Nomoco Activity Area

For New Jersey residents, particularly those in Monmouth County and surrounding areas, who are part of organized groups such as scout troops, youth organizations, or large family gatherings, the Nomoco Activity Area within Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township presents a fantastic opportunity for an immersive outdoor experience. This isn't your typical family campground; Nomoco is specifically designed to cater to larger, chartered groups, offering a unique blend of rustic camping and access to the extensive recreational amenities of Turkey Swamp Park. It's a place where groups can bond, learn, and create lasting memories in the heart of the Garden State's natural beauty.

Nomoco Activity Area is a distinct section of the sprawling 2,388-acre Turkey Swamp Park, managed by the Monmouth County Park System. This separation ensures that group campers have dedicated space and facilities tailored to their needs, providing a more focused and private experience. The emphasis here is on organized group activities, fostering teamwork, outdoor skills, and an appreciation for nature. For New Jersey residents, having such a well-equipped group camping facility close to home is an invaluable resource, simplifying logistics and maximizing time spent in the fresh air.

Beyond the campsites themselves, guests at Nomoco Activity Area gain access to all the diverse offerings of Turkey Swamp Park. This includes a serene 17-acre lake perfect for boating and fishing, miles of scenic trails for hiking and exploring, and various other recreational facilities. The park's commitment to preserving natural resources ensures a beautiful and healthy environment for all visitors. It’s an ideal setting for groups looking to combine structured activities with ample opportunities for free exploration and enjoyment of the natural world.

Choosing Nomoco Activity Area for your group's next outing means tapping into a well-managed county park system that prioritizes community and outdoor education. It's a testament to Monmouth County's dedication to providing high-quality recreational spaces for its residents, offering a convenient, engaging, and enriching escape without having to travel far.

Nomoco Activity Area is specifically located at 143 Nomoco Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728, USA. This address places it within the larger Turkey Swamp Park, managed by the Monmouth County Park System. It's situated approximately one mile southwest of the main park entrance on Georgia Road, providing a dedicated and somewhat secluded access point for group campers.

Freehold Township, located in Monmouth County, offers excellent accessibility from various parts of New Jersey. Major roadways like Route 9, Route 33, and Interstate 195 are all within easy reach, making travel to Turkey Swamp Park straightforward for groups originating from different regions of the state. For instance, from the New Jersey Turnpike, campers can take Exit 7A to I-195 East, then exit at 22 and follow Jackson Mills Road to Georgia Road, leading directly to the park. From the Garden State Parkway (Exit 98), I-195 West also leads to Exit 22.

The location offers a harmonious blend of natural tranquility and convenient access to local amenities. While Nomoco Activity Area provides a genuine wilderness feel, essential services, stores, and dining options in Freehold Township are just a short drive away. This ensures that groups can enjoy an authentic outdoor experience without being completely cut off from necessary supplies. Its central location within Monmouth County also makes it a convenient meeting point for groups assembling from various towns across Central and Northern New Jersey, further enhancing its suitability for organized outings.

Nomoco Activity Area, as the dedicated group campground within Turkey Swamp Park, offers specific services and facilities tailored to accommodate organized groups seeking a more rustic camping experience. It differs from the family campground's amenities, focusing on essential provisions for group wilderness camping.

• Group Campsites: Nomoco Activity Area features six designated group campsites. These sites are designed to accommodate large groups from chartered organizations.
• Platform Tents: Three of the six group campsites include platform tents, offering a slightly more elevated and structured tent camping experience.
• Standard Tent Sites: The remaining sites are standard tent campsites, allowing groups to pitch their own tents directly on the ground.
• Large Capacity: Each of the six campsites can accommodate approximately 40 people, making them ideal for large scout troops, youth groups, or other organized gatherings.
• Picnic Shelters: All group campsites are equipped with picnic shelters, providing covered areas for meals and group activities regardless of weather.
• Ground Grills/Fire Pits: Each site includes ground grills or fire pits for cooking and campfires, central to the camping experience.
• Pit Toilets: Most group campsites at Nomoco have pit toilets for restroom facilities. It's important to note that these are more primitive than flush toilets found in the family campground.
• Water Access: While some sites have water spigots, and hand pump-driven wells are available in the general area, for "The Outpost" (a more secluded site), drinking water must be carried in. It's crucial for groups to confirm water availability for their specific site.
• Showers & Restrooms (seasonal): While pit toilets are common at individual group sites, there are shared showers and restrooms available in the Nomoco Activity Area, generally from approximately April 15th to November 15th.
• Camping Season: Group camping at Nomoco Activity Area is available seasonally, from April 1st through November 15th.
• Reservations Required: Use of these group campsites is by permit only for chartered organizations, requiring advance reservations.

The Nomoco Activity Area, as part of Turkey Swamp Park, offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it an excellent choice for organized groups looking for an active and engaging outdoor experience in New Jersey.

