Tent camping near Millington, New Jersey concentrates primarily within the northern half of the state, with options between 15 and 45 minutes driving distance. The region features a mix of forested highlands and reservoir-adjacent camping areas, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours with significant cooling at night, while spring and fall camping seasons experience wider temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Wawayanda State Park provides direct access to the Appalachian Trail with moderate terrain suitable for day hikes. "I was section hiking the NJ section of the AT which passes through Wawayanda State Park. I stopped at the shelter for a break. It is small compared to other shelters, listed capacity is 6, but offers the normal facilities of a shelter in that region," notes a visitor to Wawayanda State Park Campground.
Kayaking on the reservoir: Round Valley Recreation Area offers excellent paddling opportunities on its 2,350-acre reservoir. According to one camper, "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear." The reservoir reaches 180 feet deep at its center and supports trout fishing throughout the camping season.
Rock scrambling with views: The Stonetown Circular Trail provides challenging terrain with rewarding vistas. "This site is about 2 miles into the hike. This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," reports a hiker at Stonetown Circular Trail Primitive.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Jenny Jump State Forest offers spacious, well-separated sites. A camper reports, "My husband and I tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves." Jenny Jump State Forest maintains this sense of isolation despite being relatively accessible.
Helpful staff: Camping at Kittatinny Valley State Park provides access to knowledgeable rangers. "The staff is wonderful here and they know the area like the back of their hand. Such a pleasant place to go for the weekend," notes one visitor to Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground.
Unique camping experiences: Pleasant Valley Lavender offers an unusual tent camping opportunity. "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ," writes a camper describing the experience at this specialized camping location.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Many camping areas require significant effort to access. At Stonetown Circular Trail Primitive #1, "The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble. I would advise packing light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Wawayanda State Park offers group camping with minimal facilities. "It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance. There is a lake at this campground that does have showers so I would recommend using those but if camping in the off season they may not be open," advises one camper.
Seasonal considerations: Most area campgrounds operate from April through October. Jenny Jump State Forest maintains walk-in tent sites during this period, with one visitor noting, "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean. The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Tip Tam Camping Resort provides organized programs for children. "There is plenty to do or not. Kids can go. Mini golf, swimming, pedal cars. Wooded sites," explains one visitor to Tip Tam Camping Resort.
Educational opportunities: Washington Crossing State Park offers historical learning experiences. A camper notes, "It's a quaint historical area kept green and nature friendly. Good for biking and dog walking," making it suitable for family outings combining outdoor recreation with learning.
Wildlife viewing: Kittatinny Valley State Park provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "Four spots across the public park. You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful. Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)," reports a visitor describing the camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Millington offer primitive camping with few RV amenities. At Round Valley, one visitor advises, "If you're looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/prohibitive."
Seasonal RV restrictions: Jenny Jump State Forest accommodates smaller RVs at specific sites. One camper observed, "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake). The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort."
Boondocking preparation: Washington Crossing State Park requires self-sufficiency for RV camping. "The camp ground is secluded and right on the Delaware River. Very enjoyable," notes a visitor, but facilities are minimal with no hookups available, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies.