Camping opportunities near Frenchtown, New Jersey span across both sides of the Delaware River in an area that averages 600 feet above sea level with seasonal temperature fluctuations between 20°F in winter and 85°F in summer. The region's mixture of deciduous forest and open valley terrain creates diverse camping settings within a 20-mile radius of Frenchtown. Most campgrounds in this area remain open from April through October, closing during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing at local reservoirs: Round Valley State Park Campground offers exceptional fishing in its 2,350-acre reservoir that reaches depths of 180 feet. "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," notes James R. from a Round Valley State Park Campground review.
Explore musical boulder fields: Just a short drive from Upper Black Eddy, the famous boulder field at Ringing Rocks offers a unique geological experience. "Great place to just relax. I have spent many weeks here, nice setup and spacious sites. The rocks really do ring when hit with another rock," shares Kathie M. who visited Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: The Delaware River and nearby reservoirs provide multiple paddling options. "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... You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," explains Ruette W. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
What campers like
Private woodland campsites: Mountainview Campground offers secluded camping in wooded settings. "This place was actually fantastic, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains," writes Christina H. about Mountainview Campground.
Waterfront camping spots: Many campers appreciate sites positioned along water edges. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle," notes Stuart K.
Yurt camping options: Several campgrounds near Frenchtown offer yurt accommodations. "Lake Towhee Park Campground: Overall Rating: 4.5... Site Privacy: Outside sites: Great. Site Spacing: Very large sites... Setting: Deciduous forest with nice fall color. There are trails from the campground to the lake," describes Roger W. about Lake Towhee County Park.
What you should know
Access challenges for certain sites: Some camping areas require significant effort to reach. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon... it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping (a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles—or if you come with your own boat," explains a Round Valley reviewer.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "The only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," mentions Jules T. from a Spruce Run Recreation Area review.
Weather impacts on tent sites: Seasonal rain can cause issues for tent campers in certain locations. "It's more like a permanent RV park than a campground. The rain made the dirt in the tent campground turn to pure mud and the picnic table was unusable because it was in the middle of it," warns Leah C. about Tohickon Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and organized activities: Colonial Woods offers extensive family programming. "We had such a fun time during the summer between the pool, fishing at the pond and all the amazing amenities!! Just walking around the campground is beautiful. Will definitely come back, the best campground for complete family fun!" shares Michelle D. about Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Halloween weekend events: Several campgrounds host special seasonal events. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" notes Shannon C. about Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy observing local animals. "We had the best time camping here this past weekend! The staff is so friendly and helpful. The campsites are spacious and the and facilities are clean. Short drive to the Delaware River for tubing. We can't wait to return next year!" shares Emily about Mountainview Campground, which some campers note has goats and sheep that wander during daytime.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many wilderness-focused campgrounds lack full hookups. "They don't mostly, have hookups it's a trade off because the sites on the water are just so nice. We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," advises Ruette W.
Road navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "Not big rig friendly... Ok so let me start off by saying. If we still had our smaller travel trailer this review would've been at least 4 stars. However this place is not the place for you if you have a fifth wheel. The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed," warns Brian C. about Quakerwoods Campground.
Site selection for RVs: Choose sites carefully based on your rig size. "The park is nice, but... the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," suggests Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
