3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping near Rockaway, New Jersey provides access to several state parks and forest areas with tent-only sites within a 30-mile radius. Jenny Jump State Forest in Blairstown offers primitive tent camping with walk-in sites and trail access directly from the campground. Round Valley State Park Campground features backcountry tent sites accessible only by hiking or boating in, with campsites situated along a reservoir. Stonetown Circular Trail offers two primitive tent camping locations along its 11-mile loop, providing a true wilderness experience for backpackers.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter availability. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established sites, while primitive areas may only provide a basic fire ring. Drinking water availability varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering pumps or spigots while others require campers to filter water from natural sources. Vault toilets or primitive outhouses are available at most locations, though maintenance quality varies. Bear activity is present throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in vehicles or bear-resistant containers at backcountry sites.
The tent camping experience near Rockaway features diverse terrain and water access opportunities. Round Valley's tent sites require a challenging 3-5 mile hike on rocky trails but reward campers with waterfront locations. According to reviews, "The sites are in a beautiful wooded area with picnic tables and nice fire rings." Namanock Island in the Delaware Water Gap offers boat-in tent camping with complete isolation. One camper noted, "Having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else." The Stonetown Circular primitive sites provide stream-side camping but require navigating difficult uphill rock scrambles, making them suitable for experienced backpackers with lightweight gear.
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc."
"The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan! Check them out and leave a review with your adventures during your stay!"
from $50 - $275 / night
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
"Campsite is flat, grassy, some rocks to avoid, one tree in center, large fire ring, picnic table, short walk to the pit toilet, short walk to the water spigot that is always running and ice cold, short"
"Fire rings don't seem centered on their cement bases, but other than being aware of the edges as a tripping hazard this is not an issue -- no worse than any other rock or root. "
from $20 / night
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
from $5 - $75 / night
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
ScoutWater/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
LegendNestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
LegendThere's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
ScoutOn Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
Dispersed camping near Rockaway, New Jersey offers diverse primitive and established sites within a 35-mile radius. Several of these options are accessible only by water or hiking trails, creating secluded camping opportunities in the densely populated Northeast. Elevations range from 400 to 1,500 feet across these areas, with seasonal temperature variations from 30°F overnight in spring and fall to 85°F during summer days.
Explore waterfall trails: Near Jenny Jump State Forest, hikers can access Raymondskill Falls via a short hike. As one camper notes, "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here."
Paddle to island campsites: Namanock Island provides a unique camping experience on the Delaware River. "Having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else," writes one camper. The island is approximately 4 miles downstream from Milford Beach access point and requires watercraft to reach.
Winter sports options: Campgaw Mountain Reservation, located 25 miles northeast of Rockaway, offers both camping and winter recreation. During colder months, the area transforms into a ski area, allowing campers to extend their outdoor season. In summer, "There was also plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water."
Ghost Lake hiking: Jenny Jump State Forest provides access to several unique geological features. "Nice big group site and fun walk to Ghost Lake," according to one reviewer. The forest contains numerous trails connecting prehistoric rock formations and small lakes, providing day hiking opportunities directly from campsites.
Primitive wilderness experiences: The best tent camping near Rockaway, New Jersey includes truly primitive options. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1 offers challenging but rewarding camping 2 miles into an 11-mile loop trail. "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain."
Waterfront camping: Tent campers seeking water access appreciate Round Valley State Park. "Beautiful campsite right by the lake - really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views," shares one visitor. The reservoir offers swimming and boating opportunities, though reaching the sites requires significant effort.
Privacy between sites: Jenny Jump State Forest provides well-spaced campsites. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views," notes one camper. Another mentions, "My husband and I tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves."
Rustic cabin alternatives: Several areas offer cabin options for those wanting more shelter. Jenny Jump State Forest provides cabin alternatives to tent camping. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows."
Challenging access: Round Valley State Park Campground requires significant effort to reach. "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping near Rockaway features basic amenities. "This is a primitive campsite. There is a fire ring suitable for cooking on as well as allowing you a small fire. You will also have access to a privy style toilet a short distance in the woods behind your site," explains a Namanock Island visitor.
Water considerations: Water availability varies significantly. One Stonetown Circular camper notes, "This site is a nice spot to set up camp because it is right next to a flowing stream with fresh water." However, other sites require carrying in all water.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for wildlife interactions. "As for local wildlife, you can expect to be visited by a masked robber or two during the night, but a bear bag hanging will eliminate any issues," advises a Namanock Island camper. Another notes, "Very buggy spot, LOTS of centipedes and other creatures at night, so bring a chair instead of sitting on the bench or log."
Shelter options: Sebago Cabin Camp in nearby Harriman State Park provides family-friendly accommodations. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day. We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area. It is great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside."
Kid-friendly activities: Jenny Jump offers ranger-led programs. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany. The campgrounds and bathrooms were clean and well kept. Great place to get away for the weekend with the family!!!"
Beginner backpacking: For families wanting to try backpacking, several options exist. "I was looking forward to a Worthington State Park campgrounds visit but that day they were all packed and I was suggested to Jenny Jump State. I enjoyed the overnight camp out with my kids and they had a blast. Nice size primitive tent site we had and was nice for beginner camping."
Weekend events: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Size restrictions: Moon Valley Campground provides alternatives for those with smaller RVs or wanting a glamping experience. "The Moon Valley Campground is an awesome spot for those who want to camp in luxury, with their awesome dome structures. The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan!"
Limited hookup options: The best tent camping sites near Rockaway generally lack RV hookups. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake). The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents."
Seasonal considerations: Most camping areas operate seasonally. "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly-beach like camping. The cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge. Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rockaway, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rockaway, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Rockaway, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Rockaway, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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