The Glen Gardner area sits within Hunterdon County's rolling hills where elevations range from 400 to 800 feet, creating diverse camping conditions throughout the region. During summer months, campers can expect average high temperatures in the mid-80s with cooler overnight temperatures in the mid-60s—ideal for exploring local water features. Camp accessibility varies dramatically between established grounds with most requiring advance planning for weekend reservations, especially at waterfront sites.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Round Valley Recreation Area features challenging trails leading to expansive viewpoints, some requiring significant effort but offering rewarding vistas. As reviewer Stuart K. notes, "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."
Explore the Delaware River: Driftstone Campground provides direct access to the Delaware River with boat launching facilities and equipment rentals. "The sites along the river would be my first choice... There is a boat ramp that can accommodate small boats and kayaks for rent. Things to do nearby include tubing, kayaking, rafting on the Delaware," reports reviewer Kathy G.
Visit unique geological features: While camping near Glen Gardner, take a short drive to Ringing Rocks Family Campground, which offers access to the fascinating Ringing Rocks County Park. "Lovely trails and the rocks are something else," mentions Gregg G. Another visitor suggests, "Go visit Ringing Rocks park with a hammer while you are here."
Wildlife observation: Camp Taylor Campground hosts the Lakota Wolf Preserve with discounted tours for campers. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares Dina S. The preserve offers scheduled educational tours twice daily on weekends.
What campers like
Secluded primitive camping: For campers seeking genuine solitude, Mountainview Campground offers remote sites away from crowds. Christina H. describes it as "a nice little remote campground in the mountains. The entire area is just gorgeous, open country." Another reviewer notes, "Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing."
Waterfront campsites: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences, with some campgrounds offering sites right on the Delaware River. "Our campsite was located along the Delaware river with a short walk down to be able to launch our canoe and kayak... The water is rather warm and swimming was enjoyable," reports Mitchell E. about Worthington State Forest Campground.
Clean facilities: Jenny Jump State Forest earns praise for well-maintained amenities. "The facilities were clean, stocked, and warm," notes Jamie A. Another camper mentions, "Showers were free and generally quite hot."
Wildlife encounters: Natural immersion experiences stand out in camper reviews. "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," writes Christina H. about Mountainview Campground. "We got to see wild turkeys and deer in the morning," adds another visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Weekend camping near Glen Gardner requires advance planning, with most established campgrounds filling 2-3 months ahead during peak season. Weekday availability remains significantly better year-round.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: The quality and availability of bathrooms differs dramatically between campgrounds. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, a visitor reported: "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall."
Highway noise affects some sites: Several campgrounds experience road noise despite natural settings. "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," notes Jules T. about Spruce Run Recreation Area. Another reviewer from Jenny Jump State Forest mentions, "The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials, although the main office does sell firewood."
Boat-in sites require planning: Round Valley Recreation Area's remote wilderness camping requires watercraft access or difficult hiking. "If you come with your own boat, you can access by water," explains a reviewer, who adds "I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with child-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds near Glen Gardner feature dedicated facilities for children. At Colonial Woods Family Resort, "The pooL and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," reports Nicole S. Another family notes, "We had the best time camping here this past weekend! The staff is so friendly and helpful."
Consider noise levels for sleeping children: Quiet time enforcement varies significantly between campgrounds. "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire," writes Dan B. about Camp Taylor Campground.
Pack for variable weather conditions: The region's temperature can fluctuate 20-30 degrees between day and night, especially in spring and fall. Rain showers occur frequently with limited covered recreation options at most campgrounds.
Look for educational opportunities: Wildlife and nature programs enhance family camping experiences. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much," shares a Camp Taylor visitor. Another notes, "They had a lot of scheduled crafts and to do for the kiddos and adults alike."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult terrain for larger rigs. "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)," warns Brian C. about Colonial Woods.
Limited hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited throughout the Glen Gardner camping area. "There is an inexpensive pump out service available daily," mentions Kathy G. about Driftstone Campground. Another RVer suggests, "I recommend bringing your own portable dump tank."
Consider site orientation for hookups: "We prefer even numbered sites as the hook ups for odd number are on the front side of the trailer unless the site is long enough to pull into or you have a motor home," advises a Camp Carr visitor.
Site leveling preparations: Many campgrounds require significant leveling for RVs. One camper notes, "The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp."
