Turkey Swamp Park operates seasonally from April 1 to November 15, spanning 1,400 acres with eight miles of hiking trails through central New Jersey pine forest. The campground contains 64 sites across five loops (A-E), all with dirt pads and pull-through driveways. Campsites feature lantern hooks, fire rings and picnic tables, with many sites providing water and electric hookups. The single bathhouse is centrally located in D Loop, requiring longer walks from other camping areas.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers an archery range for visitors to practice their skills. According to Patrick M., "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," making it a unique recreational option not found at many other campgrounds.
Fishing opportunities: The park's lake provides ample fishing with bait available for purchase. One camper mentioned, "There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office," giving anglers convenient access to supplies on-site.
Winter activities: For those visiting during colder months, Round Valley State Park Campground offers unique winter options. Patrick M. notes they "go every year" and visitors can "ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
Boat rentals: Explore the waters at multiple parks in the area. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "Boats/Kayaks can be rented" according to Frank J., who also mentioned the "reasonable cost" for New Jersey state park camping.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at Turkey Swamp. Katheryn N. notes, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest."
Unplugged experience: The natural setting encourages disconnection from technology. One visitor shared, "I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," highlighting the park's ability to help campers truly unplug.
Diverse camping options: Beyond standard sites, Timberland Lake Campground provides varied glamping near New Brunswick, New Jersey. According to Jessica D., "This campground has a pretty lake, a bridge and is very woodsy, not just a camper parking lot like some other campgrounds!"
Wildlife viewing: Washington Crossing State Park offers unique animal observation opportunities. Olivia M. mentions, "There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view of the surrounding area and much more."
What you should know
Ticks are prevalent: Be aware of the potential for ticks, particularly in warmer months. One camper warned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2... I could not enjoy myself after having 3 biting me at one time."
Dirt roads and sites: The campground access can be challenging in wet conditions. Lee D. observed, "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy."
Limited shower facilities: Plan accordingly for the single bathhouse. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," but also mentioned "Since it is located in the D Loop it would have been helpful to have pathways leading from the other loops."
Primitive camping options: For a more rugged experience, Mountainview Campground provides basic sites. Mario M. explains it's "perfect for a getaway if what you're looking for is no more than spending some time in nature" and "mostly recommend it for primitive camping."
Tips for camping with families
Easy biking opportunities: Turkey Swamp offers good terrain for children learning to ride. Katheryn N. mentions "the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding" and notes there are "playgrounds and picnic areas as well."
Kid-friendly environment: The park has amenities specifically for children. One reviewer stated, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," making it suitable for families with children of various ages.
Bug prevention: Parents should prepare for insects depending on the season. At Camp Carr Campground, one family noted, "Windy country roads to bike on with the family and a nearby hiking trail," but preparation for bugs is recommended.
Halloween festivities: Seasonal events provide extra entertainment. Jessica D. from Timberland Lake Campground shared, "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Turkey Swamp offers partial hookups with both water and electric connections. A camper noted, "Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups. They don't have primitive campsites so your stuck paying the higher rate even though you don't need the hookups."
Bring long water hose: Water access points may be far from parking pads. Shawn from Turkey Swamp Park advised fellow RVers to "Bring a LONG water hose" to ensure connection to water supplies regardless of site location.
Level sites: Most RV sites are relatively flat, requiring minimal setup. According to Lee D., "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," which makes positioning larger vehicles easier.
Dump station available: The park provides a dump station for RV waste disposal when departing. Melissa N. from Camp Carr recommends "bringing your own portable dump tank" since some sites only offer "water and 30 amp electric only no sewer" connections.
