Horse camping options near North Brunswick, New Jersey are limited, though several campgrounds accommodate visitors in the region. Located in the central New Jersey area where elevations range from 50-150 feet above sea level, most campgrounds are situated within a 45-60 minute drive from North Brunswick. The moderate climate allows for camping from April through October with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and occasional humidity.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing: Turkey Swamp Park offers a lake with multiple water activities. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," notes camper Lee D. who stayed at the Turkey Swamp Park.
Winter recreation: Unlike many New Jersey campgrounds that close seasonally, some facilities offer cold-weather activities. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," suggests Patrick M. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Historic exploration: While horseback riding isn't highlighted at most campgrounds, the surrounding areas offer historical sites. At the Allaire State Park, "There is a working village and antique train available most of the year. There are also lots of festivals throughout the summer months," shares Beau B.
Hiking trails: The region offers various hiking options with different difficulty levels. Dan X. notes about Allaire State Park: "A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns." These trails, while not specifically marked as bridle paths, provide outdoor opportunities for day visits.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites with natural barriers. At Mountainview Campground, Christina H. found that "The campsites are either in thick, wooded areas, or in open fields" and "Our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors)."
Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings provide opportunities to see diverse animals. Christina observed at Mountainview Campground: "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!"
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain their amenities well. "The bathrooms were clean. Showers were a little spidery but kind of expected at a campground," reports Megan S. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Diverse accommodations: From basic tent sites to cabins, the region offers varied options. At Brendan Byrne, Dorian P. found that "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!"
What you should know
Insect concerns: Ticks are prevalent in wooded areas near North Brunswick. Laura Y. warns about Turkey Swamp Park: "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Fire restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific regulations about campfires. Dorian P. notes about Brendan Byrne State Forest: "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker."
Water access: Not all sites provide convenient water hookups. Megan S. mentions at Brendan Byrne State Forest: "The closest water spigot wasn't working. Not a big problem as there are plenty of others."
Highway noise: Some locations experience sound from nearby roads. Jules T. observes at Spruce Run Recreation Area: "The only con to this campground is its proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple recreational options keep children engaged. Dan W. shares about Turkey Swamp Park: "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."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Katheryn N. reports: "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground."
Bug preparation: When camping with children, proper insect protection is essential. "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!" shares Jaewook P. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Safety measures: State parks often have ranger patrols for added security. Jesse G. mentions at Brendan Byrne State Forest: "They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV campers should check for specific utility connections. "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," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Parking conditions: Some campgrounds have specific site configurations. Frank J. from Spruce Run Recreation Area shares: "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun."
Dump station access: Waste disposal facilities are available at select locations. Lee D. notes: "There is a dump station and laundry facility with brand-new washers and dryers (however, you need to pay using an app on your phone)."
