Turkey Swamp Park offers wooded camping sites with pull-through driveways across five loops near Island Heights, New Jersey. The campground includes 64 established sites plus three cabins, all accessible via well-maintained dirt roads that wind through dense pine forests. Sites feature full hookups with water and electric connections, though visitors should bring extra hose length as water spigots can be distant from electrical hookups.
What to do
Fishing and boating: Turkey Swamp Park features a lake with fishing opportunities and boat rentals during summer months. "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 Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Archery practice: Several campgrounds offer archery facilities for visitors who bring their own equipment. "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," shares Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Winter recreation: Some area campgrounds maintain year-round accessibility with seasonal activities. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. 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," reports Patrick M. about his experiences at Turkey Swamp Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Bass River State Forest offers spacious camping areas with natural separation. "The sites are a great size and many are set back enough that you have privacy. Many great memories of canoeing and fishing on the lake and is a great family-friendly campground," writes Maggie H. about her experiences.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities are consistently mentioned as highlights. "Bathrooms seemed as clean as a state park during a global pandemic can get," comments Amanda M. about Bass River State Forest, while also noting the campground has "bathrooms and showers 24/7."
Swimming pools: Butterfly Camping Resort offers pool amenities that appeal to families. "The swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear," mentions Matt S. about the resort, adding that "the gated campground was clean and well-maintained."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds and noise: Some campgrounds experience high occupancy and noise during peak seasons. "After 10pm, the music volume was high and campers were LOUD. I was smart enough to bring earplugs," reports Amanda M. about her experience at Bass River State Forest.
Site conditions vary: The terrain at many campgrounds includes sand which can create challenges. "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain (which we had), and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV," notes Matt S. about Timberland Lake Campground.
Ticks are common: Wildlife management requires attention, especially regarding ticks during warmer months. "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," warns Laura Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds provide dedicated recreation for children. "There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on. Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night)," mentions Caitlin F. about Tip Tam Camping Resort.
Consider cabins for beginners: First-time campers might appreciate cabin accommodations. "I've stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone. Cabins are no frills yet very nice no electricity they are equipi with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat," shares Erik M. about his stay at Allaire State Park.
Pack bug protection: Multiple campers emphasize insect precautions for 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! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!" reports Jaewook P. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Several campgrounds have tight corners that challenge larger rigs. "I am a little concerned about moving to the site they want me to move to in the Spring the corners around the campground seem tight with trees," notes Preston G. about Butterfly Camping Resort.
Bring leveling equipment: Site conditions can be variable even at well-maintained campgrounds. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. 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. As mentioned, all roads and camper pads are dirt," describes Lee D. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Consider water line extensions: Hookup placement varies across campgrounds. "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric. sites are level and well maintained," advises Jean T. from her experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
