Nomoco Activity Area

Introduction / Overview

For organized groups across New Jersey seeking an authentic, nature-immersed camping experience, the Nomoco Activity Area provides an exceptional destination. Located within the expansive **Turkey Swamp Park** in Freehold Township, this area is not a typical family campground but is specifically designated for **organized groups with a charter**, such as scout troops, church groups, and youth organizations. The campground, managed by the reputable Monmouth County Park System, offers a perfect blend of primitive wilderness and essential amenities, making it a functional and memorable setting for group activities and bonding in the great outdoors.

Nomoco Activity Area is set within the 2,388 acres of wooded parkland that characterize Turkey Swamp Park, an environment on the northern fringes of the famed New Jersey Pine Barrens. The park's landscape is rich with pitch pine and oak trees, creating a secluded and natural environment for campers. The area's history is tied to former Camp Nomoco, acquired by the Park System to ensure the preservation of this valuable tract of land and its conversion into a public resource.

The facility operates seasonally, typically from **April 1 through November 15**, and provides a dedicated space where groups can connect with nature, participate in team-building exercises, and enjoy the wealth of recreational opportunities available throughout Turkey Swamp Park.

Location and Accessibility

The Nomoco Activity Area is a distinct, more secluded section of Turkey Swamp Park in Central New Jersey, offering ease of access from major statewide routes, making it a convenient meeting point for groups traveling from different parts of the state.

The physical address to use for GPS guidance to the group camping area is:

143 Nomoco Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728, USA

• **Park System Location:** Nomoco Activity Area is situated approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the main Turkey Swamp Park entrance on Georgia Road. Signage for the activity area helps guide visitors to the correct entrance off of Nomoco Road.
• **Regional Accessibility:** Freehold Township is centrally located in Monmouth County, making the park easily accessible from both the Garden State Parkway (Exit 98 to I-195 West) and the NJ Turnpike (Exit 7A to I-195 East). This central location is a considerable advantage for New Jersey-based groups organizing large outings.
• **Group Parking:** While vehicles are permitted at the campsites for loading and unloading purposes, parking for the duration of the stay is restricted to designated areas, ensuring the camping environment remains pedestrian-friendly and natural. Note that the most secluded site, "the Outpost," requires a short walk-in.

Services Offered

The Nomoco Activity Area's services are tailored to the needs of larger, organized camping groups, emphasizing simplicity, utility, and safety. Each group campsite is large, accommodating up to 40 people.

• **Campsite Features:**
  • Group sites are furnished with a **Picnic shelter** and **Picnic tables** for group meals and activities.
  • Each site includes a **Ground grill/fire ring** for cooking and enjoying campfires (firewood can be purchased at the campground office). Wood fires are allowed during designated hours (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.), weather permitting.
  • Several sites feature **Platform tents**, offering a slightly enhanced camping experience for groups.
  • **Water access** is available at most sites, though the primitive "Outpost" site requires water to be carried in (hand pump-driven wells are available nearby).
• **Group Facilities:**
  • Central **Restrooms with hot showers** are available, typically open during the camping season (approximately April 15 - November 15).
  • Some sites feature basic **Pit toilets** for convenience.
  • The Nomoco Activity Area includes dedicated courts for recreation, such as **Basketball courts** and **Grass volleyball courts**.
• **Reservation and Payment:**
  • Reservations are mandatory for these group sites and must be made either in person or by phone (732) 462-7286.
  • Payment in full for the per-site fee is required at the time of reservation.

Features / Highlights

Nomoco Activity Area's highlights center around its pristine natural setting and its integration into the wider attractions of Turkey Swamp Park.

• **Dedicated Group Sites:** The area offers six large sites, with one being an especially **secluded "Outpost"** site that requires a short walk, making it perfect for groups seeking a true wilderness camping immersion with greater privacy.
• **Access to Turkey Swamp Park Amenities:** Nomoco campers get full access to the expansive park's features:
  • **17-Acre Lake:** A central attraction for **Fishing** (bass, catfish, bluegills) and **Boating** (canoe, rowboat, kayak, and paddleboat rentals are available seasonally). Ice-skating is available in winter when safe conditions are posted.
  • **Extensive Trail Network:** The park boasts **more than 9 miles of multi-use trails** (easy to challenging) for **Hiking**, bicycling, and equestrian use, allowing groups to explore the unique pitch pine and oak forest ecosystem.
  • **Archery Range:** A dedicated, year-round **Archery Range** is available for use by supervised groups and individuals.
  • **Other Recreation:** Open playing fields, additional picnic areas, and four children's playgrounds are located elsewhere in the park.
• **Conservation Focus:** The park is managed by the Monmouth County Park System with a strong focus on conservation, protecting the Pine Barrens flora and fauna, and promoting water quality in the headwaters of several major New Jersey river systems.
• **Rules:** The campground is a safe and controlled environment, enforcing a strict **No alcoholic beverages permitted** policy and quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Contact Information

For organized groups looking to book their next outdoor adventure or to verify current seasonal details, the primary contacts for Nomoco Activity Area (Group Campground) and Turkey Swamp Park are:

Address: **143 Nomoco Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728, USA**

Reservations & Campground Office Phone: **(732) 462-7286** or **(732) 462-5343**

General Park Information Phone: **(732) 462-9265** (Ranger Station)

Online Information: Search for "Monmouth County Park System Turkey Swamp Park"

What is Worth Choosing Nomoco Activity Area

For New Jersey-based chartered organizations, the Nomoco Activity Area provides one of the best value propositions for an impactful group retreat. It is worth choosing because it offers **dedicated, large-capacity sites** specifically designed to handle and host sizable youth and community groups, a feature often difficult to find in standard family campgrounds. The availability of platform tents, picnic shelters, and dedicated courts for group sports (basketball, volleyball) means less logistical planning for group leaders.

Crucially, the Nomoco Activity Area is your gateway to the expansive, activity-rich Turkey Swamp Park. The combination of secluded group camping in a Pine Barrens environment with immediate access to a 17-acre lake for **boating and fishing**, miles of **multi-use trails**, and a modern **archery range** creates a comprehensive and highly engaging outdoor program for any chartered group. The commitment of the Monmouth County Park System to maintaining clean facilities and a well-preserved natural environment ensures a quality, protected outdoor experience that will leave a lasting positive impression on all participants.

Nomoco Activity Area

Freehold Township, NJ 07728, USA