Campsites within an hour of Princeton, New Jersey range from rustic wilderness spots to sites with full-service amenities. The area sits where the coastal plain meets rolling hills, creating diverse camping environments at elevations from near sea level to around 500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions ideal for tent camping.
What to Do
Hiking at Round Valley: Access wilderness camping via 3-6 mile trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. "The hike up in the cushetunk mountain is really nice as well. If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place," notes one visitor. The reservoir offers excellent fishing in crystal-clear waters.
Historical exploration: The Princeton area features significant Revolutionary War sites. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware!" shares a camper about Washington Crossing State Park. "It was VERY cold the year I went. To warm up, there is a small visitor's center where they have a reproduction of the famous painting commemorating the moment."
Water activities: Many local parks feature reservoirs or river access. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," writes a reviewer about Round Valley's pristine waters. Another notes, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. Gorgeous sunset, Beautiful views."
What Campers Like
Privacy in wooded settings: Mountainview Campground offers secluded sites that feel remote despite proximity to towns. "My husband said he would come back here just for the scenic drive to this campsite even, and I'd have to agree. We couldn't have picked a better time of the year too, the fall leaves were so vibrant," shares one camper. Sites include fire rings with cooking grates.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting around Princeton attracts diverse wildlife. "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!" reports a Mountainview camper, adding that "for some of us, this is what camping is all about."
Off-season tranquility: Turkey Swamp Park provides quieter experiences during spring and fall. "The campground was only about 20% occupied when we were there at the end of April, so our stay was a quiet one," mentions one visitor who appreciated the peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities.
What You Should Know
Site spacing and privacy: Campground layouts vary significantly. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely between parks. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, 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."
Insect considerations: Ticks can be prevalent in New Jersey woodlands. One Turkey Swamp visitor warned, "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."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Spruce Run, "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down." Consider site location when booking if seeking quieter experiences.
Tips for Camping with Families
Seasonal activities: Timberland Lake Campground hosts special events throughout the year. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids."
Multi-generational options: Several parks offer glamping in Princeton, New Jersey area that appeals to all ages. "We went to timberland lake last fall. It happened to be the Halloween weekend which was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and tricker treating. Lake was beautiful."
Water safety: Consider supervision needs at waterfront sites. At Timberland Lake, sites offer direct water access: "It was a really nice size, and the kids could fish right off the dock on the back." However, parents should note there's no barrier between campsites and water.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Tohickon Valley County Park presents some navigation challenges. "No electrical and no pets allowed in camp sites. But plenty of trees and huge fire rings in each spot. An RV would have a tough time but for car camping it's great," advises an experienced camper.
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between parks. Spruce Run offers some waterfront sites with utilities: "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it."
Level sites: Many campgrounds in the Princeton area feature relatively flat terrain. At Turkey Swamp, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy." This makes setup easier for recreational vehicles of all sizes.
