Round Valley State Park offers primitive camping sites accessible only by hiking 3 to 6 miles or by boat in eastern New Jersey near Ringoes. The 2,350-acre reservoir reaches depths of 180 feet at its center, creating unique waterfront camping opportunities at elevations between 400-500 feet. Camping options vary from traditional tent sites to luxury glamping accommodations within a 30-minute drive of Ringoes, with most campgrounds open from April through October.
What to do
Paddle the reservoir: At Round Valley State Park Campground, kayaking or canoeing provides access to remote campsites along the shoreline. "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," notes James R.
Explore historic sites: Washington Crossing State Park offers camping with Revolutionary War history. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware! 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," shares David S.
Visit Ringing Rocks: Just 30 minutes from Ringoes, this unique geological formation features rocks that ring like bells when struck with a hammer. "Lovely trails and the rocks are something else," states Gregg G. about the natural attraction near Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
What campers like
Riverside glamping: Riverside sites at Camp Carr Campground offer premium views with the comfort of modern accommodations. "All the sites are along the river so the view and peaceful sound of the river are wonderful," writes melissa N., who has been visiting for nearly 50 years.
Spacious wooded sites: Campers praise the natural privacy at many locations. "The campsite was wonderful and isolated... This place was just so calming and quiet, it was really just such a relaxing place to be," explains Christina H. about Mountainview Campground's wooded tent areas.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting creates opportunities for animal sightings. "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. 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 camper at Mountainview.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some premium campsites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, "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," explains James R., though other reviewers caution about the strenuous nature of the hike.
Seasonal variations: Spring and fall offer unique experiences compared to summer. "Two water releases each year in March and early November are very popular for whitewater rafters," according to Tohickon Valley County Park information, making these shoulder seasons ideal for adventure seekers.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: At wilderness campsites, amenities can be minimal. "You'll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won't get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring," notes Stuart K.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Spruce Run Recreation Area features multiple play areas for children. "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," reports Jocelyn G., making it ideal for family outings.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programs for younger campers. "Mom was away so took 3 babies on a trip. Went to Ringing Rocks county park and the kids were having so much fun making music they didn't want to leave," shares Justin B., highlighting how interactive natural features can entertain children.
Waterfront options: Sites along water features provide natural entertainment. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," notes Jules T. about her stay at Spruce Run, showing how waterfront camping creates memorable experiences for children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. "This is a smallish campground with many seasonal spots and some rental spots. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp," reports sarah at Mountainview Campground.
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully based on your needs and rig size. "If you're tent camping the bathrooms are FAR and I highly doubt no one has ever peed outside at night instead of navigating through the night to them," cautions Erika T. about Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. "Our site was almost level but in order to reach the electric connection, we were sloped slightly downhill side-to-side," notes Lee D. about a stay near Ringoes, highlighting the importance of leveling blocks and extension cords.
