Round Valley State Park Campground offers true wilderness camping near Bethlehem, New Jersey, with sites requiring a 3-6 mile hike or boat access to reach. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet at its center. Primitive campsites provide essential amenities with vault toilets and water pumps while delivering a secluded outdoor experience not commonly found in New Jersey's more developed recreation areas.
What to do
Paddle to your campsite: At Round Valley State Park Campground, waterfront campsites can be accessed by kayak or canoe. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," notes Riley K., who appreciated the well-maintained sites with metal grate fire pits for cooking.
Visit the wolf preserve: Camp Taylor Campground connects directly to the Lakota Wolf Preserve with discounted tours for campers. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," says Julie F., describing how the wolf sanctuary creates a unique camping atmosphere.
Fish in clear waters: The South Branch of the Raritan River offers excellent fishing opportunities at Camp Carr Campground. According to Jim B., "Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing," making it a perfect spot for anglers and those seeking riverside relaxation.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: The tent sites at Mountainview Campground offer genuine privacy. "The campsites are spacious and the spot was spacious and comfortable," reports Emily, while Scott A. adds, "Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Great spot for stargazing."
Yurt camping comfort: For those seeking yurt camping near Bethlehem, New Jersey, several campgrounds offer these comfortable structures. At Mountainview Campground, visitors find yurts equipped with comfortable furnishings. Meanwhile, Camp Carr features waterfront yurt options along the peaceful river setting.
Wildlife encounters: The natural settings around Jenny Jump State Forest provide frequent wildlife sightings. "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," describes Kelsey K.
What you should know
Challenging hike-in camping: Round Valley requires physical effort to reach campsites. "Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG... 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," warns Stuart K., recommending proper hiking boots.
Seasonal water conditions: Spruce Run Recreation Area's swimming facilities vary by season. "Beaurtful Water Views...The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," mentions Ruette W., though notes "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that."
Campground restrictions: Rules vary significantly between locations. Mountainview enforces arrival times strictly, with Kyhlea D. sharing, "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Colonial Woods Family Resort offers multiple child-friendly amenities. "The pooL and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," reports Nicole S., adding they "had a playground, lake where you could fish, cornhole, and minigolf."
Educational experiences: Camp Taylor's wolf preserve tours create learning opportunities. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," explains Dina S., making this a standout educational activity.
Swimming options: Families appreciate Spruce Run's swimming areas when conditions permit. Jules T. notes, "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," though cautions that bathroom facilities may vary in cleanliness.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Camp Carr, site orientation affects setup. "We prefer even numbered sites as the hook ups for odd number are on the front side of the trailer unless the site is long enough to pull into or you have a motor home," advises melissa N.
Water hookup considerations: Many campsites offer limited utilities. At Spruce Run, Ruette W. suggests, "We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water."
Navigating tight spaces: For larger rigs, Colonial Woods presents challenges. "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)," warns Brian C., suggesting smaller travel trailers would have a better experience.
