Port Murray, New Jersey sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level in the Musconetcong Valley. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Several campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, while others operate seasonally from April through October with primitive camping options available for cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Jenny Jump State Forest offers immediate trail access with elevation gains providing panoramic views. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany," notes Fransheska A.
Wilderness camping experiences: At Round Valley State Park Campground, visitors can access truly remote sites. "This is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping (a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles—or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water," explains Stuart K.
Wildlife observation: Camp Taylor Campground provides unique wolf-watching opportunities. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," says Julie F.
Water activities: For fishing and paddling, the reservoirs offer clear water recreation. "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. about Round Valley.
What campers like
Rustic glamping options: Visitors enjoy Camp Taylor Campground's unique accommodations. "I choose to stay in one of the glamping tents and was pleasantly surprised at the space inside the tent even with a double bed and two other fold out couches to beds. Water is available at the site," reports Denise D.
Secluded campsites: Mountainview Campground offers privacy rarely found in New Jersey. "This place was actually fantastic, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains," Christina H. explains, adding "Our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors)."
Diverse camping terrain: Sites range from wooded to open field settings. "The drive up to this place was so breathtaking the entire way. Adorable little mountain houses, with bridges that go over a stream to get to their front door," notes a Mountainview Campground visitor.
Winter camping availability: Unlike many seasonal facilities, Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA remains open year-round for glamping close to Port Murray, New Jersey. This provides cold-weather camping options when other facilities close for winter.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary widely: Several campgrounds receive mixed reviews about facilities. At Spruce Run, one camper noted, "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."
Highway noise impacts: Spruce Run Recreation Area and other campgrounds have sound pollution issues. "The only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," reports Jules T.
Access challenges: Some wilderness sites require significant effort. "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," warns Stuart K. about Round Valley.
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping facilities near Port Murray operate April through October, with limited winter options. Mountainview Campground provides some of the most remote glamping experiences but maintains strict check-in times, refusing late arrivals even with reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: Great Divide Campground offers family-focused facilities. "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on, but that's me. Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," recommends Scott N.
Consider terrain accessibility: For families with young children, avoid sites with challenging access. "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!" advises Agbi B. about Round Valley.
Look for activity options: Campgrounds with multiple recreation choices keep children engaged. "This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs," notes Julie about Great Divide.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations experience significant day-to-night temperature drops, even in summer. Pack appropriate layers for children to remain comfortable throughout the 24-hour cycle.
Tips from RVers
Site selection is critical: Many glamping sites near Port Murray, New Jersey have challenging terrain. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P.
Water and electric access: Hook-up availability varies dramatically between campgrounds. "We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," explains Ruette W. about Spruce Run.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may challenge larger rigs. "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," warns Christina H. about Mountainview Campground, which offers unique yurt accommodations for those seeking premium glamping experiences without the hassle of hauling an RV on difficult terrain.
