Round Valley State Park offers wilderness camping opportunities accessed by either hiking or boating to remote sites. The campground features primitive sites that sit along the shores of a 2,350-acre reservoir that reaches 180 feet deep at its center. Located just south of Interstate 78 near Lebanon, the park requires campers to travel 3-6 miles by foot or arrive by boat to reach the designated camping areas. For those seeking glamping in Bernards, New Jersey or upscale tent options, several parks in the region offer more comfortable accommodations with electricity and modern facilities.
What to do
Paddle the reservoir: At Round Valley State Park Campground, visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters by boat. "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views," notes one camper. Canoes and kayaks are permitted, and rentals may be available during peak season.
Visit wolf sanctuaries: Camp Taylor Campground offers a unique opportunity to visit the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," reports a reviewer.
Hike mountain trails: The area features several trail networks connecting to major systems. "We hiked to Mt. Tammany from the campsite for the best view in NJ (9 miles round trip)," shares a Camp Taylor visitor. Many trails are accessible directly from campgrounds, allowing for convenient day hikes without driving.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Mountainview Campground offers secluded spots that campers appreciate. "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," writes one reviewer who enjoyed the privacy.
Accessible water activities: Most campgrounds in the region feature water access. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," notes a reviewer at Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides opportunities to view local wildlife. At Mountainview Campground, one camper reported: "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!"
What you should know
Challenging access: Many campsites require significant effort to reach. "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," notes a camper who adds, "I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage."
Limited amenities: Most wilderness camping areas have minimal facilities. "While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you'll come across the 'stank' well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn't use them," reports a Round Valley visitor.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months (June-August), sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds require reservations, with some booking up months in advance. Jenny Jump State Forest campsites can be reserved through the state park reservation system.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select campgrounds with drive-up access. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," mentions a camper at Camp Taylor, highlighting convenient travel options.
Look for activity options: Great Divide Campground offers various family-friendly amenities. "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," a visitor shares.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours while others are more social. "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire," notes a Camp Taylor visitor.
Tips from RVers
Water connections vary: Many campgrounds have unusual water hookup arrangements. "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," explains a visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Be prepared for rustic conditions: Even with hookups, many sites remain primitive. "We filled our fresh water tank and bring drinking water," mentions an RV camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area who noted that water from pumps often tastes different than expected.
Limited site options: Luxury glamping near Bernards requires planning. "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," advises a regular visitor to the area.
