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!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Clinton, NJ
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Round Valley State Park Campground near Clinton offers primitive wilderness camping with all sites allowing pets on a leash. The campground features unique boat-in or hike-in only access, with the hike being at least 3 miles to reach the first campsites. Campers can choose from waterfront sites with reservoir views or more secluded wooded locations. The park maintains well-marked trails with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Several potable water pumps are positioned throughout the camping area, though hikers should verify working pumps before their trip as maintenance sometimes limits availability. Sites vary significantly in quality and terrain, with some offering beautiful lake access while others may have challenging tent placement due to rocks or uneven ground.
Mountainview Campground and Camp Carr both welcome pets with diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and pet-friendly cabins. The South Branch of the Raritan River runs alongside Camp Carr's campsites, providing peaceful water sounds and scenic views. Visitors report the hiking trail at Round Valley can be somewhat challenging when carrying camping gear, especially for unprepared hikers attempting to transport coolers and heavy equipment. The reservoir offers crystal-clear water, though swimming is technically prohibited on the camping side. Wildlife encounters are possible as this is an active bear area, so campers should bring appropriate deterrents and store food properly. Voorhees State Park and Jenny Jump State Forest provide additional pet-friendly camping options within reasonable driving distance of Clinton, each offering electric hookups and varying amenities for campers with animals.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Clinton (125)
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. Mountainview Campground
"When we got to the campsite and checked in, there was a chicken right outside the camp office, which my dog seemed to appreciate most!"
"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!"
3. Ringing Rocks Family Campground
"Store has most, if not all you essentials. ( had to get an extension cord because I forgot one of mine) so, if everything was positive, why did I give it four stars??"
"There are many beautiful sights around including the Delaware River, ringing rocks Park, and Nockamixon. The park is clean and well-maintained, the facilities are clean as well."
4. Colonial Woods Family Resort
"Dogs loved it too!"
"Dump station location isn’t ideal on a busy morning."
Check Availabilityfrom $52 / night
5. Jugtown Mountain Campsites
"Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated."
"We stopped for one night on the first leg of our drive to Florida from Massachusetts."
6. Camp Carr Campground
"Both times it was a positive experience. Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing. Only negative was the rest rooms closed sometime soon after the day camps let out."
"We’re total newbs but we had a great time parked next to the raritan river. Spot 21 was open on the one side since they weren’t allowing tents during Covid."
Check Availabilityfrom $37 / night
7. 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."
8. Driftstone Campground
"Pet friendly. We love it at Driftstone!"
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $64 - $74 / night
9. 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."
"Hikes close by. Other campers friendly. Dog friendly on a leash."
10. 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
Drive Time
- 37 min from Allentown, PA
- 45 min from Trenton, NJ
- 57 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 2 min from Philadelphia, PA
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Clinton, NJ
1129 Reviews of 125 Clinton 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 Clinton
Round Valley State Park Campground offers primitive wilderness camping near Clinton, New Jersey at an elevation of approximately 700 feet. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and is 180 feet deep, serving as the centerpiece for wilderness camping experiences. Visitors should note that while the area has beautiful scenery, access requires significant effort with either a boat-in or minimum 3-mile hike approach to reach any campsite.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing at Round Valley State Park Campground: The reservoir provides excellent paddling opportunities with crystal-clear water. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," reports Riley K., who appreciated the well-maintained sites and cooking amenities.
Wolf watching tours at Camp Taylor Campground: Located near the Lakota Wolf Preserve with discounted tours for campers. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," shares Julie F., who enjoyed the private wooded RV spots.
Rock exploration at Ringing Rocks: Bring a hammer to create musical sounds from the unique boulder field. "Ringing rocks, which are a natural rock formation which when hit with a hammer the rocks make a metallic ringing sound hence the name of the park," explains Jonathan R.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites at Mountainview Campground: Many sites offer privacy among mature trees. "Very wooded and delightfully devoid of golf carts. Saw wild turkeys and deer in the morning," notes Christina H., who appreciated the campground's peaceful atmosphere and proximity to natural attractions.
Riverside relaxation at Camp Carr: Campsites alongside the South Branch of the Raritan River. "Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing," shares Jim B., who appreciated the scenic waterfront camping just 15 miles from home.
Stargazing opportunities: The area offers relatively dark skies for the region. "Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," mentions Scott A., who enjoyed his stay at one of Mountainview Campground's primitive sites.
What you should know
Water availability varies at primitive sites: Check pump status before your trip. "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," advises James R.
Restricted swim areas: Not all waterfront locations permit swimming. "The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment—be careful," warns Janine W. about Round Valley conditions.
Varying site quality at Driftstone Campground: "Sites are all large, and easy to get in and out of. Sites include water, electric and cable. There is an inexpensive pump out service available daily," notes Kathy G., highlighting the practical amenities.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate April through October. "Spent many weekends here and met great friends," shares Kathie M. about her experiences at Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Take advantage of nature programs. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares Dina S. about Camp Taylor's unique attraction.
Playground access at Jenny Jump State Forest: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Great place to get away for the weekend with the family!!!" exclaims Fransheska A., who appreciated the dog-friendly policies and proximity to hiking trails.
Cabin options for beginners: For those new to camping, cabins provide comfort. "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!" shares Dwight D. about Jenny Jump's accommodations.
Swimming facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options. "The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," notes Kathy G. about Camp Taylor's amenities that appeal to families.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups at dog friendly campgrounds near Clinton: Most offer water and electric only. "Sites are water and 30 amp electric only no sewer so I recommend bringing your own portable dump tank," advises melissa N., who has visited Camp Carr for nearly 50 years.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. "Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill," warns Jim G. about Driftstone Campground.
Site selection strategy: Research campsite locations carefully. "We prefer even numbered sites as the hook ups for odd number are on the front side of the trailer unless the site is long enough to pull into or you have a motor home," shares melissa N. about Camp Carr's layout.
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