Round Valley State Park Campground requires visitors to hike a minimum of three miles or use boat access across the reservoir. Sites range from waterfront locations to spots deeper in forested areas, with all sites featuring a fire ring and picnic table. During summer, temperatures on exposed trails can reach 95 degrees, requiring proper preparation for both humans and pets.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Crystal clear water at Round Valley State Park Campground supports abundant trout fishing. "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," notes James R.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout Jenny Jump State Forest, offering varied terrain and lookout points. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany," shares Fransheska A.
Kayaking and canoeing: Many waterfront sites allow direct water access. "Well maintained campsites. Fire pit had a medal grate to cook on. Beautiful area. we paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," reports Riley K. about their paddling experience at Round Valley.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many campsites in the area offer significant separation from neighbors. "This place was actually fantastic, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains," Christina H. writes about Mountainview Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The forests near Bedminster provide opportunities to observe local animals. "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!" reports a visitor to Mountainview Campground.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. "The bathrooms were clean. The sink for dishes was clean and well maintained. The other campers were all very nice and it was pretty quiet," notes Barbara S. about Stephens State Park Campground.
What you should know
Campsite access challenges: Some locations require significant effort to reach. "The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max. The view was KILLER," shares James R. about Round Valley State Park Campground, while Stuart K. advises, "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."
Reservation requirements: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Bedminster require advance bookings, especially during peak seasons. "I booked a camp site but trying to call and confirm no answer mail box full, decided to take the hour drive," reports a visitor to Stephens State Park.
Weather conditions: The area experiences rapid weather changes that affect camping comfort. "The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment-- be careful," warns Janine W. about Round Valley's water conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers recreational facilities for children. "There is a playground and volleyball court. There are dumpsters but no recycling," notes Laura M.
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds feature lakes or rivers where families can swim, boat, or fish. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," shares Richard V. about Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Wildlife education: Take advantage of opportunities to teach children about local ecosystems. "We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us! Otherwise, this shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private," mentions Dwight D. about their experience at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy and amenities. "Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping. The grounds were fairly large and each campsite gets their own space with decent privacy," explains Ethan K. about Panther Lake.
Hookup limitations: Understand what utilities are available at each location. "The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp. Overall it was a nice stay and served our purpose. We don't need frills like a pool so we enjoyed it and would go again," shares Sarah about Driftstone Campground.
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult terrain for larger vehicles. "The campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs. We are in a 26ft class c and we squeezed through, and there were a few sites where we could have made it work, but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time," warns Laura M. about Stephens State Park.
Legend
