Round Valley State Park Campground features primitive wilderness camping sites accessible only by hiking 3-6 miles or by boat across the reservoir. Located in the rolling hills of central New Jersey about 25 miles northwest of Hillsborough, this area offers camping experiences with elevations reaching 500 feet above sea level. The reservoir itself spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet, creating unique opportunities for boating and fishing despite seasonal water level fluctuations.
What to do
Kayak or boat to campsites: At Round Valley State Park Campground, reaching your campsite by water is often easier than hiking in with gear. "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site," notes camper Agbi B.
Explore hiking trails near water: Several trails connect to the reservoir shoreline, offering both exercise and wildlife viewing. "We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly," explains Stuart K.
Experience historical sites: Washington Crossing State Park offers historical immersion alongside camping. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware! It was VERY cold the year I went. To warm up, there is a small visitor's center where they have a reproduction of the famous painting commemorating the moment," shares David S.
What campers like
Crystal clear water: The reservoir at Round Valley State Park Campground draws praise for its clarity. "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," reports James R.
Private, wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park offers secluded camping among trees. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are level and well maintained," explains Katheryn N., adding that "the bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained."
Waterfront camping views: Spruce Run Recreation Area provides direct water access from many sites. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," writes Jules T., though noting "you can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down."
What you should know
Challenging access to wilderness sites: The primitive camping experience at Round Valley requires preparation. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon... 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 by boat," details Stuart K.
Seasonal conditions affect camping: Mountainview Campground experiences significant seasonal variations. "The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains... 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!" reports Christina H.
Glamping in Hillsborough, New Jersey area requires advance planning: Most glamping locations book quickly during peak season (April-October). "We reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night," mentions Kyhlea D. about Mountainview Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety for children: Colonial Woods Family Resort offers structured entertainment for kids. "The campground is in the mountains of PA close enough to the Delaware River that we took a trip down using bucks County river tub company. We didn't have to go tubing because there was so much to do. The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," shares Nicole S.
Low-cost outdoor entertainment: Turkey Swamp Park provides multiple free activities on-site. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," writes Dan W.
Weather preparedness: Summer heat and bugs require planning. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," cautions Laura Y. about her experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup location considerations: At Turkey Swamp Park, utilities may require extra equipment. "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises Jean T.
Site selection strategy: Timberland Lake Campground offers waterfront options for RVs. "Stayed here from June 24th-27th on site 38. It was a really nice size, and the kids could fish right off the dock on the back," reports Aaron E.
Dumping station timing: Plan around busy checkout periods. "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," suggests Nathan R. about Colonial Woods Family Resort.
