Tent camping near Ringoes, New Jersey offers several options within 30 miles of this historic community. The area sits within the Hunterdon County highlands at around 500 feet elevation, providing a mix of woodland and reservoir settings for campers. Primitive camping areas typically operate from April through October, with most sites experiencing seasonal closure during winter months due to harsh northeastern weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking near reservoir campsites: At Round Valley State Park Campground, the nearby Cushetunk Mountain provides excellent day hiking options. "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 camper James R.
Paddle to your campsite: Rather than hiking to remote sites, consider arriving by water. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," explains Riley K. about Round Valley's boat-in camping option. This alternative requires proper equipment but eliminates the strenuous hiking requirement.
Historical exploration: While camping at Washington Crossing State Park, visitors can explore significant Revolutionary War sites. "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," shares David S.
What campers like
Remote camping without true backcountry commitment: Campers appreciate that Jenny Jump State Forest offers wilderness camping without extensive hiking. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground," according to Fransheska A.
Water quality: Multiple reviewers note the exceptional water clarity at Round Valley Recreation Area. "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.
Wildlife encounters: The region offers good wildlife viewing opportunities. At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, campers can spot various shore species. Metal storage units are provided at each site "for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," explains Craig M.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many primitive sites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, "The sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across. Beautiful peaceful and primitive. The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment-- be careful," warns Janine W.
Limited privacy at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer secluded sites. At Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots," according to Tara T. Site selection matters greatly for those seeking privacy.
Early morning noise: Be prepared for early risers. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, "People here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in to fill the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am," reports Bill V.
Tips for camping with families
Cart availability for gear transport: When tent camping with children at Sandy Hook, note that "The sites are walk-in and carts are available to haul gear," according to Christy K. This makes the quarter-mile trek to sites more manageable with young campers.
Activity options: Tip Tam Camping Resort offers numerous organized activities for families. "There is plenty to do or not. Kids can go. Mini golf, swimming, pedal cars. Wooded sites," shares Tracy, making it suitable for families seeking structured recreation between tent camping experiences.
Wildlife safety teaching: Use wildlife encounters as educational opportunities but maintain proper precautions. At Sandy Hook, the metal storage containers provide a practical lesson in food storage and wildlife management for children while camping.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most primitive tent camping areas near Ringoes have minimal or no RV facilities. For RV camping, specifically request sites with appropriate hookups. "While mostly a seasonal campground there are several transient sites with full hookup. This campground is well managed and it shows," notes Brian S. about Tip Tam Camping Resort.
Seasonal considerations: RV camping options expand during peak season but diminish significantly during winter months. Most campgrounds near Ringoes close completely from November through March, with no winter water or electrical service available.
Proximity to attractions: When bringing an RV, consider Fort Washington State Park Campground for its accessibility to cultural sites. "Should you call yourself a bird watcher, you'll be particularly interested as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn," mentions Stuart K.
