Equestrian camping options near Rumson, New Jersey remain limited, with no dedicated horse facilities at the major campgrounds within 30 miles. The coastal region features primarily flat terrain with a mix of wooded areas and marshlands, sitting at elevations below 50 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more comfortable camping conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: While Turkey Swamp Park lacks dedicated horse trails, it offers several short hiking trails that could potentially accommodate day visits with horses. "There are several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times. Some sections of the trails were muddy due to swamps and bogs but passable," notes Lee D.
Winter activities: Seasonal outdoor activities extend beyond the typical camping season. "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," says Patrick M. about his experiences at Turkey Swamp Park.
Water recreation: The parks offer various water activities during warmer months. "Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on," reports Tylen L. about Turkey Swamp Park. Boat rentals are also available during summer months at several locations.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Brendan Byrne State Forest receives praise for its site layout. "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones," shares Dan M. The campground features multiple water hydrants throughout for convenient access.
Wooded privacy: Campers appreciate the natural setting at many locations. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," notes Katheryn N. about Turkey Swamp Park, adding that "sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!" reports Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest, though he notes campsite privacy can be limited.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Turkey Swamp Park runs from April through mid-November, while some state parks offer year-round access. "Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though. Ticks galore," warns Justin S. about Allaire State Park during summer.
Insect awareness: Ticks and other insects can be problematic, particularly in warmer months. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2... I have been RVing for 2-3 years and this is the first time this many ticks ambushed us," cautions Laura Y. about her experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Road conditions: Some parks have unpaved access roads. "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," explains Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Parents should plan accordingly for insects. "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. about Turkey Swamp Park, though experiences vary by season.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing," reports Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Cabin options: For those seeking alternatives to tent camping, several parks offer 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 equipped with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat," explains Erik M. about his stay at Allaire State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should consider site specifications carefully. "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises Jean T. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Urban proximity: Some RV parks offer unique urban access. "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," recommends Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds have partial hookups only. "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," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park, which offers water and electric but no sewer connections at sites.
