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 Califon, NJ
4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Tent camping options in the Hunterdon County region around Califon, New Jersey include several established state parks with dedicated tent sites. Round Valley State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping accessible by hiking approximately 3-5 miles or by boating across the reservoir, with sites positioned along the water's edge. Jenny Jump State Forest, located northwest of Califon, provides walk-in tent sites with more developed amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby drinking water.
Most tent sites near Califon require campers to pack in all supplies and be self-sufficient. The terrain at Round Valley features dirt pads surrounded by forested areas, while sites at Kittatinny Valley State Park and Mohican Outdoor Center offer more established clearings. According to one visitor, "Round Valley is certainly a must-see for any type of outdoors person, with a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large lake." Most tent campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, but amenities like drinking water and toilets vary significantly between locations. Several campgrounds, including Round Valley, operate seasonally from April 1 to October 31.
The primitive tent camping experience around Califon offers notable solitude and natural immersion. Many sites at Round Valley require either a challenging hike or boat access, creating a more secluded environment than typical drive-in campgrounds. A camper noted that "once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river," highlighting the genuine wilderness experience available. Tent campers should expect to encounter wildlife, with many reviews mentioning deer, birds, and occasional raccoon visitors. Sites along the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, though requiring more travel from Califon, provide unique tent camping experiences on islands and riverbanks with excellent star-viewing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Califon (45)
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. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
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. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping."
"The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
7. 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."
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
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 Tent Camping Photos near Califon, NJ
83 Photos of 45 Califon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Round Valley State Park Campground
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Wooded Campground
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Steam Mill Campground
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Califon, NJ
1057 Reviews of 45 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!
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!
Guide to Califon
Tent campsites near Califon, New Jersey typically remain open from April through October due to the region's seasonal climate patterns. The area sits within the Highlands region at elevations between 400-1,000 feet, creating cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Many primitive camping areas require bringing all drinking water as natural sources aren't treated and may be unsafe for consumption without filtration.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access: At Round Valley State Park Campground, watercraft provide an alternative way to reach campsites. "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site," notes Agbi B.
Fishing opportunities: The reservoirs and waterways near Califon support various fish species. "The view was KILLER. The water is crystal clear, the area is clean," reports James R. about the fishing conditions at Round Valley. The reservoir is known for trout fishing throughout the camping season.
Mountain hiking trails: Multiple trails run through the region with varying difficulty levels. At Jenny Jump State Forest, campers appreciate the direct trail access. "It's set up nicely for primitive camping and you are able to hike out straight from the campsite (which is always a plus!)," according to Ethan K.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. "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," shares Kelsey K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Wildlife viewing: The camping areas around Califon provide good opportunities to see native animals. "We've been here multiple times. It's so peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely," notes Katrina Z. about the natural setting at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Clear night skies: The rural setting allows for excellent stargazing. "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos," reports Jen R. from Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms.
What you should know
Toilet facilities vary significantly: Some campgrounds offer modern facilities while others have basic options. "There is a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets. Trails are well-kept," mentions Agbi B. about Round Valley's amenities.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground, reservations are essential as the park has limited tent sites. "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)," advises Bee L.
Weather preparedness: The highlands region can experience significant temperature drops at night. "It went down to 40 degrees that night so we had to make due with extra layers and bundle up but we made it through the night," recounts Jen R. about a spring camping trip near the area.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly locations: Some sites work better for families new to camping. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)," shares Seth K. about Jenny Jump, making it accessible for families wanting a wilderness experience without complete isolation.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreational options. "This place is 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. The campgrounds and bathrooms were clean and well kept," recommends Fransheska A. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Emergency access considerations: Walter's Boat In Campsites provides information about emergency options despite being remote. "There is an emergency pick up/access road available as well with contact from the park," notes John B., providing peace of mind for families camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most primitive campgrounds near Califon don't offer standard RV connections. At Washington Crossing State Park, RV campers should note the lack of hookups. "The camp ground is secluded and right on the Delaware River. Very enjoyable," mentions Wayne S., though RVs need to be self-contained.
Size restrictions: Many access roads to camping areas have width or clearance limitations. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path," mentions Seth K. about Jenny Jump, but larger RVs may have difficulty navigating the narrow access roads.
Group site options: For RV camping with multiple vehicles, specific group areas may be available. "Nice big group site and fun walk to Ghost Lake," says Doug W. about Washington Crossing State Park, offering an option for RV groups traveling together.
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campsite near Califon, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Califon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Califon, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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