Round Valley Recreation Area offers primitive camping options near Somerset, New Jersey, with sites accessible by boat or a challenging 3 to 6-mile hike. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet, providing a pristine environment for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days often reach into the high 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Paddling the reservoir: At Round Valley State Park Campground, visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters by kayak or canoe. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," notes Ryan M., who gave the park a 5-star rating.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at Spruce Run Recreation Area for a variety of freshwater species. The reservoir is regularly stocked with trout. "Beautiful campsite right by the lake. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views," reports T K., who camped at Round Valley.
Historical exploration: Visit the restored colonial village at Allaire State Park, where buildings from the 1800s have been preserved. Frank J. at Spruce Run adds, "You can rent boats/kayaks from the park directly," making water recreation accessible without bringing your own equipment.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers an archery range with hay targets for beginners and experienced archers alike. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," recommends Patrick M.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Turkey Swamp Park offers wooded campsites with plenty of privacy. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the forest," shares Katheryn N., adding that the sites accommodate both RVs and tents.
Riverside relaxation: Camp Carr provides sites along the Raritan River for a peaceful water experience. Jim B. notes, "Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing," making it ideal for those seeking a water-focused glamping experience near Somerset.
Primitive camping challenge: For more adventurous glampers, Round Valley offers a true wilderness experience. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!" explains Agbi B.
Dark skies for stargazing: Mountainview Campground provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Scott A. mentions it's a "Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," highlighting this often-overlooked aspect of camping in the region.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially during peak summer months from June through August. Melissa N. at Camp Carr advises, "We live close by and come as often as we can."
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity is common at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, so proper food storage is essential. Greg S. notes, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."
Tick precautions: The wooded areas around Somerset can have significant tick populations. LAURA Y. warns about Turkey Swamp: "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Water access challenges: At Round Valley, T K. shares, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views," but water access may require planning since swimming isn't permitted at the campsite despite the beautiful reservoir views.
Weather considerations: The region experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most glamping operations run from April through October, with Timberland Lake Campground offering an extended season from March to December.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers organized activities for children. Cynthia H. recommends it as a "Fun camping place to book groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
Safe swimming areas: Turkey Swamp Park features designated swimming zones with lifeguards during summer months. JAEWOOK P. recalls, "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Dan W. notes that Turkey Swamp has a "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door."
Halloween camping events: Timberland Lake hosts special Halloween-themed weekends in fall. Jessica D. enthusiastically shares, "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Turkey Swamp Park offers electric and water hookups for RVs. According to Dan W., "Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups," making it convenient for those seeking glamping experiences with modern amenities near Somerset.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have gravel or dirt access roads that can be challenging after rain. Christina H. warns about Mountainview Campground: "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle."
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, but their locations vary. Melissa N. recommends: "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."
Water hookup distances: Be prepared with extra hose length at some sites. Antruze at Mahlon Dickerson notes, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
