Campgrounds near Somerville, New Jersey operate primarily between April and October, with terrain ranging from wooded settings to waterfront locations. Sites at Round Valley State Park and Mountainview Campground require significant preparation for primitive camping experiences. Weather conditions in the region vary seasonally, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months and cooler autumn temperatures dropping to 50-65°F in September and October, affecting preparation needs and comfort considerations.
What to do
Boat rentals at Spruce Run: During summer months, visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and row boats at Spruce Run Recreation Area. The lake provides calm waters suitable for beginners. "Boats/Kayaks can be rented. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," notes a regular visitor who's been camping there for over ten years.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers an archery range with hay barrels for target practice. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," suggests a visitor who returns annually. The range is typically open during regular park hours but closed during hunting season.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple reservoirs and waterways provide fishing access, with Panther Lake specifically noted for good fishing. "Great for sailing and fishing," reports one camper about the waters at Spruce Run Recreation Area. Species commonly caught include trout, bass, and catfish.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Mountainview Campground, campers appreciate the spacious sites and distance between them. "The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas," says one visitor. Sites average 30-40 feet apart, providing adequate separation.
Access to the Delaware River: Campgrounds in western areas near the Somerville region provide easy access to the Delaware River. "Short drive to the Delaware River for tubing," reports a Mountainview Campground visitor. Tubing trips typically take 2-4 hours depending on water levels and entry points.
Clean bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. At Turkey Swamp Park, "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," according to a recent visitor. Many campgrounds provide hot showers, though some operate on timer buttons or coin systems.
What you should know
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds near major roadways experience traffic noise. At Spruce Run, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," mentions one camper. Similarly, at Cheesequake State Park Campground, "the Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place."
Seasonal campsite variations: Many campgrounds have different sections with varying levels of privacy and amenities. At Panther Lake, "If you can score a secluded spot in the woods that would be perfect but anywhere else can be a bummer," warns a visitor, noting that some areas feel like "staying in the middle of a neighborhood."
Primitive camping challenges: Some locations require significant effort to reach campsites. At Round Valley Recreation Area, "You will want to bring as little with you as possible – packing too much to come here just isn't worth the work," advises one experienced camper who found the trails "challenging and uneven" despite considering himself a skilled hiker.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Ringing Rocks Family Campground, visitors noted a "Nice double playground" and seasonal activities. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do!" reports one parent.
Dedicated family activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events. "We had some issues with hikers being young and partying and just being very ignorant," mentioned a camper at Cheesequake, highlighting the importance of choosing family-oriented campgrounds with scheduled activities rather than those with unrestricted access.
Swimming options: During summer months, several parks offer swimming areas. Camp Carr provides riverside camping where "the view and peaceful sound of the river are wonderful," though one visitor notes swimming facilities may be limited during pandemic restrictions. Always check current swimming regulations before planning water activities with children.
Tips from RVers
Site access concerns: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. At Camp Carr Campground, one RVer advises, "We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water." Plan accordingly for limited hookup availability.
Hookup positioning challenges: Placement of utilities varies between sites. At Spruce Run, "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways," but one camper notes "be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric."
Low-hanging branches: Forest campgrounds may present obstacles for taller rigs. At Spruce Run, "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs." Most RV-friendly campgrounds post maximum height clearances online or will provide this information when booking.
