Camping options near Annandale, New Jersey range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations across varied terrain between 400-1200 feet elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Many campsites require advance reservation, particularly for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day when demand increases substantially.
What to do
Kayaking access from campsites: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers direct water access where "you can launch your kayak easily from the shore" according to camper Ruette W., who noted that many waterfront sites provide excellent views and access despite lacking full hookups.
Hiking to isolated camping spots: At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can access true wilderness sites that require significant effort. As Stuart K. explains, "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle."
Observatory visits: Voorhees State Park Campground maintains an observatory that's accessible to campers. The park combines "well maintained hiking trails, camp sites, with play grounds and an observatory," notes Jocelyn G., making it suitable for both daytime and nighttime activities.
Rock exploration: Only 30 minutes from Annandale, visitors can experience a unique geological feature. One camper at Ringing Rocks Family Campground advises: "Bring a hammer" for the nearby Ringing Rocks County Park where "the rocks are something else" according to Gregg G., who recommends this unusual activity for families.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Mountainview Campground receives high marks for its secluded environment. Christina H. described it as "just so calming and quiet, it was really just such a relaxing place to be. There was no irritation from loud, busy nearby roads, no city noise, no people yelling or stomping about."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds in the region offer opportunities for animal sightings. At Mountainview Campground, one camper reported: "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
Clean facilities: Driftstone Campground stands out for maintenance. Elke P. noted that "the bathrooms are super clean and had the nicest showers I have ever seen at a campground," a sentiment echoed across several reviews highlighting the campground's riverside location and well-maintained grounds.
Sunsets over water: Many campers specifically mention evening views at waterfront sites. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Yolanda T. describes "clean beautiful camp grounds with amazing sun sets" where "most campsite has a view of the Reservoir when sundown has amazing sunsets."
What you should know
Challenging hikes to remote sites: If planning to camp at Round Valley's primitive sites, prepare for a strenuous journey. James R. warns that "The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max" to reach these remote campsites, while Janine W. adds that "Some of the sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across."
Highway noise: Several campgrounds experience road noise despite their natural settings. At Jenny Jump State Forest, Seth K. noted you can "hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)" while another camper mentioned that "the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Variable bathroom quality: Facilities differ dramatically between campgrounds. At Spruce Run, one camper reported that "the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting... for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall" during a busy weekend, contrasting sharply with other campgrounds' cleanliness ratings.
Water pressure issues: Some sites experience utility inconsistencies. At Jugtown Mountain Campsites, David B. reported "there was some issue with the water pressure during the daytime. Only had 1psi of water pressure. Couldn't take a shower or wash dishes."
Tips for camping with families
Shelter accommodations: Jenny Jump State Forest offers cabin-like structures that work well for families new to camping. Dwight D. describes these as "four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch," making them suitable for families wanting comfort while still experiencing nature.
Weekend activities: Colonial Woods Family Resort organizes regular events for children. Nicole S. mentions they "did a few activities the one we did go to was the casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital which is awesome and the kids loved the candy and little prizes they won."
Seasonal timing: School holidays affect campground atmosphere. During summer at Spruce Run, Jules T. observed that "There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday" and noted that "Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night," suggesting families seeking quiet might prefer weekdays or shoulder seasons.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature farm animals that entertain children. At Mountainview Campground, Jami mentioned "Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day!" while another camper appreciated "The free-range chickens by the office are a warm welcome."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for hookups: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Ruette W. advises that "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it."
Tree clearance concerns: RVers should research overhead clearances at certain Annandale NJ campgrounds. At Colonial Woods, Brian C. warns it's "not the place for you if you have a fifth wheel. The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)."
Dump station location: Consider dump station placement when choosing sites. Douglas P. notes that at Colonial Woods Family Resort, the "dump station location isn't ideal on a busy morning" and suggests asking "if it's ok to stick around until it dies down if our site isn't needed soon."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. Sarah noted at Mountainview Campground that "The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even" but other reviewers at different campgrounds mentioned difficulties with site grading.
