Round Valley Recreation Area offers primitive camping experiences in the highlands of northern New Jersey, with campsites accessible only by boat or hiking 3-6 miles through woodland terrain. The area sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with access to a 2,350-acre reservoir and varied forest ecosystems. Camping near Hampton provides opportunities for both seclusion and recreation, with several campgrounds offering yurt accommodations for those seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping.
What to do
Boating at Round Valley Recreation Area: Boat-in camping allows easier access to waterfront sites than hiking. According to Ryan M., "Beautiful and quaint... a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature." The reservoir offers clear waters for paddling and fishing.
Rock exploration at Ringing Rocks Family Campground: Visit the nearby Ringing Rocks Park where rocks produce musical tones when struck. "Bring a hammer," advises Gregg G., while another camper mentions, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views."
Hiking at Jenny Jump State Forest: Trails connect directly from campsites with elevation changes offering views. "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," notes Fransheska A.
Wildlife viewing at Wolf Preserve: Located at Camp Taylor Campground, the preserve offers educational tours. "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," shares Julie F.
What campers like
Secluded yurt camping at Mountainview Campground: Wooded sites provide privacy and quiet surroundings. Scott A. reports, "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."
Waterfront sites at Camp Carr Campground: Riverside camping with scenic views. "I have camped here on many occasions for Over ten years... 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," says a longtime visitor.
Wildlife encounters: The rural setting offers opportunities to observe local fauna. One camper at Mountainview noted, "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!"
Reservoir swimming: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for swimming during summer months. A visitor mentioned that "the water is crystal clear, the area is clean" at one reservoir campground, making it ideal for cooling off during hot weather.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Some campsites require significant hiking. At Round Valley Recreation Area, James R. notes, "The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max. The view was KILLER. The water is crystal clear, the area is clean."
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites have basic facilities. "Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites," reports Lindsay D. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate April through October with limited or no off-season availability. Frank J. advises about summer camping: "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that. Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options including yurts near Hampton require advance booking. One camper recommended, "Definitely recommend a stay though, the owners have great weekend events for adults and kids."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized events. At Colonial Woods Family Resort, Nicole S. shares, "The campground is in the mountains of PA... The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours strictly, others don't. "Every time we have had issues with loud neighbors at 12am, but I have called the front and they resolved it," reports one camper about Delaware River Family Campground.
Wildlife education: Take advantage of nature programs. "We took our kids and nephew to Camp Taylor. We did tent camping for the weekend and we had a blast," says Cecilia M., while another mentions the educational value of the wolf preserve tours.
Safety planning: Be prepared for weather changes and terrain challenges. One experienced hiker noted, "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," emphasizing the importance of proper footwear and preparation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Spruce Run: Choose water views or hookups based on priorities. Ruette W. advises, "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A reviewer cautions, "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)."
Hookup limitations: Many sites offer only partial hookups. As Melissa N. explains about Camp Carr, "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."
Tree clearance: Watch for low-hanging branches at wooded sites. Douglas P. recommends, "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."
