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 Califon, NJ
14 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Campgrounds near Califon, New Jersey range from state parks to private resorts within a 15-mile radius, covering everything from developed campsites with full hookups to remote wilderness sites. Voorhees State Park Campground and Spruce Run Recreation Area provide developed camping options with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Round Valley State Park offers more remote wilderness camping experiences accessible only by hiking or boating. The region includes mixed-use campgrounds where RVs, tents, and cabin users share facilities, with Mountainview Campground and Panther Lake Camping Resort featuring amenities like electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables.
Most campgrounds in the Califon area operate seasonally, typically from April 1 through October 31, with a few extending through December. Voorhees State Park and Spruce Run Recreation Area provide electric hookups and water at select sites, though primitive camping remains available throughout the region. Summer weekends fill quickly, particularly at waterfront locations like Spruce Run, where reservations are strongly recommended. Many campsites require advance booking through the New Jersey State Park reservation system. A visitor noted, "Sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Spruce Run Recreation Area where lakeside sites offer sunset views over the reservoir. Campers highlight the spacious, grassy sites that accommodate various camping setups. Round Valley State Park stands out for those seeking solitude, with sites located 3-6 miles from the nearest road access. "This place is exceptional for the Northeast Coast. It's very secluded once arriving at a campsite. I've been about 5 times and have only seen one other person," shared one Round Valley visitor. Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with some receiving criticism for cleanliness issues while others earn praise for well-maintained facilities. Several campgrounds report increased noise levels during summer weekends, so midweek visits are recommended for those seeking quieter experiences.
Best Campgrounds near Califon (184)
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. 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."
3. 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!"
4. 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."
5. 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 $64 - $74 / night
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. Stephens State Park Campground
"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. "
"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"
8. Voorhees State Park Campground
"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."
9. 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
10. Panther Lake Camping Resort
"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."
Drive Time
- 52 min from Allentown, PA
- 56 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 6 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 14 min from Philadelphia, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Califon, NJ
552 Photos of 184 Califon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Spruce Run Recreation AreaY
Round Valley State Park Campground
Camp Carr Campground
Stephens State Park CampgroundB
Jugtown Mountain CampsitesM
Mountainview Campground
Jenny Jump State Forest
Driftstone Campground
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Dogwood Haven Family Campground, LLCR
Great Divide Campground
Tinicum Park Camping
Recent Reviews near Califon, NJ
1134 Reviews of 184 Califon 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 Califon
Campsite options near Califon, New Jersey range from secluded woodland settings to waterfront locations along the Delaware River. The region sits at elevations between 400-1,000 feet, creating varied terrain from river valleys to mountain ridges. Winter camping remains limited with most facilities closing by late October, though Worthington State Forest extends operations through December 31.
What to do
Hiking to elevated viewpoints: From Jenny Jump State Forest, access trails leading to panoramic vistas. "The hike up in the cushetunk mountain is really nice as well. If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place," notes one Round Valley visitor. Jenny Jump offers "hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground," according to Fransheska A.
Wolf watching excursions: At Camp Taylor Campground, attend educational programs at the adjacent Lakota Wolf Preserve. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," shares Julie F. The preserve conducts tours twice daily on weekends.
Kayaking and paddling: Many campsites provide boat access to local waterways. "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," notes a Spruce Run visitor. Another camper at Round Valley mentions, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean... We filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Mountainview Campground offers privacy among mature trees. "This place was actually fantastic, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains," writes Christina H. Another camper notes, "Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing."
Wildlife encounters: The natural areas surrounding Califon provide opportunities to observe native animals. "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise," reports a camper at Mountainview. At Jenny Jump State Forest, visitors regularly spot deer and wild turkeys in early mornings.
Evening astronomy: Great Divide Campground provides excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Clear nights offer visibility of the Milky Way from mid-summer through fall. Voorhees State Park features an observatory with public programs on select weekends. "Camp sites, with play grounds and an observatory," mentions one reviewer about Voorhees.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. "Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," warns a Great Divide visitor. Another notes, "Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground... Lots of hills so bikes are hard to use."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and cleanliness of facilities differs significantly between locations. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," reports a Spruce Run visitor. Conversely, at Driftstone Campground, "The bathrooms are super clean and had the nicest showers I have ever seen at a campground."
Weekend noise levels: Many campgrounds experience significant noise on weekends. "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!" reports a Spruce Run camper. Weekday visits typically offer quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Free water activities: Several campsites provide complimentary watercraft. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," reports a Great Divide visitor. Panther Lake Camping Resort offers additional options: "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake."
Budget-friendly alternatives: State parks typically offer lower rates than private campgrounds. Worthington State Forest provides more affordable options with similar amenities to private facilities. "You can't beat the state parks," notes one visitor. "The facilities were clean, stocked, and warm. The park was clean, quiet, and spacious."
Plan for weather changes: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. Pack additional layers for evenings when temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees from daytime highs. Morning dew can be heavy in wooded areas.
Tips from RVers
Alternative access routes: Several campgrounds have challenging primary entrances. "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill," advises a Driftstone visitor. Contact campgrounds directly for large rig routing recommendations.
Limited hookup availability: Many sites with premium views lack full hookups. "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," explains a Spruce Run camper. "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot."
Tree clearance issues: Watch for low-hanging branches at sites advertised as wooded. "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," recommends a Spruce Run visitor. Request specific site measurements when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Califon, NJ?
What camping is available near Califon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Califon, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 184 campgrounds and RV parks near Califon, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Califon, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Califon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Califon, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Califon, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Califon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Califon, NJ.
What parks are near Califon, NJ?
What parks are near Califon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Califon, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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