Round Valley State Park Campground offers primitive wilderness camping 30 miles from Fanwood, New Jersey. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 400 feet and features a 2,350-acre reservoir that reaches depths of 180 feet. Campsites can only be accessed by hiking 3-6 miles on challenging trails or by boating across the reservoir, creating a true wilderness experience that's rare in central New Jersey.
What to do
Hiking at Jenny Jump State Forest: Just under 40 miles from Fanwood, this forest offers trails with mountain views and varying difficulty levels. Jenny Jump State Forest provides hikers with scenic lookout points. "I really enjoyed this campground. Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites," notes Lindsay D.
Kayaking and canoeing: Many parks near Fanwood offer water recreation opportunities with rental equipment. Round Valley State Park Campground features crystal-clear water for paddling. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," shares Riley K., highlighting the pristine conditions. The reservoir provides excellent paddling conditions for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
Winter activities: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some locations remain open year-round. "I have camped here on many occasions for Over ten years, beginning when I only had a tent. Then with a camper van, and now an RV. I love the water views," explains Ruette W. about Spruce Run Recreation Area, which maintains winter accessibility when many other camping options close.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention appreciation for well-spaced sites. "The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," explains Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which offers electric and water hookups alongside wooded privacy.
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," reports antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, noting the practical amenities that enhance camping comfort without sacrificing the natural setting.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!" Christina H. shares about her experience at Mountainview Campground in Little York, approximately 17 miles from Fanwood.
What you should know
Ticks and insects: Be prepared for ticks, especially in wooded areas. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," warns LAURA Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience highway sounds. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," shares Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," notes Patrick M., emphasizing the unique winter camping options.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door," recommends Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Yurt camping for beginners: Families new to camping might appreciate the yurt camping options near Fanwood, New Jersey. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too," shares JAEWOOK P. about their experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Off-season advantages: Consider camping during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. "We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space. Very friendly staff, quiet, wooded area," notes Robert J., highlighting the advantages of camping outside peak periods.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Check the specific layout of utility connections before selecting sites. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," shares Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, noting both the ease of RV setup and proximity to transportation options.
Level sites: Many parks offer gravel or paved pads for easier setup. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," reports Jeff W. about camping at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, highlighting the practical amenities that make RV camping more comfortable.
Water hose considerations: Some campgrounds have specific water hookup arrangements. "The water hoses provided are plenty long. We didn't need to use our hose at all, just the filter," mentions Greg S. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, providing a practical tip that helps RVers prepare appropriately for their stay near Fanwood.
