Round Valley State Park Campground near Berkeley Heights offers primitive camping experiences not commonly found elsewhere in New Jersey. Located at 1,220 feet elevation in the Cushetunk Mountain range, campsites are accessible only by hiking 3-6 miles or boating across the reservoir. The 2,350-acre reservoir creates a unique microclimate where summer temperatures average 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, making it ideal for escaping urban heat.
What to do
Water activities on the reservoir: At Round Valley State Park Campground, the crystal-clear reservoir offers excellent fishing and paddling opportunities. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," notes Ryan M. The reservoir is stocked with trout and provides a peaceful setting for kayaking or canoeing.
Hiking to campsites: The trail system requires moderate to advanced hiking skills to reach camping areas. "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," shares Stuart K.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers designated archery ranges where campers can practice their skills. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," suggests Patrick M., highlighting one of the unique amenities in the area.
Mountain biking: The trails at Stokes State Forest provide challenging terrain for cyclists of all levels. With 63 miles of marked trails across varied landscapes, bikers can experience everything from gentle forest paths to technical rocky sections.
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Jenny Jump State Forest offers remarkable privacy between sites. "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," writes Kelsey K.
Waterfront camping: Spruce Run Recreation Area features sites with direct water views. "I have camped here on many occasions for Over ten years, beginning when I only had a tent. Then with a camper van, and now an RV. I love the water views, The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," explains Ruette W.
Year-round shelter options: For those seeking yurt camping near Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Stokes State Forest offers cabin alternatives that can be used in any season. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I favored Cabin 8, the kitchen and bathroom were separated from the main room. The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic," reports W L.
Proximity to hiking trails: Many campgrounds provide direct access to trail systems. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents. Site came with bear proof bin for garbage and fire ring," notes E.M.V.
What you should know
Bear country precautions: Food storage protocols are strictly enforced at most campgrounds. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns Trip Over Life from their experience at Stokes State Forest.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal connectivity. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, "People were nice. Bathrooms were clean. Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones," notes Umar A., while another camper adds, "good luck getting cell service! its like a black hole of signals there."
Seasonal challenges: Tick activity is high during warm months. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," reports LAURA Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Potable water access: Water availability varies widely between campgrounds. Some primitive sites require filtering water or bringing your own supply. At Round Valley, one camper notes, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly campsites: Great Divide Campground offers well-designed spaces for first-time campers. "This was our first time camping and it was a success. Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," shares Jojo P.
Educational wildlife viewing: Several parks offer opportunities to see animals. "Cute sheep and goats as you come in, playground for children, open fields for kids to run," reports a visitor about Mountainview Campground, giving children the chance to see farm animals up close.
Weather considerations: Early fall offers optimal camping conditions with fewer insects and moderate temperatures. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too," shares JAEWOOK P. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Family shelter options: When tent camping isn't suitable, various structure options exist. "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," writes Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large vehicles: Choose carefully based on your RV size. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," shares Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Hookup considerations: Water connections may require extra equipment. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," notes antruze about Mahlon Dickerson.
RV site terrain: Surface conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Seasonal site availability: The best RV sites book quickly during peak seasons. "We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great! Lots of seasonal campers so not much room for spots for weekend visits unless you want to be in the field areas with not much shade cover," comments Jojo P. about Panther Lake.
