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!
Tent Camping near Washington, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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State parks and national recreation areas surrounding Washington, New Jersey offer tent camping ranging from walk-in sites with amenities to true backcountry primitive tent campsites. Round Valley State Park Campground, located in Lebanon, offers primitive tent campsites accessible only by hiking or boating in. The sites are situated around a reservoir in a forested setting, providing a true backcountry experience just 15 miles from Washington. Jenny Jump State Forest in Blairstown features walk-in tent sites with more amenities, including drinking water and toilets. For those seeking a more remote experience, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 20 miles north of Washington, offers several primitive tent camping areas including boat-in sites on Namanock Island.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region require campers to pack in their own supplies. At Round Valley, tent sites are set on natural surfaces with minimal grading, and campers must hike approximately 3-5 miles to reach their sites. Water access is limited to scattered pumps, with many campers opting to filter water directly from the reservoir. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most sites, though maintenance of outhouses can be inconsistent. The camping season typically runs from April 1 to October 31, with reservations recommended during summer weekends. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in all tent camping areas.
Weekday tent campers often experience greater solitude at these sites. According to reviews, Round Valley offers "perfectly secluded" sites with "plenty of trees to set up a hammock" despite the challenging hike in. One camper noted that "the water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning," though they recommended boating in rather than hiking the rocky trail. At Jenny Jump State Forest, tent campers appreciate being able to "hike out straight from the campsite" to nearby lookout points. The primitive tent sites along the Stonetown Circular Trail provide "plenty of level space to set up multiple tents" with access to fresh water from adjacent streams, making them ideal for backcountry tent camping experiences.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Washington (48)
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."
"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."
2. Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
"This location was about an hour and a half away from our home so it was far enough to feel like we were getting away but close enough that we could be home quickly in case of an emergency since we decided"
from $125 / night
3. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
4. Wooded Campground
"Perfect land for an overnight before hitting the trail. There’s open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn’t have been more accommodating."
Check Availabilityfrom $59 - $60 / night
5. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $75 / night
6. Mohican Walk-In Campsites
"The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $40 / night
7. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
8. Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
9. Rivers Bend Group Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding. To your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large “U” bend of the Delaware river."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $100 / night
10. Alosa Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Primitive site for multi day river trips. There’s usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $16 / night
Drive Time
- 38 min from Allentown, PA
- 57 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 10 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 15 min from Philadelphia, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Washington, NJ
91 Photos of 48 Washington Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Round Valley State Park Campground
Wooded Campground
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Steam Mill Campground
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Washington, NJ
1032 Reviews of 48 Washington 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.
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!
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!
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.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Kathy L.RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
Guide to Washington
Tent camping near Washington, New Jersey offers accessible backcountry experiences within the Kittatinny Mountain range, where elevations range from 400-1,600 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer highs averaging 85°F and nighttime lows dipping to 40°F in spring and fall. Most primitive campsites in the area close between October 31 and April 1 due to regional weather patterns.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can paddle directly to their sites. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," notes one visitor. Some campers recommend boating rather than hiking: "If possible I suggest scouting out the perfect site prior to booking because some are gems while others are difficult to get into."
Fishing opportunities: The Delaware River at Alosa Boat In Campsites provides access to multiple fishing spots. "Primitive site for multi day river trips... Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access," reports one camper. The sites are particularly well-suited for anglers making overnight trips.
Mountain hiking: Trails near Kirkridge Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain connect with the Appalachian Trail. "This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire," notes a reviewer who appreciated the trail connectivity.
What campers like
Private, quiet tent sites: Tent campers frequently mention the seclusion available at Jenny Jump State Forest. "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," reports one visitor.
Waterfront camping: Campsites along the Delaware River at Walter's Boat In Campsites receive praise for their riverside location. One camper noted, "There are two different levels to the campsite, which is nice for boaters. We were able to leave the boats on the lower level and camped on the upper level. There are railroad tie stairs from the river up to the site, making it nice weather muddy or dry."
Wilderness experience close to roads: Tent campers appreciate the backcountry feel with relatively accessible locations. At Kittatinny Valley State Park, "Four spots across the public park. You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful. Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)."
What you should know
Water access limitations: Many sites require filtering water from natural sources. At Round Valley, campers report, "If possible I suggest scouting out the perfect site prior to booking because some are gems while others are difficult to get into. We boated/canoed kayaked in for a huge group one year and single sites every other year."
Hiking difficulty to sites: Trail access to some campgrounds requires substantial hiking. At Round Valley, "Some of the sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across. Beautiful peaceful and primitive. The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment-- be careful."
Limited supplies nearby: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center provides some convenience with "The Visitor Center is only 3/10 mile away and has wi-fi, bathrooms/showers and a shop with food that is open from 8am to 8pm." However, many primitive sites have no nearby stores, so campers should bring all necessary supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent options: For families new to primitive camping, Jenny Jump State Forest offers an alternative to ground tents. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks)."
Group camping facilities: Rivers Bend Group Campground provides dedicated areas for larger family gatherings. As one camper describes, "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding."
Bathroom proximity: With children, campsite location relative to bathrooms matters. At Jenny Jump, "Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk?"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most camping areas near Washington have minimal or no RV hookups. At Wooded Campground, campers note the primitive nature of sites: "There's open field and wooded options, and the hosts couldn't have been more accommodating. Mel brought firewood for the campfire and helped us load up on water."
Access challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow, winding access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. Jenny Jump State Forest campsites "are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks."
Weather considerations: Spring camping can be particularly challenging for RVers. One camper at Jenny Jump noted, "The last time we were there we were at site 28 which was nice and secluded but the smell from the pit toilets wafted over after a while." Plan for varying conditions if visiting in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Washington, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Washington, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Washington, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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tent camping near
Washington, NJ?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Washington, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Washington, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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