Round Valley Recreation Area provides wilderness camping options within 25 miles of New Providence, New Jersey. This state park requires campers to either hike 3 to 6 miles or boat in to access primitive campsites. The 2,350-acre reservoir sits at an elevation of 385 feet and reaches depths of 180 feet, making it one of New Jersey's deepest bodies of water. Weather conditions vary significantly with cold nights even during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking pristine waters: The crystalline waters of Round Valley Recreation Area offer outstanding paddling experiences from April through October. "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views," shares one visitor who enjoyed the reservoir.
Hiking mountain trails: Jenny Jump State Forest features multiple hiking paths directly accessible from campsites with elevation changes offering challenges for various skill levels. A camper notes, "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground."
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park includes an on-site archery range where visitors can practice their skills using hay bale targets. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," says one regular visitor.
Fishing for trout: Round Valley Recreation Area is known for excellent trout fishing in its deep, clear waters. Anglers should bring appropriate gear as the lake is stocked but challenging. "Beautiful area. We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," reports a fishing enthusiast.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers unusually large campsites set within wooded surroundings. "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here," shares one camper about the experience.
Mountain views: The elevated position of Jenny Jump State Forest provides scenic vistas uncommon in central New Jersey. A visitor explains, "This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean."
Unique glamping structures: For luxury glamping near New Providence, New Jersey, Great Divide Campground offers covered wagons as accommodation options. "They also had covered wagons which I believe you can sleep in," a camper mentions after noticing these distinctive structures.
Wildlife encounters: The natural settings around Stokes State Forest provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. Remember proper food storage is essential as "this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
What you should know
Boat-in access challenges: Round Valley Recreation Area's wilderness camping requires preparation. "Some of the sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across. Beautiful peaceful and primitive. The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment—be careful," warns one experienced visitor.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite their natural settings. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Weather fluctuations: Spruce Run Recreation Area experiences significant temperature drops at night, even during summer. Pack additional layers regardless of season. "Mid week (July 4th) 2024... Showers were cold water only and very cold at that. Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Bear safety protocols: Multiple campgrounds near New Providence require strict food storage practices due to bear activity. No food should be left unattended. One Stokes State Forest camper emphasizes, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Mountainview Campground offers dedicated play areas for children while maintaining a peaceful environment. "A playground for kids... Strict rules so that nature lovers can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about noisy neighbors or trash everywhere."
Educational wildlife viewing: Turkey Swamp Park provides opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems through direct observation. The lake area attracts various bird species and small mammals throughout the year. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming."
Winter activities: Several parks offer winter recreation options for family glamping near New Providence. Turkey Swamp Park provides ice skating opportunities during colder months. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for... Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
Easy hiking trails: Great Divide Campground maintains family-friendly paths suitable for various ages and abilities. "We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs. Staff were very helpful and kind."
Tips from RVers
Extended-stay hookups: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides full hookups for longer stays, with both water and electric connections. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Water connection logistics: Prepare for varying water hookup distances at certain sites. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Site selection strategy: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, RV campers should choose locations strategically. "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."
Winter camping considerations: For cold-weather glamping near New Providence, select sites with electric hookups to run space heaters. Stokes State Forest cabins offer winter options with wood stoves. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace."
