Camping options near Saddle Brook, New Jersey are limited, with the closest established campgrounds located 40-80 miles from town. The region sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level in Bergen County, with mild summers and cold winters. Most nearby campgrounds remain open from April through October, with a few offering year-round accommodations for campers seeking outdoor recreation without horse facilities.
What to do
Fishing and boating access: At Turkey Swamp Park, campers can enjoy the 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 Lee D.
Hiking trails: The trail systems near Saddle Brook provide varied terrain without equestrian paths. At Stokes State Forest, "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," according to Trip Over Life.
Water activities: Though equestrian camping facilities aren't available near Saddle Brook, water recreation is plentiful. "The caping set up was nice and I enjoyed the proximity to available hikes in the area... Each campsite was set up with a picnic table and a fire ring. One big positive was the covered picnic area which was a nice place to bring food and eat and hang out during the day to get out of the sun," says Ethan K. about camping at Ocquittunk.
What campers like
Urban proximity: Despite no equestrian options near Saddle Brook, campers appreciate locations with city access. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," writes Joe R. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Natural settings: The wooded environments offer respite from urban areas. "We stayed at site #T007 is was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" says Kara L. about Ocquittunk.
Facility cleanliness: "The bathhouse was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," notes Joe R. about Liberty Harbor RV Park, highlighting amenities that matter when horse facilities aren't available.
What you should know
Insect precautions: Ticks can be an issue at campgrounds in the region. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," cautions LAURA Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Site privacy levels: Many campgrounds offer varied privacy. "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," describes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Wildlife encounters: "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall. Lake Ocquittunk campground had showers, flush toilets and was popular with families," shares Stephanie T., noting the natural features at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families camping instead of seeking horse campgrounds near Saddle Brook, playgrounds are important. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Swimming areas: "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.
Cabin options: When tent camping isn't suitable for families, cabins provide alternatives. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace," describes W L. about Camp Mohican Outdoor Center.
Tips from RVers
Parking considerations: RV sites vary widely, as there are no equestrian-focused RV sites near Saddle Brook. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Utility connections: "I can not speak to the condition of the bathrooms, I stopped going into them 6 years ago as soon as I bought a cassette toilet to avoid them. This review would be 5 stars if only they would knock the present facilities down and rebuild really nice ones, that were kept clean. Also if all the sites had Water & electric hook ups," notes Ruette W. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Dump station access: "We spent 3 nights here last week. I was in NYC for business and we took our RV. Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of tue marina parking area," reports Kevin A., highlighting the urban-adjacent RV options when horse facilities aren't needed.
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