Several campgrounds surround Martinsville, New Jersey, with a mix of accommodation types ranging from primitive sites to developed facilities. Round Valley State Park Campground stands out as a notable destination, offering hike-in or boat-in wilderness camping along its 2,350-acre reservoir. Other established campgrounds in the region include Spruce Run Recreation Area, Cheesequake State Park, and Turkey Swamp Park, providing various options for tent camping, RV sites, and in some locations, cabin rentals. Most campgrounds are concentrated within a 30-mile radius of Martinsville, creating a convenient network of outdoor recreation areas.
The camping season in most parks typically runs from April 1 through October 31, with limited or no winter camping options. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. "This is a hike-in or boat-in only campground. The campsites are primitive and include a fire ring as well as a picnic table. All sites are marked and are either on the water or set back from the water in the woods," noted one Round Valley visitor about the access requirements. Transportation methods vary significantly by location, with some parks like Round Valley requiring either a challenging 3-6 mile hike or boat access to reach campsites, while others such as Turkey Swamp Park and Cheesequake offer traditional drive-in camping with established amenities including electric hookups and sanitary facilities.
Campground amenities differ considerably across the region. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, though the level of development ranges from primitive vault toilets to modern shower buildings. Water access represents a significant draw for many campers, particularly at Round Valley Reservoir, which receives consistently high ratings for its peaceful setting and clear water. According to a recent visitor, "The view from the beach side sites are amazing, there is plenty of space in each site and plenty of space in between sites." Pet policies vary by location, with most state park campgrounds allowing pets but enforcing leash requirements. Alcohol policies also differ, with state parks typically prohibiting alcohol while private campgrounds often permit responsible consumption within campsites.
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."
$200 / night
"I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."
"This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."
"Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."
"The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."
"We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."
"Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"
$37 / night
"Both times it was a positive experience. Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing. Only negative was the rest rooms closed sometime soon after the day camps let out."
"We’re total newbs but we had a great time parked next to the raritan river. Spot 21 was open on the one side since they weren’t allowing tents during Covid."
$42 - $79 / night
"We stayed in New Jersey for our 5th campground on the East Coast: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. This is a County park.
Near some Revolutionary War battlefields.
I really liked this park!"
"Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"
"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
"Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
"The pit latrines were clean, the water spigots worked fine, and there was plenty of wildlife to see roam through the surrounding areas. It was home away from home."
"well Maintained hiking trails, camp sites, with play grounds and an observatory."
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"
GuideWe enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!
LegendTucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
LegendTucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
GuideThis is a trailhead, not a campsite. It is ranger enforced, I can confirm because it happened to me. Super nice ranger, but he said camping here is not allowed and considered “theft” since they do have sites available with purchase of a permit. You can find more information at reserveamerica.com under PA state parks. It is also right across from the Delaware State Forest District Office, so you can buy permits there as well. There is a campsite about a mile down the road from this trailhead that allows “motorized roadside camping” a.k.a. car camping. You can still try this gravel lot if you insist, just know you may be rolling the dice on this one.
GuideThe Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!
ScoutI stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
GuideWe stayed at a tent platform site in Shotwell camping area. The platforms could use a little maintenance as there were a few tie down hooks that were missing or corroded. The campsites are close around this loop that includes lean-tos, but not so close that you are bothered by your neighbors normal sounds. The bathroom is close and clean. There is a bear box at each campsite which gave peace of mind. Firewood is available for sale at the park office. The staff there is very welcoming. Great Jersey getaway with gorgeous hiking trails.
GuideThis was a great weekend camping trip. Despite extreme thunderstorms both nights I'd stayed, this was still a great experience. The campsites are spaced a little close, but there is good enough separation with trees and shrubs you're not staring right at your neighbor. Everyone staying here was really friendly, and the vibes felt good and safe. Easy access to all hiking trails from this camping area. The staff works hard to maintain a clean and safe park, and had quickly cleared out fallen trees from a strong thunderstorm the night prior. This is a lovely park for solo campers or families.
Round Valley State Park offers a unique wilderness camping experience in the Martinsville area, with 2,350 acres of reservoir for recreation. Camping spots near Martinsville, New Jersey provide a mix of water-based activities and woodland experiences, with camping seasons generally running from April through October. Sites range from primitive wilderness locations requiring boat or hiking access to developed campgrounds with full amenities.
Kayaking at Round Valley Reservoir: The clear waters at Round Valley State Park Campground provide excellent paddling opportunities. "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.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers designated archery ranges for visitors. "Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," according to Dan W., making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking nearby trails: The Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers extensive trail networks. "There are some nice trails. Great place for hiking," shares Maggie A., highlighting the accessible nature trails that surround the campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Some campsites offer excellent night sky viewing. "Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," reports Scott A. from Mountainview Campground, where the remote location creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate well-spaced sites at Mountainview Campground. "The campsites are spacious and comfortable. The spot was spacious and comfortable," notes Jami, who enjoyed the quiet atmosphere.
Waterfront camping: Many campers value sites with water views. "The view was KILLER. The water is crystal clear, the area is clean," writes James R. about Round Valley, highlighting the pristine reservoir conditions.
Wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park offers forested camping areas. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," explains Katheryn N., describing the natural setting.
Fishing access: Many campgrounds provide fishing opportunities. "Decent, good bathrooms, nice facility. Still trying to catch a fish here," mentions Gregg G. about Spruce Run Recreation Area, showing the popularity of fishing despite varied success.
Hike-in challenges: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers both drive-in and remote sites. "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," notes Frank J., highlighting discrepancies in site descriptions.
Shower facilities vary: Bathroom and shower quality differs significantly between campgrounds. "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that," reports Frank J. about Spruce Run, while other campgrounds offer heated facilities.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife at camping areas. "Even though I live 10 minutes away I like to camp here because you still feel a little isolated. With no roads to the campgrounds it takes some effort to get there and it's a beautiful place," says G V. about Round Valley.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking. "We reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night," explains Kyhlea D. about Mountainview Campground's policies.
Playground access: Great Divide Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids," reports Ethan K.
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds offer swimming and boating. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," says Jojo P. about Great Divide's family amenities.
Distance to bathrooms: Consider proximity to facilities when booking with children. "There is only one bathroom facility on the property which we did not love. The facilities were clean so...yay!" shares Kendra P. about Cheesequake State Park.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. "This campground is perfect for a getaway if what you're looking for is no more than spending some time in nature. The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other," notes Mario M. about Mountainview.
Hook-up availability: Cheesequake State Park Campground offers electric hookups but limited amenities. "Stayed in the family campground in a travel trailer. Longish bike ride or shortish drive to the main park," advises Theresa G.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require preparation for RVs. "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," notes Sarah from Panther Lake Campground.
Water hose requirements: Be prepared with proper equipment. "The water hoses provided are plenty long. We didn't need to use our hose at all, just the filter," explains Greg S. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation's water hookups.
Dump station access: Many campgrounds offer sanitary facilities. "Clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," advises a reviewer about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Martinsville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Martinsville, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Martinsville, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Martinsville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Martinsville, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Martinsville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Martinsville, NJ.
What parks are near Martinsville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Martinsville, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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