Round Valley State Park offers rustic glamping options near Green Brook, New Jersey, accessible only by a 3-6 mile hike or by boat. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet, providing a distinctive wilderness camping experience within 30 miles of Green Brook. Winter temperatures in the region can drop below freezing, while summer months typically see highs in the 80s, making seasonal preparation essential for comfortable glamping experiences.
What to do
Paddle on pristine water: Round Valley State Park Campground offers clear water perfect for kayaking and canoeing. "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 one visitor who enjoyed the water activities.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park provides dedicated archery facilities within the camping area. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," a regular camper recommends.
Mountain hiking: Explore rugged trails with elevation changes that provide scenic views. "If you want to decompress and get out in the woods, this is a great spot," mentions one camper about the hiking experience at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, where trails surround the glamping sites and lead to nearby lakes and overlooks.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Mountainview Campground receives praise for its layout. "The campground was very quiet and peaceful. The spot was spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms were clean. Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Sweet little sheep and goats that wander about during the day!" shares one visitor who enjoyed the secluded atmosphere.
Waterfront glamping: Many visitors appreciate Spruce Run Recreation Area's water-adjacent glamping options. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," reports a camper who enjoyed the waterfront location despite noting highway noise at night.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "Once it was time to turn in for the night, that's when the cool part happened. I've camped many times at multiple state parks, huge remote state forests, but 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!" describes one Mountainview camper.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Quality and cleanliness of restrooms differs dramatically between sites. "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," reported one Spruce Run visitor, while others noted clean facilities at other locations.
Seasonal challenges: Jenny Jump State Forest and other glamping sites have distinct seasonal considerations. "We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies," notes a shelter camper who adapted to the rustic accommodations.
Tick prevalence: Insects can impact comfort at certain locations. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warned a Turkey Swamp visitor, suggesting thorough tick checks and repellent when glamping in this region.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Great Divide Campground offers multiple family options. "This was our first time camping and it was a success. Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," shares one first-time camping family.
Consider bug seasonality: Plan family glamping trips with insect cycles in mind. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too," notes a family who visited Turkey Swamp Park in a favorable season.
Check playground availability: Many glamping sites include dedicated play areas. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," writes a Turkey Swamp reviewer, making it easier for families to entertain children between outdoor adventures.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup planning: Camp Carr Campground requires specific setup for water connections. "Sites are water and 30 amp electric only no sewer so I recommend bringing your own portable dump tank. They have a dump station for use when leaving," advises a long-time camper who notes the riverside setting offers peaceful views but requires planning for waste management.
Site selection considerations: Some locations have unique layouts affecting hookup placement. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," suggests a Spruce Run visitor concerned about vehicle clearance.
Water hose management: Site layout can affect water access at certain glamping locations. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," shares a Mahlon Dickerson camper, indicating that proper preparation makes hookups manageable despite apparent limitations.
