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."
