Equestrian camping near Woodbury, New Jersey offers access to miles of bridle paths through eastern deciduous forest and Pine Barrens ecosystems. The region maintains average summer temperatures around 80°F, making May through October the most comfortable camping seasons. Sandy soil conditions throughout the area create good drainage after rainfall, allowing for year-round trail use with proper footwear.
What to do
Trail riding at Brendan Byrne State Forest: Riders can access extensive Pine Barrens trails with distinctive sandy terrain and pine-oak forest. "Spent every summer here... The walking trails! There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore. Can't tell you how much I love it. Could spend a whole vacation just with these trails and never leave this state park," notes Benjamin K. from Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Fishing at multiple stocked lakes: Several campgrounds maintain fishing ponds suitable for family outings, with designated areas for younger anglers. "There's a children's pond a short ways away for well stocked fishing," reports Anna about Hibernia County Park, which offers both children's fishing and larger lake options within walking distance.
Kayaking on no-wake ponds: Electric-only boating restrictions create peaceful paddling experiences. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," according to Jen R.'s experience at French Creek State Park.
What campers like
Spacious, level campsites: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds feature larger sites to accommodate trailers. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms. Great for outdoor activities," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Wooded buffers create separation at several campgrounds. Sarah M. appreciates Blackbird State Forest: "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return! No running water- only port a potties but they were clean."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," shares Mark from Lums Pond State Park, highlighting the high maintenance standards.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations... Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B., highlighting the importance of advance planning for Blackbird State Forest Campground.
Primitive facilities at some locations: Several horse-friendly sites offer minimal amenities. "This is a good free state forest with maybe 10 (or less) designated tent-camping sites... Each campsite features a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood... There are a couple portapotties in the camping area, which are a few feet from one campsite, or a few blocks from another. There is one water pump," explains D.R. regarding Blackbird State Forest.
Site suitability for horse trailers: Not all campgrounds can accommodate large rigs. "As I said in the first paragraph, we mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," shares Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several locations have dedicated play areas. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," writes Mark about his family's experience at French Creek State Park Campground.
Choose sites near bathrooms: Family-friendly campgrounds offer strategic site selection. "Great bath houses, always super clean. Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers….keep your shoes handy, its a hike," advises al K. at Lums Pond.
Consider seasonal programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities during summer months. "The park offers a Sunday morning 'Church at the Park,' which we were planning to go to, but then it rained, and we didn't know there was a rain location (the park office), so we ended up missing that," mentions Katie M. about the community programs at French Creek.
Tips from RVers
Plan for water access: Not all horse-friendly sites have full hookups. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'," cautions Jennifer S. about Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Dump station availability: Check for on-site waste disposal before arrival. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home," Jennifer S. adds about Hibernia County Park's limitations.
Site leveling requirements: Many natural surface sites require adjustment. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," notes Jen R. about French Creek State Park, highlighting the advantage of properly designed campsites.
