Round Valley State Park Campground near Plainfield offers a distinctive wilderness camping experience, requiring either a 3 to 6-mile hike or boat access to reach remote campsites. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres with a depth of 180 feet, providing paddling opportunities in crystalline waters. Sites are primitive with limited facilities, offering a true backcountry experience within driving distance of Plainfield.
What to do
Paddle to your campsite: At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can access remote sites via kayak or canoe rather than hiking. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," notes Riley K., highlighting the unique boat-in camping opportunity.
Hiking trails: The Cushetunk Mountain trails provide challenging terrain for experienced hikers. "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," explains Stuart K., emphasizing the need for proper hiking boots.
Year-round outdoor activities: Jenny Jump State Forest offers activities across seasons. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," says Patrick M., describing the diverse seasonal options.
What campers like
Privacy and quiet: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers spacious, wooded sites that create a secluded atmosphere. "The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," reports Paulene-Amanda M., appreciating the solitude.
Wildlife encounters: Many campers value nighttime wildlife observation opportunities. "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. 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," Christina H. notes about Mountainview Campground.
Water views: Lakefront sites provide natural settings for relaxation. "The sites were on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," shares Jules T., describing the simple pleasures of waterfront camping at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
What you should know
Tick awareness: Wooded areas may have ticks during warm months. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns LAURA Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facilities range from modern to primitive across campgrounds. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," reports Jules T. about less maintained facilities.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity can impact some camping experiences. "The noise from the highway was quite loud at night," mentions Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump State Forest, noting that traffic sounds can carry to some sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Great Divide Campground offers numerous structured activities for children. "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," Scott N. shares, highlighting the family-oriented atmosphere.
Bug protection: Prepare for insects, especially during summer months. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too," JAEWOOK P. reports about a positive experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Accessible yurt options: For families seeking yurt camping near Plainfield, New Jersey, several campgrounds offer these structures as alternatives to traditional tent camping. "This place is exceptional for the Northeast Coast. Not too far from NYC or Philadelphia. It's very secluded once arriving at a campsite," notes a camper about the accessibility of yurt accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Water hose length: Some sites require extra-long hoses to reach hookups. "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," advises antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Site selection for privacy: RVers recommend requesting specific sites for more seclusion. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park's RV-friendly setup.
Campsite terrain: Many campgrounds have varied terrain that affects site quality. "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., helping RVers know what to expect at Turkey Swamp Park.
