Round Valley Recreation Area offers primitive camping experiences, accessible by a 3-6 mile hike or by boat across the reservoir. Sites feature basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water pumps. The hike to the campgrounds can be challenging with camping gear. Nearby Spruce Run serves as a more accessible alternative for those seeking glamping close to Glen Gardner, New Jersey, with drive-in access and more developed facilities.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Round Valley: The reservoir provides excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. According to one visitor, "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" (Round Valley State Park Campground). The deep, 2,350-acre reservoir is known for excellent trout fishing.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds in the region offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Camp Taylor Campground, the Lakota Wolf Preserve is a unique attraction. One camper mentioned, "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance."
Hiking exploration: Jenny Jump State Forest features well-maintained trails with scenic views. A visitor noted, "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." Many trails connect directly to campsites, making day hikes convenient without driving.
What campers like
Secluded camping experience: Mountainview Campground offers privacy that many campers appreciate. "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," shared one reviewer at Mountainview Campground. The drive to this campsite features scenic mountain roads and streams.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. At Ringing Rocks Family Campground, a camper reported, "Relaxing Stay. Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice." The clean facilities make extended stays more comfortable.
Natural soundscape: The area's distance from urban centers provides opportunities to enjoy natural sounds. At Mountainview Campground, one camper described, "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. 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!" This natural ambiance creates an authentic outdoor experience.
What you should know
Primitive vs. full-service options: Camping options near Glen Gardner range from basic to full amenities. A Jenny Jump State Forest visitor explained, "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake). The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping accommodations close to Glen Gardner, New Jersey require advance planning. At Jenny Jump State Forest, one camper advised, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Most camping and glamping facilities operate from April through October. During peak summer months, sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. A Spruce Run camper noted, "My first time camping trip in a few decades... So can't compare to others (yet). My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor at Colonial Woods Family Resort shared, "The campground is in the mountains of PA close enough to the Delaware River that we took a trip down using Bucks County river tub company. We didn't have to go tubing because there was so much to do. The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times."
Swimming opportunities: Multiple locations offer swimming in either pools or natural water. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, campers enjoy both options: "Great atmosphere for families. Little crowded for couples who want peace and quiet the staff was great to deal with." Another visitor mentioned, "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."
Educational experiences: Wildlife viewing and nature programs enhance family camping trips. Camp Taylor's wolf preserve offers tours that children particularly enjoy. One family reported, "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, not that remote, but feels like a million miles away."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When glamping with an RV near Glen Gardner, choose sites based on specific needs. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, an RVer recommended, "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. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Limited hookup availability: Some water-view sites lack full hookups. A Spruce Run camper advised, "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."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. Colonial Woods Family Resort received this feedback: "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."
