Round Valley State Park Campground near Annandale offers a unique wilderness camping experience in northern New Jersey at 400 feet elevation. The 2,350-acre reservoir provides water-based recreation while the surrounding wooded terrain creates natural isolation between campsites. The primitive camping areas can only be accessed by hiking 3-6 miles through challenging trails or by boating across the reservoir, creating a genuine backcountry experience within 15 miles of Annandale.
What to do
Paddle to your campsite: At Round Valley State Park Campground, access remote campsites by water instead of hiking. "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site," notes camper Agbi B.
Visit the wolf preserve: The Lakota Wolf Preserve near Camp Taylor Campground offers a unique wildlife experience. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," shares Julie F., highlighting the natural soundtrack that accompanies evening campfires.
Explore boulder fields: Visit Ringing Rocks Park near Upper Black Eddy. "If you strike certain rocks with a metal hammer they ring, hence the name of the park!" explains Christina H. The unusual geological formation creates musical tones when struck correctly—bring a hammer to test this phenomenon yourself.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Mountainview Campground offers secluded spaces that feel remote despite being close to Annandale. "Our spot was #27 and pretty spacious. The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure," reports Sarah, appreciating both the privacy and amenities.
Crystal clear water: The reservoirs near Annandale are known for exceptional water clarity. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," mentions James R. about Round Valley's pristine waters.
Stargazing opportunities: The area's low light pollution makes it ideal for night sky viewing. "Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing," notes Scott A. about his experience at Mountainview Campground.
What you should know
Challenging hike-in access: Be prepared if choosing wilderness sites. "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy," warns Stuart K. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Annandale, New Jersey, several campgrounds offer these structures as alternatives to traditional tents. These circular canvas and wood shelters provide a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals, with some offering electricity and proper beds.
Weather considerations: The area can experience sudden weather changes, especially at the reservoir. "The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment—be careful," cautions Janine W., referencing how quickly conditions can shift on the water.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers numerous child-friendly amenities. "Fun camping place to book groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," recommends Cynthia H., highlighting features beyond just camping.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many children enjoy the natural animal encounters available. "We set up camp and went for a little walk around to explore a bit. There were some open fields, some hunting trails with tree stands, and some remains of old structure foundations, chimneys, and farm equipment," Christina describes the exploration options at Mountainview Campground.
Activity planning: During holiday weekends, special events are common. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" shares Shannon C. about her experience at Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Jenny Jump State Forest offers varied terrain with implications for RVs. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," notes Seth K., advice equally applicable to RV parking.
Water management: When staying at campgrounds without full hookups, plan accordingly. "We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," shares Ruette W. about managing water resources at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," reports Christina H. about Mountainview Campground, emphasizing the importance of knowing your vehicle's limitations.
