Camping near Hampton, New Jersey offers varied terrain for outdoor enthusiasts at elevations between 400-1600 feet throughout Hunterdon and Warren counties. The region features distinctive geological formations including limestone cliffs and boulder fields unique to northwestern New Jersey. Weather conditions typically include warm summer days with temperatures averaging 85°F and cool nights dropping to the low 60s, making proper layering essential for comfort.
What to do
Hiking to mountain viewpoints: Access trails directly from Jenny Jump State Forest where you'll find unique vantage points. "There are miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Tr. We walked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river," notes Jean T.
Visit Lakota Wolf Preserve: Located within Camp Taylor Campground, this sanctuary offers a rare wildlife experience. "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," shares Julie F.
Rock exploration: The name isn't misleading at Ringing Rocks park near Upper Black Eddy. "If you're looking for a scenic drive that makes you forget that you're in NJ, head on over to the Alpha Grasslands Preserve in Alpha, NJ. Just past the Delaware River through Milford NJ, into PA, is a park called Ringing Rocks County Park... If you strike certain rocks with a metal hammer they ring, hence the name of the park!" explains Christina H.
Kayaking on multiple waterways: The region offers several paddling options with varying difficulty levels. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," says Riley K. about Round Valley State Park. On the Delaware River, "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," notes Kathy G.
What campers like
Secluded primitive sites: For those seeking genuine wilderness, Round Valley State Park Campground offers true isolation. "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, you can access by water," explains Stuart K.
Clean facilities in family campgrounds: Multiple reviewers highlight the well-maintained bathhouses. "The bathrooms/showers are clean and well maintained," notes Kathy G. Another camper at Mountainview shares, "The porta-potties were super clean and...actually smelled good??? Maybe they were just cleaned or they are just really well cared for. Either way, it was unusual for a campsite."
Wildlife encounters: The region's natural habitat supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "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!" reports Christina H. from Mountainview Campground.
Waterfront sites: Many campers prioritize camping near water. "We stayed here 2 nights in May... Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," shares Jules T. about Spruce Run Recreation Area. Similarly, at Driftstone, "River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on. The sites along the river would be my first choice," recommends Kathy G.
What you should know
Site access challenges: Be prepared for difficult terrain at certain campgrounds. At Round Valley, "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... I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG," warns Stuart K.
Seasonal water conditions: Water availability and quality vary throughout the camping season at campground hamptons NJ areas. "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that," reports Frank J. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Highway noise proximity: Some otherwise peaceful sites suffer from nearby traffic sounds. "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," notes Frank J. Similarly at Jenny Jump, "the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," according to Jocelyn G.
Variable enforcement of quiet hours: While some campgrounds strictly maintain peace, others struggle with noise management. "We had a lot of noisy neighbors who ignored the quiet hours by playing loud music into the night and yelling in their drunken states. It would have been nice if the Rangers had properly enforced the quiet hours," reports Katrina Z.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Driftstone Campground offers multiple activity options for children. "We drive a class A, our site was snug but easy enough to get in and out of. We were across from the playground area which looked more like a small park - very nice," notes Jessica A.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" shares Shannon C. about Ringing Rocks Family Campground. At Colonial Woods, "the pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," reports Nicole S.
Water recreation options: Water features provide endless entertainment for families. "A nice little remote campground in the mountains. Fishing in the pond insite, swimming in the pool and lots of family weekends throughout the season," explains Ian P. about Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Easy hiking for young explorers: Several campgrounds feature accessible trails. "There are great trails to hike to right from the campground as well as the Wolf Preserve," notes Kathy G. Another camper adds, "We just bought a small tear drop trailer and have begun taking it on weekend excursions... Very friendly staff, quiet, wooded area, not that remote, but feels like a million miles away."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Worthington State Forest Campground offers various options but requires careful planning. "We did a family dry camp trip here. We had two campers, a 28 ft tow behind and a 38 ft mobile home. We stayed at sites 62 & 63," shares Jamie A.
Road access warnings: Many campgrounds in the area have challenging approach routes. "The drive up to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," warns Christina H. At Driftstone, "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill."
Dump station considerations: Plan ahead for waste management at campground hamptons NJ and vicinity. "Dump station location isn't ideal on a busy morning. I heard they might work on a second dump location and was told to ask if it's ok to stick around until it dies down if our site isn't needed soon," advises Nathan R.
Water and electric details: Hookup availability varies widely in the region. At Jugtown Mountain Campsites, one RVer reports, "Only had 1psi of water pressure. Couldn't take a shower or wash dishes. Should have filled my tank." Another camper notes, "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."
