. noticed at Brendan Byrne that "fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker," indicating campers should check current regulations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated play equipment for children. Katheryn N. reports "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well" making it more suitable for families with young children who need activity options beyond hiking.
Bug management: Parents should prepare for insect encounters, especially during summer months. JAEWOOK P. had a positive experience camping with very young children: "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!"
Site selection considerations: For families seeking proximity to restrooms, choosing specific sites matters. At Turkey Swamp Park, Lee D. notes "the bathhouse located in the D Loop" means "it would have been helpful to have pathways leading from the other loops" for easier access with children.
Tips from RVers
Water access planning: At some campgrounds, water hookup logistics require preparation. Shawn from Turkey Swamp Park advises RVers to "Bring a LONG water hose" as connection points may be distant from parking pads.
Campsite size variations: Larger rigs need to research site dimensions before booking. At Mountainview Campground, Robert J. appreciated that "they gave us a nice drive through space" which eliminated backing concerns for their "small tear drop trailer."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable parking. Sarah notes at Mountainview that "The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even," but RVers should still bring leveling blocks as terrain can vary.
