Round Valley State Park Campground near Hopewell offers a distinctive wilderness camping experience requiring visitors to hike 3-6 miles or boat in to access remote sites. Located in the ridge and valley region of New Jersey at approximately 385 feet elevation, the area provides primitive camping options with crystalline reservoir waters surrounded by dense deciduous forest. Camping conditions at many sites near Hopewell shift from spring through late fall, with most locations closed during winter months.
What to do
Paddle to your campsite: Round Valley State Park Campground allows visitors to access remote waterfront sites by canoe or kayak rather than hiking. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," notes camper Ryan M., highlighting the peaceful reservoir setting. Boats can be rented on-site during peak season.
Practice your archery skills: Turkey Swamp Park provides an archery range alongside its camping amenities. A visitor observed, "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." The archery facilities include hay targets suitable for beginners.
Experience musical rocks: When staying at glamping sites close to Hopewell, New Jersey, visit nearby Ringing Rocks County Park. A camper advised, "Bring a hammer," explaining that "the rocks really do ring when hit with another rock." This unique geological formation creates metallic sounds when struck with metal hammers.
What campers like
Waterfront views: The lakeside sites at Spruce Run Recreation Area provide direct water access. "Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir," notes one camper, while another states, "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location." A duck regularly visits waterfront campsites each morning according to reports.
Primitive seclusion: Wilderness camping at Round Valley offers true isolation not commonly found in New Jersey. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature," reports one visitor. Campers appreciate the difficulty of access as it ensures quieter camping with fewer casual visitors.
Wildlife encounters: Glamping near Hopewell, New Jersey at Mountainview Campground provides nocturnal wildlife experiences. "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!" writes a camper, describing the area's biodiversity.
What you should know
No road access to remote sites: Wilderness camping requires preparation for extended hikes. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir," explains a camper, noting that "it can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles—or if you come with your own boat."
Bathroom limitations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds near Hopewell. At Washington Crossing State Park, "Facilities are deliberately minimal... Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of 'leave no trace' ethos." Rustic bathroom conditions are common at primitive sites throughout the region.
Seasonal restrictions: Many upscale glamping accommodations in the Hopewell area only operate during warmer months. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park notes, "There is a dump station and laundry facility with brand-new washers and dryers (however, you need to pay using an app on your phone)." Most luxury glamping sites close between November and March.
Tips for camping with families
Seek out structured activities: Timberland Lake Campground offers regular programs for children. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids," shares a frequent visitor. Halloween weekends include pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating.
Use pool facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options for families. A Turkey Swamp visitor reports, "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times." However, pool hours may be limited, typically closing by 6pm even during summer.
Consider wildlife education: Primitive sites provide wildlife observation opportunities. A Mountainview Campground camper shares, "There was a chicken right outside the camp office, which my dog seemed to appreciate most!" Animal encounters can serve as educational experiences for children interested in nature.
Tips from RVers
Plan for dumping logistics: Camp Carr Campground provides basic hookups with specific limitations. "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," advises a regular camper. RVers staying multiple nights should prepare accordingly.
Check site orientation: At Camp Carr, "One other tip we prefer even numbered sites as the hook ups for odd number are on the front side of the trailer unless the site is long enough to pull into or you have a motor home." Site-specific details like this can significantly impact your glamping experience near Hopewell, New Jersey.
Watch for low-hanging branches: Forest canopy can pose challenges for larger RVs. "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 an RVer, suggesting smaller units work better at most sites in the region.
