Somerset County has limited equestrian-focused camping options, with most campgrounds providing standard camping amenities without specialized horse facilities. Located in central New Jersey with elevations ranging from 50 to 180 feet, the area experiences humid continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Campers will find most sites are set within wooded areas or near reservoirs, with several locations offering water activities alongside camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park features a lake with various fishing spots. "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.
Winter activities: Some parks maintain seasonal activities year-round. At Turkey Swamp Park, Patrick M. shares, "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods." Archery enthusiasts can also find facilities here.
Hiking trails: Stokes State Forest offers extensive trail systems. "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 recreation: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, boating and swimming are popular. Frank J. notes, "Boats/Kayaks can be rented," making it accessible for visitors without their own equipment.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between campsites. At Mountainview Campground, Christina H. shares, "Our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors)," which is uncommon in New Jersey campgrounds.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting allows for wildlife observation. Christina H. continues, "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. 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: Brendan Byrne State Forest maintains well-kept amenities. Dorian P. reports, "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!"
Camping away from traffic: Many campers seek the quieter locations. Benjamin K. notes about Brendan Byrne State Forest: "It's far away from traffic noise. You can't hear any cars or any other noise from civilization at all. It's at least 10 miles away from anything more than a single house in the woods."
What you should know
Tick awareness: Some campgrounds have significant tick populations. At Turkey Swamp Park, Laura Y. cautions, "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: Certain parks maintain strict fire rules. Dorian P. notes at 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."
Highway noise: Some campsites experience road noise. Jules T. warns about 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."
Late arrival policies: Check for specific arrival time requirements. Kyhlea D. shares about Mountainview Campground: "After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly facilities. Dan W. recommends Spruce Run Recreation Area: "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing."
Bug preparation: Be prepared for insects, especially during warm months. Jaewook P. offers a positive experience at Turkey Swamp Park: "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!"
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with nature access. W L. describes Stokes State Forest cabins: "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."
Water activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with swimming options. Jocelyn G. recommends Spruce Run: "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area."
Tips from RVers
RV site selection strategy: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Douglas P. advises: "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."
Plan for hookup limitations: Many sites have partial hookups only. Ruette W. notes about Spruce Run: "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."
Bring extra water hose: Some campgrounds have widely spaced water connections. Shawn from Turkey Swamp Park recommends: "Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers."
Dump station access: Check availability before arrival. Ruette W. mentions, "They do a great job of mowing the grass on the sites, and if you need to, you can go and request if they could cut your grass if it's too long."
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