R
Russell A.
Scout
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Camping near Bethlehem, NJ
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Campgrounds near Bethlehem, NJ range from tent and RV sites at reservoir-side state parks to cabin rentals and full-hookup facilities, with multiple options within 20 miles. The region includes multiple water-oriented camping destinations within 20 miles of Bethlehem, from reservable riverside sites to more rustic forest settings. Several facilities like Mountainview Campground and Colonial Woods Family Resort accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, while state parks provide more primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping conditions from April through October when most facilities operate. Spruce Run Recreation Area and Jenny Jump State Forest typically open April 1 and close by October 31, following typical northeastern seasonal patterns. Weather can significantly impact water activities and site conditions, particularly at reservoir-adjacent campgrounds. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Bathhouse facilities vary considerably between locations, with some campers noting maintenance concerns. A visitor at Spruce Run remarked, "The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw throughout the region, with several campgrounds situated along reservoirs or the Delaware River. The area's campgrounds feature varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites with limited facilities to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and recreational areas. Families often appreciate the playgrounds and water access at locations like Spruce Run Recreation Area. Campers frequently mention the balance of natural surroundings and convenience to nearby towns. According to one camper, "We stayed in a RV and a tent. The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day." Noise levels can vary significantly on weekends, with several reviewers noting that weekday camping provides a quieter experience, particularly at the more popular state park campgrounds.
Best Campgrounds near Bethlehem (185)
1. Round Valley State Park Campground
"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."
2. Mountainview Campground
"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!"
3. Spruce Run Recreation Area
"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."
4. Driftstone Campground
"Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."
"Driftstone is a gem of a campground at a great location on the Delaware. Easy access to Delaware Gap Recreation Area. Sites are pretty spacious with water and electric hookups."
Check Availabilityfrom $66 - $76 / night
5. Ringing Rocks Family Campground
"Store has most, if not all you essentials. ( had to get an extension cord because I forgot one of mine) so, if everything was positive, why did I give it four stars??"
"There are many beautiful sights around including the Delaware River, ringing rocks Park, and Nockamixon. The park is clean and well-maintained, the facilities are clean as well."
6. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"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."
7. Jugtown Mountain Campsites
"Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated."
"We stopped for one night on the first leg of our drive to Florida from Massachusetts."
8. Colonial Woods Family Resort
"Dump station location isn’t ideal on a busy morning."
"Just walking around the campground is beautiful. Will definitely come back, the best campground for complete family fun!"
Check Availabilityfrom $52 / night
9. Jenny Jump State Forest
"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."
10. Camp Taylor Campground
"Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you. "
"They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."
Check Availabilityfrom $33 - $42 / night
Drive Time
- 43 min from Allentown, PA
- 49 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 2 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 7 min from Philadelphia, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Bethlehem, NJ
566 Photos of 185 Bethlehem Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Spruce Run Recreation AreaY
Jugtown Mountain CampsitesM
Camp Carr Campground
Mountainview Campground
Round Valley State Park Campground
Dogwood Haven Family Campground, LLCR
Ringing Rocks Family Campgroundk
Tinicum Park Camping
Driftstone CampgroundK
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Stephens State Park CampgroundB
Jenny Jump State Forest
Recent Reviews near Bethlehem, NJ
1143 Reviews of 185 Bethlehem Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
- MMichael M.Scout
Turkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Roger V.
TravelerBake Oven Knob
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Guide to Bethlehem
Camping opportunities near Bethlehem, New Jersey span across the region's varied landscapes, with sites positioned at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and fall nights often dropping into the 40s. Primitive camping options require different preparation than the established facilities, with boat-in and hike-in sites offering more seclusion.
What to Do
Water recreation access points: At Round Valley State Park Campground, paddlers can launch directly from shoreline sites while enjoying the 2,350-acre reservoir. One visitor noted, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views. Really helpful people at the office."
Hiking trail connections: Jenny Jump State Forest features trails with mountain views that start directly from the camping areas. A camper shared, "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."
Off-site attractions: Campers at Ringing Rocks Family Campground can visit the nearby Ringing Rocks County Park. "Just past the Delaware River through Milford NJ, into PA, is a park called Ringing Rocks County Park. Some waterfalls to see and hiking to do. If you strike certain rocks with a metal hammer they ring, hence the name of the park!"
Wildlife observation: Wolf howls can be heard from some campsites near the Lakota Wolf Preserve. A visitor at Camp Taylor reported, "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp."
What Campers Like
Site spacing and privacy: Mountainview Campground provides well-separated sites in wooded settings. A visitor commented, "The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas."
River access: Sites along the Delaware River offer fishing, kayaking, and direct water views. One camper at Driftstone Campground shared, "Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings provide shade and wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper mentioned, "Saw wild turkeys and deer in the morning. The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite."
Stargazing conditions: Several campgrounds offer minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. A reviewer at Mountainview Campground stated, "Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice."
What You Should Know
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult terrain for larger vehicles. One visitor noted about Ringing Rocks, "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)."
Boat-in camping logistics: Camp Carr Campground offers unique riverfront sites that paddlers can access. A reviewer mentioned, "Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing. Only negative was the rest rooms closed sometime soon after the day camps let out."
Varying bathroom conditions: Facilities range widely across campgrounds. At Spruce Run, a camper reported, "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that. Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Hiking difficulty levels: Round Valley's wilderness camping requires significant hiking. One camper shared, "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."
Weekend vs. weekday experience: Noise levels and crowd sizes vary significantly. A visitor noted, "We stayed here 2 nights in May, Friday-Sunday. There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground proximity: When choosing sites, consider distance to play areas. A reviewer at Driftstone noted, "If you have children, being near the playground might be a good selection as well. Just be cautious of the placement of the dump station and proximity to the site."
Activity schedules: Colonial Woods Family Resort offers organized events for children. A camper shared, "The campground is perfect for a getaway if what you're looking for is no more than spending some time in nature. The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other."
Swimming options: Pool facilities vary by campground. A visitor commented, "The pooL and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times. The posted pool hours were not as described they don't really tell you but it was open a little later."
Rainy day alternatives: Some campgrounds have indoor activities for inclement weather. One family mentioned, "They did a few activities the one we did go to was the casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling work. A reviewer noted, "The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp."
Electrical hookups: Power availability varies significantly between campgrounds. At Spruce Run, a camper mentioned, "I paid $41 for 2 days. Campsites well spaced apart. Staff friendly."
Water access points: Some campgrounds offer direct reservoir or river access from RV sites. One RVer shared, "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."
Tree clearance issues: Lower hanging branches can be problematic. A camper warned, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bethlehem, NJ?
What camping is available near Bethlehem, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bethlehem, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 185 campgrounds and RV parks near Bethlehem, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bethlehem, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Bethlehem, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bethlehem, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bethlehem, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bethlehem, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Bethlehem, NJ.
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