Round Valley Recreation Area and surrounding campgrounds offer varied experiences for outdoor enthusiasts near High Bridge, New Jersey. Located in Hunterdon County at approximately 500 feet above sea level, this region features rolling hills and several water bodies that create diverse microclimates. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer days typically range from 75-85°F with moderate humidity levels, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking to remote sites: Round Valley Recreation Area requires significant effort to reach primitive campsites. "It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort! If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site," notes Agbi B. from Round Valley Recreation Area.
Wolf preserve tours: Experience wildlife viewing at Camp Taylor Campground's adjacent sanctuary. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares Dina S. from Camp Taylor Campground. Tours run twice daily on weekends.
Ringing Rocks exploration: Bring a hammer to create music from natural geological formations. "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. The Delaware River is nearby with some great fishing spots. Just past the Delaware River through Milford NJ, into PA, is a park called Ringing Rocks County Park. Some waterfalls to see and hiking to do. If you strike certain rocks with a metal hammer they ring, hence the name of the park!" explains Christina H.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Mountainview Campground offers secluded camping experiences. "We actually only stayed here overnight to just get out and see the autumn colors before winter hit, so I wasn't really expecting much, but man was I impressed. The drive up to this place was so breathtaking the entire way," says Christina H. from Mountainview Campground.
Reservoir views: Water access creates popular camping spots at Spruce Run. "Sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," notes Ruette W. from Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Night sky viewing: Areas away from city lights provide excellent stargazing. "Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing," reports Scott A.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Cleanliness and amenities differ between campgrounds. "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," warns Jules T. about Spruce Run.
Seasonal closures affect facilities: Many campgrounds limit operations in colder months. "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that. Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," mentions Frank J. about his July experience.
Alcohol restrictions apply: State parks generally prohibit alcohol consumption. "It's a great place to take the kids for a night or two of lovely moderate hiking and outdoor experience. Except I don't have kids and the people I tagged along with didn't read the rules, so we brought a bunch of alcohol and had our selves a blast until the rangers showed up," shares Curran S. from Tohickon Valley County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Lakeside camping offers swimming and boating options. "The pooL and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times. The posted pool hours were not as described they don't really tell you but it was open a little later," reports Nicole S. from Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Planned activities enhance stays: Some campgrounds offer organized events. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" exclaims Shannon C.
Playground access: Several sites provide play equipment. "This campground is lovely. Very wooded. Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel. It's GREAT For kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over," observes Kathy G.
Tips for RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose locations based on tree coverage and lot size. "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," advises Douglas P.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. "I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it," suggests Ruette W. about Spruce Run.
Navigation challenges: Some access roads present difficulties for larger vehicles. "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)," cautions Brian C. about road conditions at Colonial Woods.
