Camping near Ringoes, New Jersey offers access to both New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania outdoor experiences within a 30-mile radius. The region features elevations ranging from 200 to 600 feet above sea level, creating varied camping terrain from riverside locations to more elevated woodland sites. Most campgrounds in the area maintain operating seasons from April through October, though cabins at certain facilities remain available during winter months.
What to do
Kayak fishing excursions: At Round Valley State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy exceptional fishing from kayaks. "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, Beautiful views," reports camper T K., who appreciated the lakeside setting.
Rock exploration: The unique geological formation at Ringing Rocks Family Campground provides a distinctive outdoor experience. "Bring a hammer," suggests Gregg G. "Lovely trails and the rocks are something else." The area's famous rocks produce metallic sounds when struck with hammers—a favorite activity for children and adults alike.
Historic immersion: Washington Crossing State Park connects campers with Revolutionary War history. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware!" notes David S., who adds that "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 recreation: Multiple reservoirs provide swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. "The park is a lot bigger than you would think, and is really a great spot to get away for a few hours," shares Seth S. about Washington Crossing, while boat-in camping sites at Round Valley offer a unique way to access camping areas.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Campers consistently praise the more remote sites available at Mountainview Campground. One reviewer, Scott A., noted, "Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice."
Water views: Waterfront camping receives high marks from visitors across multiple campgrounds. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, one camper detailed, "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning." Jules T. adds that "there were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday."
Star visibility: The distance from urban centers creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. Christina H. describes Mountainview Campground: "This place was just so calming and quiet, it was really just such a relaxing place to be. There was no irritation from loud, busy nearby roads, no city noise, no people yelling or stomping about."
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report memorable wildlife sightings. "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!" recounts Christina H. about Mountainview Campground, highlighting the abundant wildlife in the area.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley State Park Campground, "It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort! If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to to your site," explains Agbi B.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Jules T. reports about Spruce Run Recreation Area: "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."
Weather considerations: The region experiences typical Mid-Atlantic seasonal patterns. "You can hear the drone of a major highway" at night at Spruce Run Recreation Area, according to Frank J., who visited in July 2024. Road noise can affect the camping experience at several locations.
Reservation requirements: Demand for sites increases on weekends and holidays. "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night," notes Kyhlea D. about Mountainview Campground's strict arrival policies.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tohickon Family Campground provides dedicated play areas for children. "We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do," reports Jessica V.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities. At Colonial Woods Family Resort, Nicole S. notes, "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times. The posted pool hours were not as described they don't really tell you but it was open a little later."
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer shoreline fishing access. "We often bike along the canal there. There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view of the surrounding area and much more," shares Olivia M. about Washington Crossing State Park.
Organized activities: Scheduled events enhance family camping experiences. Nicole S. recounts, "They did a few activities the one we did go to was the casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital which it awesome and the kids loved the candy and little prizes they won."
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: When booking RV sites, consider tree coverage carefully. One camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area noted: "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," reports Christina H. about Mountainview Campground, suggesting caution for larger rigs.
Hookup considerations: Services vary significantly between campgrounds. At Camp Carr Campground, melissa N. advises: "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."
Space limitations: Site dimensions matter for larger RVs. Brian C. cautions about Colonial Woods: "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb). Now if you're not big rig camping like we do, this place is great for you."
