Best Tent Camping near Long Valley, NJ
Tent campers near Long Valley, New Jersey have several primitive camping options within a short drive, including Round Valley State Park Campground and Jenny Jump State Forest. These areas offer secluded tent sites with varying levels of accessibility, from boat-in locations at Round Valley to walk-in sites at Jenny Jump. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 30 miles northwest, provides additional primitive tent camping opportunities along the river.
Most tent sites in the region require some effort to access, with many campgrounds featuring walk-in, hike-in, or boat-in only access. Round Valley's tent sites are particularly remote, requiring either a challenging 3-5 mile hike or boat access across the reservoir. According to one visitor, "The campsites are primitive and include a fire ring as well as a picnic table. All sites are marked and are either on the water or set back from the water in the woods." Basic amenities vary significantly between locations, with some sites offering drinking water pumps and primitive toilets, while others have no facilities whatsoever. Fire regulations are strictly enforced throughout the area, with designated fire rings at most established sites.
The tent camping experience near Long Valley rewards those willing to make the journey. Jenny Jump State Forest provides wooded tent sites with access to hiking trails and scenic views. Round Valley's remote tent sites offer exceptional privacy and natural surroundings. A camper noted that "once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river," creating perfect stargazing conditions. The Delaware Water Gap area features several primitive tent camping islands, including Namanock Island, where tent campers can enjoy complete seclusion surrounded by water. Wildlife sightings are common throughout these areas, with deer, various birds, and occasionally bears reported. Most primitive tent sites in the region are seasonal, typically open from April through October.