Tent camping near High Bridge, New Jersey offers opportunities on both sides of the Delaware River with several wilderness areas within a 30-mile radius. The region features elevations ranging from 150 feet along the Delaware River to over 1,200 feet at Kittatinny Mountain, creating diverse microclimates for campers. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity near water sources.
What to do
Kayaking the Delaware River: Access boat-in campsites like Walter's Boat In Campsites for a unique overnight experience. "Upon leaving this site you will only travel down river about 30-45 minutes before you come upon Shawnee Golf Course. Its pretty neat to see, the last few holes of the course are on an island mid-river," notes John B.
Fishing local waters: The Delaware River and nearby reservoirs provide ample fishing opportunities. "Locals know this place well and it is very popular with the anglers," mentions a Walter's Campsite reviewer, highlighting the popularity of fishing spots near tent camping areas.
Winter hiking: Many trails remain accessible year-round, offering different experiences by season. "The hiking trail to Round Valley's campsites is challenging, with rocky, uneven terrain and significant elevation changes," making proper footwear essential regardless of season.
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: Jenny Jump State Forest provides privacy even during busy periods. "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," writes Kelsey K.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to spot local fauna. "You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful," notes Bee L. about Kittatinny Valley State Park, making early mornings the best time for wildlife spotting.
Clear night skies: The region's minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos," shares Jen R. about camping in the area.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many sites require significant effort to reach. "The camp sites are a little close but that's ok, everyone was really friendly. They had activities for everyone and we had a blast at bingo and won!" reports Jackie G. about Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground.
Site selection matters: Quality varies significantly between sites at most campgrounds. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," notes Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Water sources limited: Bring filtration systems for natural water sources. "We filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," explains James R. about water quality at Round Valley.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For young children, select campgrounds with shorter approaches. "The staff is wonderful here and they know the area like the back of thier hand. Such a pleasent place to go for the weekend," Patrick M. says about Kittatinny Valley State Park.
Look for family programming: Some parks offer organized activities. "They had activities for everyone and we had a blast at bingo and won! There are so many things to do in the area with the farms and orchards and vineyards," Jackie G. mentions.
Consider cabins for beginners: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers alternative accommodations. "The bunkhouse was very clean, had full kitchen facilities, hot showers, and a common area with lots of reading material," Richard M. reports, making it suitable for families new to tent camping near High Bridge.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near High Bridge don't accommodate larger RVs. "We are avid campers ranging from our early days of remote, rustic tent camping with just the two of us and 20 years later upgraded to our travel trailer," notes Jen R. from Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms, one of the few places accommodating both tent and RV camping.
Consider platform tents: For those wanting RV comfort without the vehicle, look into glamping options. "Tent sites are either on the ground have wooden platforms. Cabins come in various sizes," explains Dan X. about Camp Mohican, offering a middle ground between tent camping and RVs.
Roads can be challenging: Access routes to most camping areas have steep grades and tight turns. "I was looking forward to a Worthington State Park campgrounds visit but that day they were all packed and I was suggested to Jenny Jump State," shares Scott O., highlighting the need for backup plans when traveling with larger vehicles.