Equestrian camping near Edgewater, New Jersey requires traveling beyond the immediate area due to the densely developed urban landscape. The region surrounding Edgewater lies within the Hudson River Palisades, characterized by steep cliffs and limited open terrain suitable for horses. Seasonal variations affect camping availability, with most regional sites operating from April through November when temperatures range from 50°F to 85°F.
What to do
Fishing and boating opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township features a lake with multiple water activity options. As one camper noted, "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."
Archery practice: Some parks provide designated archery facilities where campers can practice their skills. According to a visitor at Turkey Swamp Park, "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."
Trail exploration: The region offers varied hiking opportunities within an hour's drive from Edgewater. One visitor to Stokes State Forest reported, "We went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet! It was certainly an adventure."
Visit historical sites: Some parks contain preserved historical features. A camper observed, "Tent camped July 1st. Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though. Ticks galore."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate well-spaced camping areas. At Ocquittunk, campers enjoy "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites."
Lakeside camping spots: Water-adjacent sites receive positive mentions. One camper at Ocquittunk shared, "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!"
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high in positive reviews. A visitor to Allaire State Park commented, "Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though."
Seasonal experiences: Different seasons offer unique camping experiences. As one camper noted, "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there."
What you should know
Limited horse facilities: No equestrian camping options exist directly near Edgewater. The nearest campgrounds lack dedicated horse amenities including corrals, trailer parking, and bridle paths.
Urban noise considerations: Proximity to highways impacts some camping experiences. A camper at Allaire State Park reported, "Clean and cozy. Tent camped July 1st. Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though."
Bug preparedness: Ticks and other insects can be prevalent, especially near water. One visitor warned, "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."
Site terrain variations: Some campgrounds feature rocky or uneven ground. According to a camper at Stokes State Forest, "Most of the campsites were very rocky, but you can find some that have a little bit of grass."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, one visitor noted, "Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning experiences for children. One family reported, "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."
Secure food storage: Proper food management is essential in some areas. A camper advised, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Water activities for kids: Several parks offer child-friendly water recreation. According to a camper at Turkey Swamp Park, "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on."
Tips from RVers
Urban RV options: The closest RV camping to Edgewater functions primarily as a city access point. As one visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park described, "Literally a parking lot with water & electric hookups. Larger rigs will barely have a yard. And don't bet on a private picnic table."
Transportation considerations: Access to public transit influences many RVers' experiences near Edgewater. A camper noted, "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. 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."
Water and power limitations: Most sites offer only basic hookups. One RVer explained, "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump."
Navigation challenges: City driving with large vehicles requires planning. According to a visitor, "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
