Nomoco Activity Area

For New Jersey residents seeking an ideal outdoor retreat for their organized group, the Nomoco Activity Area, nestled within the expansive Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, presents a fantastic opportunity. This specialized campground caters specifically to chartered organizations, offering a unique blend of rustic charm and essential amenities for a memorable group camping experience. Whether you're planning an outing for scouts, a church group, or any other organized youth or community association, Nomoco Activity Area provides a dedicated space to connect with nature and foster camaraderie, right here in the Garden State.

Turkey Swamp Park, and by extension, its Nomoco Activity Area, is a significant natural resource in Monmouth County. The park spans over 2,200 acres of diverse landscape, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Nomoco Activity Area itself was acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1993, specifically to continue its legacy as a valuable group camping facility, previously operated by the Girl Scouts. This commitment to preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment makes it a prime choice for locals looking to experience the outdoors without traveling far from home.

The vision behind Nomoco Activity Area is to provide a safe, engaging, and educational environment for groups to enjoy the natural beauty of New Jersey. It's a place where outdoor skills can be honed, teamwork can be strengthened, and lasting memories can be made around a campfire. From the unique Pine Barrens-associated flora and fauna to the tranquil lake, the park offers a rich backdrop for a variety of outdoor pursuits, making Nomoco Activity Area more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to authentic New Jersey outdoor adventure for your group.

The Nomoco Activity Area is conveniently situated in Freehold Township, New Jersey, making it highly accessible for residents throughout Central New Jersey and beyond. Its address is 143 Nomoco Road, Freehold Township, NJ 07728, USA. This location is strategically chosen to provide a sense of natural immersion while remaining within reasonable driving distance for many New Jersey communities. The area is located approximately 1.5 miles past the main entrance of Turkey Swamp Park on Georgia Road, with clear signage guiding visitors to the Activity Area.

For those traveling by car, the Nomoco Activity Area is easily reachable via major roadways. From the New Jersey Turnpike, take Exit 7A to Interstate 195 East, then follow I-195 to Exit 22. Turn left onto Jackson Mills Road North, then left onto Georgia Road, and follow signs. If you're coming from the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 98 to Interstate 195 West. At Exit 22, turn right onto Jackson Mills Road North, then left onto Georgia Road, and follow the signs. Additionally, from State Highway 9 in Freehold, you can turn onto Route 524 West (Elton-Adelphia Road), then left onto Georgia Road, and continue to Nomoco Road. Its central location minimizes travel time, allowing groups to maximize their time enjoying the park's amenities.

While the Nomoco Activity Area offers a more rustic group camping experience compared to the main family campground at Turkey Swamp Park, it provides essential services designed to support organized groups. The focus here is on communal outdoor living, with facilities that encourage shared experiences and self-sufficiency within a natural setting.

Services Offered:

• Platform Tent Camping: Dedicated sites feature platform tents, providing a sturdy and elevated base for sleeping, protecting campers from the ground.
• Ground Grills/Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a ground grill or fire ring, perfect for cooking meals over an open flame and enjoying evening campfires.
• Picnic Shelters with Tables: Sheltered areas with picnic tables are available at each group site, offering a designated space for group meals, activities, and protection from the elements.
• Water Access: While some sites may have water spigots nearby, certain more secluded sites like "the Outpost" require groups to bring their own drinking water, though hand pump-driven wells are available in the general area.
• Pit Toilets: Most group sites include access to pit toilets, providing basic restroom facilities in a natural setting. Showers and more modern restrooms may be available seasonally at the main park area, but not directly at all Nomoco sites.
• Firewood Purchase: Firewood can be purchased at the campground office, ensuring a convenient supply for campfires.
• Designated Parking: Vehicles are allowed at sites for loading and unloading, with designated parking areas nearby to maintain the natural ambiance of the camping area.

The Nomoco Activity Area, as part of Turkey Swamp Park, boasts a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for group outdoor adventures in New Jersey. The park's commitment to preserving its natural beauty while offering recreational opportunities is evident in these unique attributes.

Features / Highlights:

• Dedicated Group Camping: Nomoco Activity Area is specifically designed for chartered organizations, providing a focused and appropriate environment for group activities and bonding.
• Natural Setting within Pine Barrens Fringe: The campground is nestled within the northernmost fringes of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, offering a unique ecosystem with pitch pine and oak trees, and diverse flora and fauna.
• Access to Turkey Swamp Park Amenities: While Nomoco itself is geared towards group camping, campers have access to the broader amenities of Turkey Swamp Park, including:
  • 17-acre Lake: Ideal for fishing (bass, catfish, bluegills – NJ fishing license required for those 16 and older), and seasonal boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats).
  • Extensive Trail System: Over 8 miles of multiple-use trails are available for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian use, allowing groups to explore the park's varied landscapes.
  • Archery Range: A dedicated archery range with seven shooting stations offers a unique activity for groups to engage in.
  • Playgrounds: Multiple playgrounds within the park, including one within the main family campground, provide recreational options for younger campers.
  • Picnic Areas: In addition to the group site picnic shelters, other picnic areas with charcoal grills are available throughout Turkey Swamp Park.
• Secluded "Outpost" Site: For groups seeking a more primitive wilderness experience, the "Outpost" site requires a quarter-mile hike, offering a truly immersive outdoor adventure.
• Seasonal Availability: The group campground is open seasonally from April 1 to November 15, allowing groups to plan their trips during favorable weather conditions.
• Educational Opportunities: The diverse natural environment provides ample opportunities for environmental education, nature observation, and learning about local ecosystems.

Contact Information:

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

Phone: (732) 462-7286 (Campground Office)

For additional information and to learn more about the broader Turkey Swamp Park, you can visit the Monmouth County Park System website.

The Nomoco Activity Area at Turkey Swamp Park is exceptionally suitable for locals in New Jersey for a multitude of reasons, making it a highly desirable destination for organized groups within the state. Its proximity, dedicated facilities, and connection to a larger park system all contribute to its appeal.

Firstly, its central New Jersey location in Freehold Township means minimal travel time for many residents across the state. This accessibility is a significant advantage, reducing the burden of long drives and allowing groups to spend more valuable time enjoying the natural surroundings and planned activities. For scout troops, school groups, church organizations, and community clubs, a local, well-equipped campground simplifies logistics and encourages higher participation.

Secondly, the specialization in group camping is a key benefit. Nomoco Activity Area isn't just a collection of campsites; it's a thoughtfully designed space for collective experiences. The platform tents, picnic shelters, and designated activity areas cater to the unique needs of groups, promoting teamwork, shared learning, and a sense of community. This structured environment can be particularly valuable for youth development programs, offering a safe and engaging setting for outdoor education and character building.

Furthermore, being part of the larger Turkey Swamp Park offers an extended array of recreational possibilities. Groups can easily transition from their camping base at Nomoco to explore the park's 17-acre lake for boating and fishing, traverse its extensive multi-use trails for hiking or biking, or utilize the archery range for a unique skill-building activity. This diverse range of activities ensures that every group, regardless of age or interest, can find something to enjoy, enriching their overall camping experience.

Finally, the natural beauty of Turkey Swamp Park, with its unique Pine Barrens characteristics, provides an invaluable educational and recreational resource. Locals can connect with New Jersey's unique ecosystems, observe wildlife, and learn about environmental preservation right in their backyard. This blend of convenience, tailored group facilities, abundant activities, and natural splendor makes Nomoco Activity Area an ideal and highly recommended destination for any New Jersey-based chartered organization seeking a truly enriching outdoor adventure.

Nomoco Activity Area

Freehold Township, NJ 07728, USA