Camping near Roosevelt, New Jersey provides access to the Pine Barrens ecosystem, characterized by sandy soil and pine forests that create a unique habitat within the Atlantic coastal plain. Most camping options sit at elevations between 50-200 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F. Several campgrounds operate in heavily wooded settings with natural sand-based sites requiring specific preparation for tent stakes and ground cloths.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park offers a stocked lake where visitors can fish from the shoreline or docks. "The lake was beautiful with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office," notes a visitor at Turkey Swamp Park.
Archery practice: Several parks maintain designated archery ranges with target facilities. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," suggests a camper about the practice range at Turkey Swamp Park.
Biking on trails: State parks and forests contain both paved and unpacked trails suitable for various biking skill levels. A visitor at Allaire State Park mentioned, "Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between."
Wildlife viewing: The region provides habitats for diverse wildlife. "There is a road that goes between the campground and the Safari you can drive, walk, or bicycle down and see the animals," describes a camper at Timberland Lake Campground.
Winter recreation: Some parks maintain year-round access for cold-weather activities. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park notes you can "ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy and shade at regional campgrounds. A visitor at Butterfly Camping Resort noted, "The sites had good tree coverage and we didn't feel like we were right on top of the next site."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms consistently receive positive mentions. One camper at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest commented, "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!"
Diverse recreation options: Many campgrounds offer multiple on-site activities. A visitor at Butterfly Camping Resort shared, "There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on."
Rental equipment: Several parks provide boat and recreation equipment rentals. A Turkey Swamp Park camper mentioned, "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
Sense of seclusion: Despite proximity to urban areas, some campgrounds create a remote atmosphere. A camper at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest appreciated that "you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground... Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!"
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Operating schedules vary significantly between campgrounds. Brendan T. Byrne State Forest remains open year-round, while others like Tip Tam Camping Resort operate from "April 15 to October 31."
Sand-based terrain: Many campgrounds feature sandy soil that creates specific challenges. A Timberland Lake camper mentioned, "Sand... so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer," while another noted "fire ring seemed to be an old truck rim (no grill, but they'll sell you one)."
Tick presence: The region's wooded areas harbor ticks, particularly in warmer months. One Turkey Swamp camper warned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise from nearby highways. A reviewer at Cheesequake State Park noted, "Used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly."
Site reservation challenges: Weekend spots fill quickly during peak season. A Tip Tam camper mentioned, "Stayed for a night and enjoyed our experience... Not a big Campground but they fit us in last minute."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Several campgrounds offer organized events for children. "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," noted a family at Timberland Lake Campground.
Swimming options: Pools provide summer recreation at many campgrounds. A visitor at Pine Cone Resort observed, "Plenty of activities for children of all ages. Playground, basketball, beautiful pool."
Seasonal timing: Early summer offers milder conditions before peak heat and insect activity. One family camping at Turkey Swamp Park shared, "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!"
Campsite selection: Choose sites near bathrooms and play areas for convenience with small children. A Butterfly Camping Resort reviewer recommended, "Playground was big, but all sand which every kid had all in their shoes."
Tips from RVers
Hook-up specifications: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park explained, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site."
Water connection needs: Some parks require extended hoses to reach connections. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park advised, "Bring a LONG water hose."
Site levelness: Terrain can require additional leveling equipment. An RVer noted about Tip Tam Camping Resort, "The sites were good sized, but the place is a little run down and could defiantly use some work."
Road conditions: Interior campground roads vary in maintenance. A Timberland Lake Campground reviewer observed, "The campsites themselves could use some TLC but most of all the roads need some work. There are many pot holes that need gravel."
