Round Valley State Park offers secluded wilderness camping near Lebanon, New Jersey that contrasts with the upscale glamping experiences found elsewhere in the area. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet, creating a unique camping environment where sites are accessible only by hiking 3-6 miles or arriving by boat. Water temperatures remain cool even during summer months, making this location a refreshing alternative to developed campgrounds.
What to do
Hike to primitive sites: Access wilderness camping at Round Valley State Park by hiking 3-6 miles from the parking area. "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, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy," notes one experienced camper.
Boat to your campsite: Reach remote areas at Spruce Run Recreation Area by water. "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," explains a regular visitor. Water access provides an alternative to hiking with heavy gear.
Explore local rock formations: Just across the Delaware River, the unique geological features make for fascinating day trips. "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. 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!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Mountainview Campground, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "Campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas," according to one visitor who enjoys the separation between sites.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting creates opportunities for animal sightings. "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 a camper who valued these wilderness experiences.
Wolf preserve access: Special animal encounters await at Camp Taylor Campground. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares an enthusiastic visitor.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Facilities range from primitive to modern across the region's campgrounds. At Round Valley, one camper warns: "While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you'll come across the 'stank' well before actually even arriving here."
Swimming restrictions: Despite proximity to water, swimming may be limited. "The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you're not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point."
Nighttime noise concerns: Highway sounds can affect otherwise peaceful sites at Jenny Jump State Forest. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," notes a camper who otherwise enjoyed the mountain setting.
Tips for camping with families
Check weekend noise levels: Family atmosphere varies by location and timing. At Spruce Run, one visitor observed, "There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night."
Consider cabin options: For families new to glamping close to Lebanon, New Jersey, shelters offer a middle ground. "The shelter is what we would describe as a cabin; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!"
Look for on-site activities: At Colonial Woods Family Resort, children find plenty of engagement options. "They did a few activities the one we did go to was the casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital which is awesome and the kids loved the candy and little prizes they won."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many wilderness sites near Lebanon lack full amenities. "We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," explains an RVer at Spruce Run who prioritizes waterfront sites over hookups.
Site selection considerations: At Tohickon Valley County Park, RV access requires planning. "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 a practical camper.
Elevation and access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult terrain for larger vehicles. "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," notes a visitor to Mountainview Campground, highlighting the importance of knowing your vehicle's capabilities.
