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Campgrounds near Bernardsville, New Jersey range from primitive to fully-developed facilities within a 30-mile radius. Round Valley State Park Campground offers a unique wilderness camping experience with boat-in or hike-in only access to remote sites along the reservoir. Other options include Stephens State Park, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, and Voorhees State Park, which provide tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Several private campgrounds like Panther Lake Camping Resort and Great Divide Campground add glamping and yurt options to the mix of camping styles available in the region.
Seasonal operations limit camping availability, with most state park campgrounds operating from April 1 through October 31. Worthington State Forest Campground has an extended season until December 31. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when waterfront locations fill quickly. The terrain varies from riverfront settings to wooded areas, with some campgrounds offering electric hookups while others maintain a more primitive experience. Cellular coverage can be spotty in more remote camping areas. A visitor to Round Valley noted, "This place is exceptional for the NorthEast Coast. Not too far from NYC or Philadelphia. It is hike-in or canoe-in only. I'd opt for canoeing for the most enjoyment. It's very secluded once arriving to the campsite."
Developed campgrounds in the area typically provide amenities like showers, toilets, and picnic tables, though availability varies by location. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful settings and clean facilities as highlights of their camping experiences. Stephens State Park receives praise for its proximity to water, with one camper sharing, "The river is just a small walk down the hill. You can hear the babbling of the river when it's quiet at camp which provided an extra layer of relaxation." Mixed-use campgrounds often accommodate various camping styles, from tent sites to RV hookups. Visitors should note that some locations prohibit alcohol or pets, with specific designated pet-friendly sites available at certain campgrounds. Access roads and site configurations at locations like Stephens State Park may present challenges for larger RVs, while private camping resorts generally offer more amenities and easier access.
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."
"Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
"Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."
"The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"
"The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."
"All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."
"There are dumpsters but no recycling (not sure if New Jersey segregates recycling after pickup). ATT had some reception but we forgot to check the Verizon phone. "
"Was a bit hard to locate the office to check in but finally found it. The camp site was spacious. The bathrooms were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean."
"The pit latrines were clean, the water spigots worked fine, and there was plenty of wildlife to see roam through the surrounding areas. It was home away from home."
"There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning."
"Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."
"Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."
"We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."
"Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"
ScoutThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Camping near Bernardsville, New Jersey occurs at elevations ranging from 380 to 1,000 feet above sea level across the surrounding highlands and valleys. Most campgrounds in the area maintain noise restrictions after 10 p.m., though enforcement varies by location. Winter camping options are limited, with only Worthington State Forest remaining open through December.
Fishing opportunities: The Musconetcong River at Stephens State Park Campground offers stocked trout fishing within walking distance of campsites. "The river is just a small walk down the hill. You can hear the babbling of the river when it's quiet at camp which provided an extra layer of relaxation," notes camper Jacquelyn G.
Boating access: Multiple options exist for paddling, with Round Valley State Park Campground offering boat-in camping on a 2,350-acre reservoir. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," shares Riley K. Sites require either a 3-mile hike or boat access, creating a more secluded experience.
Stargazing spots: At Mountainview Campground, clear skies allow for impressive night sky viewing away from urban light pollution. "Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," reports Scott A. Several sites feature open field placement with minimal tree cover for better astronomical observation.
Site privacy: Jenny Jump State Forest campers frequently mention well-spaced sites. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views," explains Jocelyn G. Many sites include natural screening between neighbors.
Water proximity: Waterfront sites at Spruce Run Recreation Area rank among the most requested. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," says Jules T. Morning fog often rises off the reservoir during cooler months, creating scenic wake-up views.
Clean facilities: Multiple campers note the well-maintained amenities at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor," states Greg S. The reservation's 12x12 wooden tent platforms provide level camping surfaces on otherwise rocky terrain.
Bear activity: Several campgrounds post bear warnings and maintain strict food storage policies. "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," notes Greg S. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds book completely for summer weekends 3-4 months in advance. At Great Divide Campground, "Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground," mentions Jojo P., though she adds, "We went on 4th of July weekend so the place was packed."
Noise considerations: Highway sounds affect some campgrounds despite their natural settings. "The noise from the highway was quite loud at night," reports Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump State Forest. Interstate 78 traffic creates background noise at Round Valley and Spruce Run during quieter evening hours.
Kid-friendly activities: Great Divide Campground offers structured programming for children throughout summer weekends. "A lot of Family activities. We have stayed here a few times before and always had a great time," reports Stacey R. Weekend schedules often include crafts, movie nights, and guided nature walks.
Playground access: Worthington State Forest Campground provides playground equipment near shower facilities. "These two sites were next to the shower house and playground. The facilities were clean, stocked, and warm," explains Jamie A. Sites 62 and 63 offer the closest proximity to these family conveniences.
Swimming options: Panther Lake Camping Resort maintains both lake and pool swimming areas. "2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around. Pool was packed so didn't spend time there but the ceramic class was fun for the girls," shares Jojo P. The resort charges additional fees for special activities.
Site accessibility: Several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," states Nancymike K., though other reviews note some tight turns on interior roads.
Hookup placement: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, water connection points sometimes require extra equipment. "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.
Leveling requirements: Mountainview Campground features primarily sloped sites requiring leveling blocks. "The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even," explains Sarah about site #27, one of the campground's more level offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bernardsville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bernardsville, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Bernardsville, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bernardsville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bernardsville, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bernardsville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Bernardsville, NJ.
What parks are near Bernardsville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Bernardsville, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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