The Milford, New Jersey area offers diverse camping experiences across varied terrain, with elevations ranging from 200 to 800 feet above sea level. The region experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping opportunities are limited, with most campgrounds in the area operating seasonally from early April through late October.
What to do
Hiking to Ringing Rocks: Only 20 minutes from Milford, Ringing Rocks Family Campground provides convenient access to the unusual geological feature where rocks create metallic sounds when struck. "We went to Ringing Rocks county park and the kids were having so much fun making music they didn't want to leave," notes Justin B., who appreciated the family-friendly environment.
Fishing at multiple reservoirs: Both shoreline and boat fishing are available at local reservoirs. Spruce Run Recreation Area offers multiple fishing spots with a beautiful setting. According to Anna, "I did my first solo tent camping by the reservoir and it was perfect. There was so much to see and hiking trails in the campground and nearby."
Swimming in crystal-clear waters: Round Valley State Park features exceptionally clear water that's rare in New Jersey. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place," says James R. The 2,350-acre reservoir reaches depths of 180 feet and maintains cooler temperatures throughout summer.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the secluded feeling at Mountainview Campground, even though it's relatively close to town. Scott A. mentions, "Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice."
Family-friendly activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged at many local campgrounds. Shannon C. commented about Colonial Woods Family Resort: "Staff was very friendly. We had a group site which was perfect for 6 campers. We went on Father's Day weekend and they had nice arts and crafts for the kids to do for dad."
Nighttime wildlife experiences: The region's woodlands come alive after dark with various wildlife. Mario M. noted at Mountainview Campground, "This campground is perfect for a getaway if what you're looking for is no more than spending some time in nature. The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other."
What you should know
Seasonal campground limitations: Many campgrounds in the area operate only from April through October, with facilities closing during winter months. Round Valley State Park Campground has a specific season from "April 1 to October 31," according to their official schedule.
Road access challenges: Sites with the best views often require traversing difficult roads. Stuart K. notes, "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."
Restroom quality varies widely: Bathroom facilities range from excellent to problematic across campgrounds. Jules T. cautions about Spruce Run: "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and planned activities: Many campgrounds feature children's recreation areas and scheduled events. A visitor to Colonial Woods Family Resort shared, "We had such a fun time during the summer between the pool, fishing at the pond and all the amazing amenities!! Just walking around the campground is beautiful."
Water recreation options: Swimming pools provide safe alternatives to river swimming for families with young children. Nicole S. noted, "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times. They had a playground, lake where you could fish, cornhole, and minigolf."
Educational wildlife opportunities: Children can observe various animals in natural settings. One visitor to Lake Towhee County Park commented, "Great place to camp if it's your first time, clean restrooms, nice sites, showers, and cellphone service."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should consider seasonal variations when choosing campsites near Milford. Ruette W. advises, "I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Hookup availability: Full-service hookups are limited in some campgrounds, requiring planning. "The campsites were just okay. 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," warns Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face significant challenges at several campgrounds. A visitor to Nockamixon State Park Cabins noted, "The cabins are full electric with heat and are well appointed. It was an excellent fall trip location for a family with young children." Many campers recommend cabins as alternatives to large RVs when visiting this area.
