Round Valley State Park Campground offers wilderness camping accessed only by hiking 3-6 miles or by boating in from the reservoir. Located 25 miles from Raritan, this area contrasts with the upscale glamping options closer to town. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches 180 feet deep, creating opportunities for overnight stays in settings that require self-sufficiency and minimal packing.
What to do
Lakefront activities at Spruce Run: Camp within view of the 1,290-acre reservoir at Spruce Run Recreation Area, where water recreation defines the experience. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and rowboats during summer months. "I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," notes camper Ruette W.
Geological exploration: Visit the unique boulder field at Ringing Rocks Family Campground, where striking metal rocks with a hammer produces musical tones. "If you're looking for a scenic drive that makes you forget that you're in NJ, head on over to the Alpha Grasslands Preserve in Alpha, NJ," suggests Christina H., who also recommends the nearby Ringing Rocks County Park for its waterfalls.
Remote wilderness camping: Experience true backcountry camping at Round Valley State Park Campground where boat-in sites provide isolation. "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site," explains Agbi B. The challenging hike-in option rewards with solitude: "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views," notes T K.
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Mountainview Campground offers private tent sites in wooded settings. "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," writes Christina H. The drive alone impresses visitors: "My husband said he would come back here just for the scenic drive to this campsite."
Family-friendly amenities: Panther Lake Camping Resort receives praise for its recreational options. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," reports Richard V. For families, the lake serves as a focal point with boat rentals and swimming areas.
Year-round wilderness access: Tohickon Valley County Park stands out for its nature-focused amenities. "Everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. Some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100' rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT," notes Brett C.
What you should know
Primitive facilities in wilderness areas: At Round Valley, limited facilities require planning. "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," says Agbi B. Another camper warns: "While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw."
Seasonal limitations: Many parks close between November and March. Turkey Swamp Park operates from April 1 to November 15, with reduced services in shoulder seasons. Spruce Run Recreation Area's season runs April 1 to October 31.
Road noise at some locations: Jenny Jump State Forest suffers from highway sounds despite its mountain location. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," reports Jocelyn G. Similarly, Jules T. notes about Spruce Run: "The only con to this campground is its proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: Families benefit from camping at Turkey Swamp Park, where playgrounds, bathrooms, and water activities combine for child-friendly experiences. "Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups," reports Dan W.
Consider weekend crowds: Weekend camping brings more visitors, which affects experience. At Spruce Run, Jules T. observed: "There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday. Park employees and park police drive around through the day."
Book wildlife education opportunities: Camp Carr includes educational day camp activities during summer months. "Summer camping is nice but it is owned and operated by the YMCA so there is summer day camp held Monday - Friday," explains melissa N., noting that these programs can add structured activities for children.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: RV sites vary widely in accessibility. At Mountainview Campground, staff helps with parking: "We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space," explains Robert J.
Plan for hookups: Many glamping sites near Raritan, New Jersey offer partial hookups only. At Camp Carr, "Sites are water and 30 amp electric only no sewer so I recommend bringing your own portable dump tank. They have a dump station for use when leaving," advises melissa N.
Consider site locations carefully: At Spruce Run, Ruette W. explains the tradeoff: "The sites on the water are just so nice. 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." She adds, "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."
