M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Tent Camping near Manchester, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Manchester, New Jersey offers several notable tent camping options, with Round Valley State Park Campground being a highlight for those seeking primitive tent camping experiences. The park features waterfront tent campsites accessible only by hiking approximately 3-6 miles or boating across the reservoir. Jenny Jump State Forest, another tent-friendly campground in the region, provides walk-in tent sites with more amenities within reasonable driving distance. These tent campsites range from backcountry reservoir access points to walk-in sites with fire rings and picnic tables, suiting both seasoned backpackers and casual tent campers.
Many tent sites at Round Valley require significant effort to access, making them ideal for serious tent campers looking for seclusion. The hiking trail to reach campsites is described as challenging with rocky terrain, particularly in the first three miles before transitioning to smoother asphalt paths. Most sites include a fire ring and picnic table, though amenities are sparse. Water access is limited to a few pumps scattered throughout the camping area, and primitive pit toilets are available but often not well maintained. Campers frequently filter water directly from the reservoir as an alternative to hiking to distant water pumps.
The effort required to reach these tent sites rewards campers with exceptional privacy and scenic views. Sites along the water provide stunning sunset vistas and direct access to the clear waters of Round Valley Reservoir. Tree cover varies by location, with most sites offering adequate shade for tents. According to one camper, "The campsite was really nice, even if the picnic table was almost completely broke." Another visitor noted that Round Valley is "one of the best places in NJ to camp" with "plenty of space in each site and plenty of space in between sites." Many tent campers report seeing minimal crowds, especially at sites farther from access points, creating an authentic wilderness camping experience despite being relatively close to populated areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Manchester (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. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
3. 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
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 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
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. 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 this weekend
from $100 / night
8. Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"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)."
9. 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
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 58 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 4 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 4 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Manchester, NJ
73 Photos of 45 Manchester Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Round Valley State Park Campground
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Wooded Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Steam Mill Campground
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Tent Camping Reviews near Manchester, NJ
989 Reviews of 45 Manchester Campgrounds
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!
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!
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
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.Ranger
Tohickon 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.
- KKelly B.
GuideStephens 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!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
Sue B.RangerDelaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Great off season camping
We camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
Guide to Manchester
Tent camping near Manchester, New Jersey centers around several state forests and parks within a 30-40 mile radius. The region sits at the edge of the New Jersey Highlands, with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet above sea level and predominantly oak-hickory forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate conditions with overnight temperatures that can drop below 50°F.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: At Jenny Jump State Forest, campers can access several nearby trails with scenic views. "We often bike along the canal there. There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view of the surrounding area and much more," notes reviewer Olivia M. about Washington Crossing State Park.
Paddling opportunities: The Delaware River provides excellent kayaking and canoeing options. "Well maintained campsites. Fire pit had a medal grate to cook on. Beautiful area. we paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," says Riley K. about Round Valley State Park Campground.
Wild blueberry picking: During summer months, the surrounding forests offer edible treats. "If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries," suggests Dan X. about the area around Mohican Outdoor Center.
Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution in certain camping areas creates excellent stargazing conditions. "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," shares Jen R. at Camp Starry Night.
What campers like
Secluded island camping: For those seeking unique camping experiences, river islands offer special appeal. "You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone. There are no public interactions beyond the neighboring sites on the river for miles," explains John B. about Namanock Island.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at certain campgrounds. "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 Kelsey K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Crystal clear water: The reservoirs and waterways receive consistent praise for their clarity. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," explains James R. about Round Valley's water quality.
Wildlife encounters: The regional parks host diverse animal populations. "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!" shares Sean M. from Namanock Island.
What you should know
Challenging access: Some of the more remote sites require significant effort. "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," warns Janine W. about camping at Round Valley.
Limited supplies: Most campgrounds lack nearby stores or markets. "The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials, although the main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!" advises Kelsey K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Water filtration needs: Natural water sources often require treatment. "While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don't get sick," recommends Stuart K. from Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground.
Insect preparation: Bugs can be numerous in warmer months. "Very buggy spot, LOTS of centipedes and other creatures at night, so bring a chair instead of sitting on the bench or log," advises Sean M. about Namanock Island.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Several parks offer designated group areas ideal for families. "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," describes Christopher W. about Rivers Bend Group Campground.
Shelter alternatives: For families new to camping, cabin options provide a comfortable introduction. "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," explains Dwight D. about the shelters at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Accessible sites: Some campgrounds offer accommodations for those with mobility needs. "Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not," notes Dwight D. about specific sites at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Educational opportunities: Many parks feature historical and natural history programs. "Visit the park's historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it's easily the most memorable history lesson you'll ever get outdoors," suggests Stuart K. about Washington Crossing State Park.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Most campgrounds near Manchester have restrictions on larger vehicles. "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). The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort," explains Seth K. about Wooded Campground.
Alternative lodging: For RVers who can't access certain sites, nearby glamping options offer comfort. "We are avid campers ranging from our early days of remote, rustic tent camping with just the two of us and 20 years later upgraded to our travel trailer that houses our two kids and two dogs," shares Jen R. about their experience at Camp Starry Night, noting the availability of canvas tents with queen beds as alternatives for RVers.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise despite their natural settings. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," mentions Jocelyn G. about Washington Crossing State Park, a factor important for light-sleeping RVers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Manchester, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Manchester, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Manchester, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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tent camping near
Manchester, NJ?
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TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Manchester, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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