Glamping near Pennington, New Jersey offers a variety of experiences ranging from primitive wilderness sites to full-service family resorts. Located in Mercer County at approximately 200 feet above sea level, Pennington sits within the Delaware Valley watershed area where summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. Fall camping season brings cooler nights averaging 45-55°F with vibrant foliage peaking in mid-October.
What to do
Explore revolutionary history: Washington Crossing State Park, temporarily closed for 2024, normally provides access to significant Revolutionary War sites. "Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history," notes Stuart K., who recommends visiting "the park's historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it's easily the most memorable history lesson you'll ever get outdoors."
Rock music adventures: Just a 35-minute drive from Pennington, Ringing Rocks Family Campground connects campers with the unique geological formation at nearby Ringing Rocks County Park. "Lovely trails and the rocks are something else," says Gregg G., who recommends visitors "bring a hammer" to experience the metallic sounds produced when striking certain rocks in this unusual formation.
Water activities: Round Valley State Park Campground offers some of the area's best water recreation opportunities. "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. This reservoir, spanning 2,350 acres and 180 feet deep, is particularly popular for kayaking and swimming.
What campers like
Secluded primitive camping: Round Valley State Park Campground offers true wilderness camping that can only be accessed by hiking 3-6 miles or by boat. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!" explains Agbi B. The campground provides minimal amenities beyond water pumps and pit toilets.
Spacious wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park provides well-spaced, private camping areas. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," explains Lee D. Another camper notes the layout creates "the feeling of being out in the Forrest" despite having amenities like electric hookups and water access.
Riverside camping: Camp Carr Campground offers sites along the South Branch of the Raritan River. "All the sites are along the river so the view and peaceful sound of the river are wonderful," shares Melissa N., who has been visiting this YMCA-operated campground for nearly 50 years. The riverside location creates a peaceful atmosphere even though it's relatively close to local towns.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Some sites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley State Park Campground, Stuart K. warns, "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 and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG."
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds operate from April through October only, with limited winter availability. Spruce Run Recreation Area, for example, operates from April 1 to October 31. Some glamping facilities have modified hours or services during shoulder seasons.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At Spruce Run, Jules T. reports that "the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting" during a weekend stay. Conversely, Colonial Woods Family Resort received praise for clean facilities, with Nicole S. noting "The bath house with showers was clean."
Tips for camping with families
Day camp scheduling: Camp Carr Campground runs YMCA day camps during summer weekdays. "Summer camping is nice but it is owned and operated by the YMCA so there is summer day camp held Monday - Friday," explains Melissa N. Families seeking quiet might prefer weekends or non-summer months.
Activity-rich options: Colonial Woods Family Resort offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "The campground is in the mountains of PA close enough to the Delaware River... The pooL and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," reports Nicole S., who also appreciated the playground, fishing lake, cornhole, and mini-golf options.
Seasonal events: Timberland Lake Campground offers special seasonal activities particularly in fall. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids," shares Jessica D., noting its proximity to Six Flags Great Adventure.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Turkey Swamp Park provides electric and water hookups but no sewer connections at individual sites. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," reports Lee D. The park does offer a dump station and laundry facilities with brand-new washers and dryers.
Road condition challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. At Colonial Woods, Brian C. cautions, "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)." Similarly, at Mountainview Campground, Christina H. notes "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle."
Site selection for utilities: For RVers at Spruce Run Recreation Area, Frank J. suggests checking site descriptions carefully: "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun."
