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.