Round Valley State Park Campground offers primitive wilderness camping requiring a 3 to 6 mile hike or boat access. Located south of Interstate 78 near Lebanon, the park features a 2,350-acre reservoir that's 180 feet deep. The campground provides vault toilets and water pumps, though campers report mixed experiences with bathroom facilities. Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Port Murray accommodate dogs with varying amenities and access to outdoor activities.
What to do
Paddle the reservoir: At Round Valley State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy kayaking and canoeing on crystal clear water. "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," reports James R.
Visit the wolf preserve: Camp Taylor Campground features the Lakota Wolf Preserve with scheduled tours for campers. "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," writes Julie F.
Fish the Delaware River: Multiple riverfront camping options provide access to excellent fishing. "Great fishing hiking and campsites," notes Scott K. about Stephens State Park. The river is stocked with trout and fishing permits are checked by rangers, so remember to get your license before casting.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Jenny Jump State Forest offers secluded camping spots with natural separation. "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," shares Kelsey K.
Riverside locations: Driftstone Campground provides direct river access from many sites. "Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on. The sites are all large, and easy to get in and out of," according to Kathy G.
Hot showers: Unlike primitive wilderness campgrounds, established sites like Mountainview Campground offer clean shower facilities. "The showers were free and generally quite hot," notes Seth K. about his stay at Jenny Jump State Forest, while another camper at Driftstone praised "the nicest showers I have ever seen at a campground."
What you should know
Wilderness camping challenges: Round Valley requires significant effort to reach camping areas. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir... I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear," advises Stuart K.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite their natural settings. "High up on a mountain with beautiful views... the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean. My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," mentions Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October. Triple Brook Camping Resort runs April 17 to October 20, while Great Divide Campground operates May 1 to October 14. Winter camping options are extremely limited in this area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Port Murray include play areas for children. "This is a great campground that is super friendly and accommodating. Lots of Family activities," notes Scott N. about Great Divide Campground.
Lake activities: Mountainview Campground provides a natural setting with open fields and nearby water access. "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. Made me quake with jealousy," shares Christina H.
Shelter options: Jenny Jump offers cabin-like structures for those not ready for tent camping. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows," explains Dwight D.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Great Divide Campground, campers report varying site conditions. "The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night. Each site had a water spout and electric plug in," according to Ethan K.
Dump station access: RV campers should note that not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Driftstone Campground provides water and electric, but "no sewer hookups and the dump station is difficult to get in and out with larger rigs," warns Jim G.
Uneven terrain: Be prepared for leveling challenges at some campgrounds. "The sites were large and secluded but grassy and a bit uneven and it seemed to be like this across the board," notes one camper about Driftstone. For larger rigs, Stephens State Park may be difficult to navigate as "the campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs."
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