• Dedicated Group Camping Environment: Unlike standard family campgrounds, Nomoco provides large, dedicated sites specifically designed for the needs of chartered groups, fostering a strong sense of community and privacy.
• Access to Turkey Swamp Park Amenities: Campers at Nomoco have full access to the broader Turkey Swamp Park, which is a significant highlight.
• 17-Acre Lake: The park features a beautiful 17-acre lake where groups can enjoy boating (kayak, canoe, rowboat, paddleboat rentals available seasonally) and fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegills.
• Extensive Trail System: Turkey Swamp Park boasts over 8 miles of multi-use trails traversing fields, forests, and wetlands. These relatively level trails are perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna, including plants and animals associated with the NJ Pine Barrens.
• Archery Range: An on-site archery range with seven shooting stations (from 15 to 40 yards) is available year-round, requiring users to bring their own equipment and targets. This is a unique activity for groups to learn or practice archery skills.
• Sports Courts: The Nomoco Activity Area itself includes basketball courts and grass volleyball courts, providing additional recreational opportunities for group activities.
• Playgrounds: Multiple playgrounds are available within Turkey Swamp Park, with one located inside the family campground and others throughout the park, offering fun for younger campers.
• The Outpost Site: For groups seeking a more secluded, primitive wilderness camping experience, "The Outpost" site requires a 1/4-mile hike to reach, offering a true back-to-basics adventure.
• Educational Opportunities: The park's natural environment provides excellent opportunities for nature observation, birdwatching, and learning about local ecosystems.

As Nomoco Activity Area is a part of the Monmouth County Park System and is specifically designated for chartered group camping, its pricing structure and any "special offers" are generally in the form of a fee schedule set by the county rather than commercial promotions. The primary "value" for New Jersey locals lies in the affordability and quality of a county-run facility designed for groups.

• Tiered Group Pricing: The permit fees for Nomoco Activity Area group campsites are typically tiered based on the specific area/site. For example, Areas 1, 3, & 4 might be $185.00 per night for residents ($270.00 for non-residents), while Area 2 & 5 might be $140.00 ($205.00 non-resident), and Area 6 (The Outpost) could be $93.00 ($140.00 non-resident). These varying rates allow groups to choose an option that fits their budget and desired level of amenities/seclusion.
• Resident vs. Non-Resident Rates: A significant "promotion" for New Jersey residents is the substantially lower rate they pay compared to non-residents. This makes Nomoco an excellent and cost-effective choice for local organizations and groups.
• Included Amenities: The permit fee covers the use of the designated group campsite, including platform tents (if applicable), picnic shelters, ground grills, and access to the park's general amenities like trails, the lake, and specific activity areas such as the archery range and sports courts.
• Seasonal Availability: The camping season from April 1st to November 15th provides flexibility for groups to plan outings during different times of the year, potentially taking advantage of pleasant spring or fall weather when demand might be slightly lower.

It is crucial for groups to consult the official Monmouth County Park System website or contact them directly for the most current fee schedule and to confirm reservation policies, as fees can be updated annually. There are no "promo codes" or limited-time sales in the traditional sense for these county park facilities; the value is built into their mission of providing public recreational spaces.

To inquire about reservations, permit requirements, or any specific details regarding group camping at Nomoco Activity Area within Turkey Swamp Park, please use the following contact information provided by the Monmouth County Park System:

• Address (Nomoco Activity Area): 143 Nomoco Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728, USA
• Phone (Campground Office / Park Information): (732) 462-7286. This is the primary number for general park inquiries and camping reservations.
• Alternative Phone (Ranger Station): (732) 462-9265 (for Turkey Swamp Park Ranger Station).
• General Monmouth County Park System Information: (732) 842-4000, ext. 4312 (TTY/TDD 711) for information about Monmouth County's parks and programs.
• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information, brochures, fees, and reservation forms, visit the Monmouth County Park System's official website, specifically the section dedicated to Turkey Swamp Park and its campgrounds.

It is highly recommended that groups contact the Monmouth County Park System directly via phone or visit their website to confirm availability and complete the necessary permit process well in advance of their desired camping dates, especially for popular seasons.

For New Jersey locals, especially those involved with organized groups like scout troops, youth organizations, or large family gatherings, the Nomoco Activity Area within Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable destination. Its primary appeal lies in its dedicated group camping facilities, offering a structured yet natural environment designed specifically for collective outdoor experiences. This unique focus ensures that groups have the space, privacy, and amenities necessary for successful outings, fostering teamwork and shared adventures.

The accessibility of Nomoco Activity Area is a significant advantage for New Jersey residents. Located conveniently in Monmouth County, it's easily reachable from various parts of the state via major highways, minimizing travel time and maximizing the duration of your group's outdoor enjoyment. This local convenience encourages more frequent trips and makes planning logistics for large groups considerably simpler and more cost-effective.

Beyond the camping experience itself, the integration of Nomoco Activity Area within the larger Turkey Swamp Park provides an extensive array of recreational opportunities. Groups can explore miles of scenic hiking trails, enjoy boating and fishing on the 17-acre lake, or engage in unique activities like archery and various field sports. This diverse range of features ensures that there is something to capture the interest of every group member, promoting active participation and a deeper connection with New Jersey's natural landscapes. The relatively affordable resident rates further enhance its suitability, making high-quality outdoor group experiences accessible to a broader range of local organizations. Nomoco Activity Area is truly a hidden gem for New Jersey groups seeking a memorable, convenient, and enriching outdoor adventure.

Nomoco Activity Area

Freehold Township, NJ 07728, USA