Tent camping near Phillipsburg, New Jersey provides access to diverse terrain including the Delaware River corridor, the Kittatinny Ridge, and the Lehigh Gap area. The region sits at elevations ranging from 300 feet along riverbanks to over 1,600 feet on mountain ridges. Seasonal temperature variations create distinct camping seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Kayaking on reservoir waters: At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can explore the 2,350-acre reservoir. "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," notes James R.
Wildlife observation along trails: Jenny Jump State Forest trails offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. "During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road. We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us," explains Dwight D.
Rock climbing at boulder formations: Boulder Ridge Farm features unique geological formations for climbers of varying skill levels. "Great place to escape the stress of every day life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome," shares Jnear139.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Jenny Jump State Forest, campers appreciate the layout of campsites. "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," reports Kelsey K.
Shelter options during inclement weather: The Appalachian Trail shelters provide protection from rough weather. "A single-level open-sided AT shelter near the Lehigh Gap trailhead. The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers," describes Asher K. about George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter.
Hammock-friendly sites: Many campgrounds feature properly spaced trees for hammock camping. "It was a beautiful drive to the campsite and we drove by a few times because I didn't see the small Tentrr sign on the mailbox post. We eventually figured it out and we found the host aside of the dirt lane chopping wood," shares Jen R. about Camp Starry Night.
What you should know
Water access considerations: Potable water availability varies by campground. "There is a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets. Trails are well-kept. Definitely a great place to start with getting into backpacking and enjoying nature," explains Agbi B. about Round Valley.
Site spacing and privacy: Site proximity differs dramatically between locations. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," shares Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Night noise factors: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise disruptions. "The 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)," notes Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Primitive bathroom facilities: Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park offers basic sanitation options. "Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park. Rangers will pass by and check that everyone is in the correct sites but that's about it," reports Tiffany B.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible recreation options: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly activities without difficult hiking. "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries," suggests Dan X. about Camp Mohican Outdoor Center.
Educational opportunities: Historical camping locations provide learning experiences. "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," describes Stuart K. about Washington Crossing State Park.
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevation affects nighttime temperatures significantly. "It went down to 40 degrees that night so we had to make due with extra layers and bundle up but we made it through the night," reports Jen R. about Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Many of the best tent camping areas near Phillipsburg have limited RV access. "I really enjoyed this campground. Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites," notes Lindsay D. about Jenny Jump State Forest, which does offer some RV-accessible sites despite primarily serving tent campers.
Campfire regulations: Fire rings and grates vary by location. "The fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy. Lovely park, lovely rangers, but not my favorite spot," advises Tara T. about Deep Creek Campground.
Parking considerations: Some sites require planning for vehicle size and type. "Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible. We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly," shares Stuart K. about Round Valley State Park Campground.
