Camping options around Long Valley, New Jersey extend beyond the well-known reservoirs with numerous state parks and private campgrounds within 30 minutes of town. The region sits in the highlands of northern New Jersey at approximately 600-1,100 feet elevation, creating cooler temperatures than nearby urban areas. Winter camping is limited, with most campgrounds operating only from April through October due to freezing temperatures.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: At Jenny Jump State Forest, multiple interconnected trails provide various hiking options near camp. "There is a trail head at one of the parking lots. During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road," notes one visitor. The park features shorter 3-mile trails that can be combined for longer hikes.
Fishing access: Swartswood State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots throughout the property. "The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious and has bathrooms," one camper reports. Freshwater fishing licenses required for NJ residents age 16-70 cost $22.50 annually.
Tubing adventures: The Delaware River provides calm waters perfect for tubing. "They have kayak and tube rentals if you want to float the river," mentions a visitor to Delaware River Family Campground, where tube rentals typically cost $25-35 per person with shuttle service included.
Wolf watching: Camp Taylor Campground connects directly to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "The camp ground is connected to the wolf preserve so you can hear them howl if you listen," one camper shares. Tours leave twice daily on weekends directly from the campground.
What campers like
Secluded wilderness experience: Mountainview Campground offers genuinely remote tent sites. "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!" a reviewer explains. The campground maintains strict quiet hours for nature appreciation.
Family-friendly activities: Great Divide Campground provides numerous on-site recreational options. "Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," says one camper. Another notes, "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids."
Affordability: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation maintains reasonable rates even during peak weekends. "Very cheap as well. $15/night on Memorial Day weekend!" reports one visitor. The campground offers water and electric hookups with generously sized campsites that feature both privacy and value.
Unique yurt camping: Long Valley, New Jersey yurt camping opportunities are limited but available at Great Divide Campground. "They also had covered wagons which I believe you can sleep in," mentions one camper, referring to the alternate glamping structures alongside the campground's yurt options.
What you should know
Campground noise levels vary: Some locations maintain strict quiet hours while others become livelier. "The strict rules so that nature lovers can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about noisy neighbors or trash everywhere. Not a place you go to if you want to throw a rowdy party," notes a Mountainview Campground visitor.
Highway sounds: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides wooded sites, but some campers note the proximity to roads. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," reports a camper. Consider requesting sites deeper in the woods to minimize road noise.
Bear safety requirements: Several campgrounds have strict food storage rules. "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," mentions one family at Mahlon Dickerson. Most campgrounds provide metal food lockers at each site or require food storage in vehicles.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies between campgrounds. At Swartswood State Park, a camper notes, "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers," while others report more basic facilities at primitive campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Book waterfront sites early: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers prime lakefront camping that books quickly. "We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great! 2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around," shares one parent. Reservations for summer weekends should be made 3-6 months in advance.
Check seasonal activities: Many campgrounds run structured programs. "Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice," reports a Panther Lake visitor, while another mentions, "The ceramic class was fun for the girls."
Consider shelter options: For families new to camping or concerned about weather, shelters provide an intermediate option. A Jenny Jump visitor shares, "We stayed in 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!!"
Site selection matters: Look for playground proximity based on your children's ages. "There's a great playground, basketball court and great amenities," notes a Panther Lake camper, while others mention the importance of being close enough to bathrooms for nighttime visits.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Great Divide Campground offers electric and water connections with specific site considerations. "Each site had a water spout and electric plug in," states a visitor, though noting, "You are not allowed to keep your car at your site. You have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot."
Site leveling challenges: Camp Taylor Campground requires careful navigation. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time," advises an experienced RVer, suggesting smaller rigs will have better site options.
Water access considerations: At Spruce Run, a visitor notes, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Seasonal booking advantages: Off-season visits can provide better site selection. "We went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages," reports a spring visitor to Panther Lake.
