The Upper Delaware River region near Milford, New Jersey sits at approximately 400 feet elevation, featuring dense deciduous forests that deliver vibrant fall foliage from late September through mid-October. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, with nighttime temperatures often dropping below 60°F even in July. Camping options range from basic tent sites to luxury canvas accommodations throughout the area's public and private campgrounds.
What to do
Visit Ringing Rocks County Park: Bring a hammer when visiting Ringing Rocks Family Campground to experience the unusual geological formation that gives the area its name. "Lovely trails and the rocks are something else," reports Gregg G., who recommends hitting the prehistoric boulders to hear their metallic sounds.
Fishing at multiple reservoirs: Fish for trout and other species at the nearby reservoirs. Round Valley Reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," shares James R. from Round Valley State Park Campground.
Hiking mountain trails: The region offers numerous trails of varying difficulty. "The hike up in the cushetunk mountain is really nice," notes James R. from Round Valley State Park. Trails connect to the Appalachian Trail system, allowing for day hikes or multi-day adventures from your base camp.
What campers like
Peaceful camping environments: Many campers appreciate the quiet natural settings. "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, Beautiful views," shares T K. about Round Valley State Park Campground. The campground offers sites that can only be accessed by hiking 3-6 miles or by boat.
Primitive camping experiences: For those seeking a more rustic experience close to Milford, New Jersey, primitive camping options provide a true wilderness feel. "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. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas," writes Mario M. about Mountainview Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural location allows for excellent night sky viewing. "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," notes Scott A. about Mountainview Campground, highlighting the dark skies that make constellation viewing possible.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Quality and cleanliness of restrooms differ between campgrounds. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Jules T. reports: "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."
Seasonal operation limits: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Round Valley State Park Campground is open "April 1 to October 31," while others like Spruce Run Recreation Area follow similar schedules. Plan accordingly as winter camping options are limited near Milford.
Reservation requirements: Popular weekends fill quickly, especially at campgrounds offering glamping near Milford, New Jersey. "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night," explains Kyhlea D. about Mountainview Campground's policies.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "Colonial Woods Family Resort had nice arts and crafts for the kids to do for dad. We went on Father's Day weekend," mentions Shannon C., highlighting the family-friendly activities available at certain campgrounds.
Swimming options: Pools provide relief during hot summer days. "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," shares Michelle D. about Colonial Woods Family Resort, which offers supervised swimming facilities.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule family events, especially on weekends. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" reports Shannon C. about Ringing Rocks Family Campground, where seasonal themed events enhance the family camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When booking an RV site, research the specific campground layout. At Tohickon Family Campground, Brian C. cautions: "Not big rig friendly. The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)."
Hookup availability: Check what utilities are available at your preferred campgrounds. "They do not allow you to come late, but did refund the first night. This was frustrating, but they did provide a quick and satisfactory resolution. The campsite was wonderful and isolated," notes Kyhlea D. about Mountainview Campground, which offers both primitive sites and locations with hookups.
Dump station logistics: Plan ahead for waste disposal. At Colonial Woods Family Resort, Nathan R. notes, "Dump station location isn't ideal on a busy morning. I heard they might work on a second dump location and was told to ask if it's ok to stick around until it dies down if our site isn't needed soon."
