Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Long Valley, NJ
Round Valley State Park Campground provides wilderness camping alongside a crystal-clear reservoir for pet owners seeking a remote experience. Accessible only by hiking 3-6 miles or boating in, these primitive sites offer picnic tables and fire rings with metal cooking grates. Pets must be leashed throughout the park. Jenny Jump State Forest features electric hookups and water access at pet-designated sites with clean shower facilities. Great Divide Campground, Camp Taylor Campground, and Mountainview Campground all welcome pets with various accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even yurts at select locations. Stephens State Park maintains specific pet-allowed sites, though rangers strictly enforce the no-alcohol policy alongside pet regulations. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.
The hiking trails surrounding campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for leashed dogs, with Round Valley's paths described as challenging and uneven terrain requiring proper hiking boots. Fishing access points at Stephens State Park allow dog owners to enjoy trout fishing while keeping pets nearby. Though swimming is officially prohibited at Round Valley Reservoir, some campers report taking quick dips with their pets after ranger patrols end for the day. Midweek camping typically offers more solitude and better experiences with pets than weekends when sites fill with other campers. The reservoir water appears crystal clear but requires proper filtration before consumption by humans or pets. Wildlife encounters are possible, so maintaining control of pets protects both native animals and camping companions throughout all seasons.