Parlin, New Jersey camping options sit within the Atlantic coastal plain, characterized by sandy soils and moderate elevations averaging 100 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Most campgrounds in the area remain operational from April through November, with Turkey Swamp Park closing for the season on November 15.
What to do
Kayaking on local waterways: At Turkey Swamp Park, visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and rowboats to explore the lake 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.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park provides an archery range for visitors interested in target practice. "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," explains Dan W.
Winter activities: While most camping in the area is seasonal, some parks offer winter recreation. At Allaire State Park, "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there," according to Patrick M., who also notes that ice skating is available at other locations in colder months.
What campers like
Wooded, private sites: Many campers appreciate the natural setting and separation between campsites. "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," says Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!" reports Dorian P.
Trail access: Numerous hiking trails provide opportunities to explore local ecosystems. "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!" continues Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
What you should know
Tick awareness: Campers should take precautions against ticks during warm months. At Turkey Swamp Park, one visitor reported: "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.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," according to Frank J., though the campground provides water views that offset this drawback.
Bathroom availability: Campgrounds have varying bathroom facilities. "The bathhouse is located in the D Loop... Since it is located in the D Loop it would have been helpful to have pathways leading from the other loops," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
No dedicated equestrian facilities: Horse owners looking for equestrian camping near Parlin, New Jersey will need to travel further afield, as none of the nearby campgrounds offer horse corrals or specialized facilities for horses.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with children can take advantage of dedicated play areas. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes Lee D. about the facilities at Turkey Swamp Park.
Bug preparation: Bring appropriate repellents and clothing for insect protection. One family with young children at Turkey Swamp Park had a positive experience: "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," shares JAEWOOK P.
Multiple accommodation options: Mountainview Campground offers various camping styles suitable for different family needs. "We've tent camped here three or four times. It's a quiet wooded campground (not all spots, but most). Easy to get to, and friendly family ownership. They also have trailer hookups with electric and water," explains Robert J.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup sites: Most campgrounds have limited full-hookup options. "We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," shares Ruette W. about camping at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Urban RV option: For those wanting to visit New York City, Liberty Harbor RV Park provides a convenient location despite limited amenities. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room," advises Keith and Tia S.
Water hose planning: Some campsites require extra-long water hoses. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park notes: "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers."
Legend
