Tent camping near Flemington, New Jersey offers experiences in diverse terrain spanning from hilly woodlands to reservoir shorelines. Located in Hunterdon County at approximately 180 feet above sea level, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer high temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching 20°F. Most primitive campsites near Flemington require advance reservations with booking windows opening 3-6 months prior to arrival dates.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing on reservoirs: Round Valley State Park Campground features a crystal-clear 2,350-acre reservoir that's 180 feet deep in the middle. "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," shares one camper at Round Valley State Park Campground.
Historic exploration: Visit the site where Washington crossed the Delaware River at Washington Crossing State Park. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware! It was VERY cold the year I went. To warm up, there is a small visitor's center where they have a reproduction of the famous painting commemorating the moment," mentions one visitor.
Mountain hiking: The trails at Jenny Jump State Forest provide elevation gains not commonly found in this part of New Jersey. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany," notes a camper.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. "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," writes a visitor to Jenny Jump State Forest.
Waterfront access: Many tent campers appreciate direct water access for swimming and paddling. "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," mentions a Round Valley camper.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers some surprisingly dark night skies despite proximity to urban areas. At Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms, a camper noted, "The best part of this trip was definitely the views. You look out over the field and see the mountains in the background with the river running between them... The stars and moon were absolutely amazing."
What you should know
Primitive facilities: Many tent sites have minimal amenities. At Fort Washington State Park Campground, "Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills."
Hike-in requirements: Round Valley requires physical exertion to reach campsites. "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."
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require booking in advance. "Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights," reports one Fort Washington camper.
Resident restrictions: Some local parks limit camping to residents. At Alverthorpe Private Park, a disappointed traveler noted, "Restricted to only residents. Looks nice, if you can actually stay here."
Tips for camping with families
Start with accessible sites: For families new to tent camping, look for sites with shorter access paths. "The campgrounds are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," reports a visitor to Jenny Jump State Forest.
Pack light for boat-in sites: At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, a camper advises, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite. Some of the sites do have a wooden pavilion covering the picnic table."
Bring wildlife protection: Several campgrounds report active wildlife. "Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," notes a Sandy Hook camper.
Consider temperature fluctuations: Mountain campgrounds experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. "It went down to 40 degrees that night so we had to make due with extra layers and bundle up but we made it through the night," shares a Gulyan Farms visitor.
