Round Valley State Park Campground near New Vernon, New Jersey offers a unique wilderness camping experience in the region. Access to these primitive sites requires either a 3-6 mile hike or boat transportation across the reservoir. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally between April and October, with varying terrain from mountainous forests at Jenny Jump State Forest to the waterfront settings at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
What to do
Paddle to your campsite: At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can access sites by water rather than hiking. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," reports Riley K., who appreciated the well-maintained waterfront sites with cooking amenities.
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevation campsites at Jenny Jump State Forest provide excellent night sky viewing. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path," notes Seth K., though he mentions some highway sounds are audible from certain sites.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities in stocked waters. "They stock the water with trout and there was an officer checking for fishing permits," explains Jacquelyn G. about Stephens State Park, adding that "You can hear the babbling of the river when it's quiet at camp which provided an extra layer of relaxation."
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation receives praise for its spacious sites. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," explains a camper who appreciated the campground's amenities and tranquility.
Waterfront views: Campers consistently highlight the scenic water views at Spruce Run Recreation Area. "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," reports Ruette W., who has camped there for over ten years.
Hiking accessibility: The ability to access trails directly from campsites rates highly in reviews. "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," shares Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. For tent sites at Jenny Jump, Kelsey K. noted, "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog," adding that despite the fee, "we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and type of restroom facilities differ significantly between parks. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, campers report mixed experiences with bathrooms: "Bathrooms were clean but there wasn't soap in any of the dispensers," according to one reviewer.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. Katrina Z. notes of Cheesequake, "If you're truly looking to get away from it all I would go elsewhere since the parkway runs through/over the park, you will be able to hear traffic noises."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "Fun camping place to book groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," recommends Cynthia H., though she warns about limited connectivity.
Playgrounds and facilities: Several parks offer dedicated children's play areas. Jojo P. shares, "2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around. Pool was packed so didn't spend time there but the ceramic class was fun for the girls."
Site selection: For families needing more space, certain campgrounds offer larger group areas. At Great Divide Campground, a reviewer noted, "The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric options vary significantly. At Mahlon Dickerson, Jeff W. explains, "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
Site levelness: Several campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. Laura M. notes about Stephens State Park, "The campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs. We are in a 26ft class c and we squeezed through, but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time."
Dump station access: RVers should note varying dump station facilities. At Great Divide Campground, a visitor shared that "Each site had a water spout and electric plug in," making it convenient for shorter stays without needing to relocate for dumping.
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