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 Denville, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Northern New Jersey offers several tent camping options within driving distance of Denville, with sites ranging from primitive backcountry spots to established campgrounds. Jenny Jump State Forest, located approximately 35 miles west of Denville, provides spacious tent sites with access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The Stonetown Circular Trail offers primitive tent camping opportunities with sites positioned along an 11-mile loop trail north of Denville.
Tent campsites at established locations like Kittatinny Valley State Park feature relatively flat terrain with a mix of open and wooded sites. Most tent areas provide basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, though primitive sites along trails typically have no facilities. Campgaw Mountain Reservation requires permits for tent camping and offers sites relatively close to roadways. Access varies significantly between locations, with some sites requiring short walks or hikes to reach, particularly at primitive locations. A camper wrote about Stonetown Circular Trail's primitive site: "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble."
Tent campers at Jenny Jump State Forest enjoy relatively private sites separated from neighboring campers by natural vegetation. The tent-only sites at Kittatinny Valley State Park are known for wildlife sightings, with one visitor noting, "You'll see deer and rabbits; it's really spacious and beautiful." Walk-in tent sites typically offer more seclusion than drive-in locations but require additional effort to transport gear. Primitive tent campsites along trails provide genuine backcountry experiences but demand preparation for self-sufficient camping. Seasonal considerations affect tent camping options, with most established campgrounds in the region operating from April through October, while some primitive sites may be accessible year-round depending on weather conditions.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Denville (36)
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. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
4. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
5. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
6. Moon Valley Campground
"This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc."
"The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan! Check them out and leave a review with your adventures during your stay!"
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $275 / night
7. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
8. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
9. 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)."
10. Steam Mill Campground
"Campsite is flat, grassy, some rocks to avoid, one tree in center, large fire ring, picnic table, short walk to the pit toilet, short walk to the water spigot that is always running and ice cold, short"
"Fire rings don't seem centered on their cement bases, but other than being aware of the edges as a tripping hazard this is not an issue -- no worse than any other rock or root. "
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
Drive Time
- 38 min from New York, NY
- 41 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 10 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 13 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Denville, NJ
62 Photos of 36 Denville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Round Valley State Park Campground
Steam Mill Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
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Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Denville, NJ
877 Reviews of 36 Denville 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!
Leo C.ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
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.
- 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 Denville
Round Valley State Park Campground offers wilderness camping opportunities 30 miles west of Denville, with sites accessible only by hiking 3 to 6 miles or by boat. The primitive camping area sits on the southeast corner of the 2,350-acre reservoir where water depths reach 180 feet. Most tent camping locations near Denville operate seasonally from April through October, with varying terrain from rocky outcroppings to flat shoreline areas.
What to do
Paddle-in camping: Round Valley State Park Campground provides a unique opportunity to access campsites by water. "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site. In-season rentals should be available on-site," notes Agbi B. The reservoir features crystal clear water ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Hiking to campsites: For those seeking a challenge, some of the best tent camping near Denville, New Jersey requires effort to reach. At Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1, campers must tackle a rock scramble for the reward. "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," explains Ethan K.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple camping areas provide access to scenic waterfalls. At Namanock Island, "There are waterfalls on the Pennsylvania shore within a quick walking distance of your location that are very much worth the time it takes to walk the trail," according to John B. The island location creates a unique camping experience with access to numerous natural attractions.
What campers like
Island camping: Namanock Island offers a rare camping experience in the middle of the Delaware River. "Let me say that of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else," shares John B. The island features four primitive sites maintained by the National Park Service.
Private, spacious sites: Jenny Jump State Forest gets high marks for site separation. "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.
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing at several campgrounds. At Namanock Island, "once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river. Now, no lights means an incredible view of the night sky," according to John B. This darkness makes tent camping near Denville ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many campsites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley State Park Campground, "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy," warns Stuart K.
Water considerations: When camping at sites along rivers or reservoirs, water safety is essential. At Namanock Island, "spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry," notes John B. Always check water conditions before departing.
Primitive facilities: Most backcountry sites offer minimal amenities. At Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2, "There is a great fire pit to heat up water and cook food," but little else, according to Ethan K. Come prepared with all necessary supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: For families wanting more shelter, several parks offer cabin accommodations. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "It was great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside," notes Ethan K. The cabins feature basic amenities that make family camping more accessible.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled events. "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too," shares Sara P. These activities can keep children entertained during longer stays.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas provide opportunities to observe local animals. Round Valley State Park Campground offers "trout-infused reservoir water" according to Stuart K., making it excellent for wildlife education. Bird watching is particularly good at Namanock Island where Sean M. reports seeing "tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!"
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup limitations: RV campers should note that many sites near Denville lack hookups. At Jenny Jump State Forest, electric hookups are available, but they don't offer 30-amp or 50-amp connections for larger rigs. Check park websites before arriving with larger vehicles.
Access road considerations: Many of the campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Campgaw Mountain Reservation, "The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps," notes Jake R. This can affect privacy but provides easy access for smaller RVs.
Alternative accommodations: When RV sites are unavailable, consider the camping cabins. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "If you want, they have the option of renting a small cabin/shelter that you can stay in if you are not into tent camping," explains Ethan K., which can be an option when RV hookups are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
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