Round Valley State Park Campground offers a unique primitive camping experience in central New Jersey. At 40.6 feet above sea level, the park provides both remote camping options and reservoir access. While many campers opt to boat to their sites due to challenging terrain, the park maintains several well-marked but demanding trails that test even experienced hikers.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on clean waters: Turkey Swamp Park features a large lake perfect for paddling. "Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," notes Tylen L. The park rents various watercraft during summer months.
Hiking through diverse terrain: Trails near Mountainview Campground showcase scenic countryside views. "We set up camp and went for a little walk around to explore a bit. There were some open fields, some hunting trails with tree stands, and some remains of old structure foundations, chimneys, and farm equipment," shares Christina H.
Visit Ringing Rocks Park: Located near several campgrounds, this unique attraction lets visitors create music with hammers and stones. "Bring a hammer," advises Gregg G. at Ringing Rocks Family Campground. Many campers make this a day trip from their base camps around Pennington.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Colonial Woods Family Resort offers spacious sites with good separation. "The campsites are spacious and the facilities are clean. Short drive to the Delaware River for tubing," reports Emily. Most campers appreciate the wooded setting that provides natural breaks between sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural surroundings create chances to spot local fauna. "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!" describes Christina H. at Mountainview Campground.
Clean facilities: Turkey Swamp Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," notes Katheryn N. Most campgrounds in the region prioritize facility cleanliness despite heavy seasonal use.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds limit operations from April through October. Camp Carr Campground has specific limitations: "Right now during Covid the restrooms are not available so they do not allow tent camping. You must have a trailer with your own restroom and shower," explains melissa N.
Variable water quality: Reservoir and lake water conditions can change throughout the season. "While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw," advises Stuart K.
Insect preparedness: Ticks and other insects are common in wooded areas. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," reports LAURA Y. about Turkey Swamp Park. Bring appropriate repellent and check regularly after hiking.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Timberland Lake Campground offers multiple recreation options. "Plenty of activities for children of all ages. Play ground, basket ball, beautiful pool and for an extra fee beach access," mentions Jim C. Many locations have scheduled weekend activities.
Consider proximity to attractions: "This campground is conveniently located near six flags (5min), Sesame Place (40 min) and Philadelphia (60 min)," notes Jim C. about Timberland Lake Campground. Plan day trips to complement your camping experience.
Look for Halloween weekend events: Several campgrounds host special fall activities. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" shares Shannon C. about Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Water and electric access: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Pennington offer hookups. "Sites are water and 30 amp electric only no sewer so I recommend bringing your own portable dump tank. They have a dump station for use when leaving," advises melissa N. about Camp Carr Campground.
Site selection strategy: At Nockamixon State Park Cabins, choosing the right location matters. "We prefer even numbered sites as the hook ups for odd number are on the front side of the trailer unless the site is long enough to pull into or you have a motor home," recommends melissa N.
Road conditions: Access roads at some campgrounds can be challenging. "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)," warns Brian C. about Colonial Woods Family Resort. Check campground reviews for big rig accessibility before booking.
Legend
