Round Valley State Park Campground provides hike-in and boat-in backcountry camping experiences near Manville, with tent sites located 3 miles from the trailhead. Campers access primitive sites by hiking challenging terrain or boating across the reservoir's clear waters. The campground operates seasonally from April 1 to October 31, offering campers access to nearby mountain trails, water activities, and wooded campsites with basic amenities for overnight stays.
What to do
Kayaking on crystal-clear water: At Round Valley State Park Campground, the reservoir offers excellent paddling opportunities. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," reports Riley K., who appreciated the well-maintained campsites and cooking options. The paddling distance varies depending on your chosen campsite, with sites spread along the shoreline.
Hiking forest trails: Jenny Jump State Forest features multiple trail networks with mountain views just 35 miles from Manville. "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room," notes one visitor. Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty with several lookout points.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer fishing access, including Turkey Swamp Park where "there is a pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office," according to Katheryn N. The 17-acre lake is stocked seasonally and requires a NJ fishing license for anglers age 16 and older.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Mountainview Campground in Little York offers secluded camping spots. "The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas," notes Mario M. Sites feature picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grates.
Night sky viewing: Primitive sites away from urban light pollution allow for stargazing. "Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," reports Scott A. about Mountainview Campground. The elevation and distance from major cities creates optimal conditions for viewing constellations during clear nights.
Peace and quiet: Turkey Swamp Park campers consistently mention the tranquil setting. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," explains one reviewer. Many sites include pull-through driveways, lantern hooks, and generous spacing between neighboring campers.
What you should know
Limited facilities at backcountry sites: Round Valley's remote camping means planning ahead. "Hike in or boat across the reservoir, that's the only way to access these primitive sites," explains Michelle D., adding "Earlier in the year is better to prevent lots and lots of bugs, August is hot and buggy!!"
Tick precautions needed: The wooded areas near Manville have tick populations. At Turkey Swamp, one camper reported finding multiple ticks: "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2." Bring repellent and perform regular tick checks.
Traffic noise varies by campground: Some sites experience road noise despite forest settings. At Jenny Jump State Forest, Jocelyn G. noted: "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night." Select sites further from main roads when possible.
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