Camping near Stewartsville, NJ

The camping areas surrounding Stewartsville benefit from the region's location within the Highlands physiographic province, characterized by ridges reaching 1,600 feet and valleys as low as 300 feet above sea level. The area's glacial geology creates a landscape of rocky outcrops, dense forests, and natural waterways that define the camping experience. Most primitive sites in this region sit on former farmland reclaimed by oak and hickory forests since the 1960s.

What to do

Hiking at Jenny Jump State Forest: Multiple trails lead to scenic viewpoints with varied difficulty levels. The trail to Ghost Lake offers a moderate 2.5-mile route suitable for most skill levels. As one visitor noted, "I really enjoyed this campground. Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites. Close proximity to good hiking and kayaking at Delaware Water Gap but without the crowds of their sites."

Water activities at Spruce Run Recreation Area: This reservoir permits fishing, kayaking, and swimming at designated beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A camper described their experience: "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun... Boats/Kayaks can be rented."

Visit the Lakota Wolf Preserve: Located within Camp Taylor Campground, the preserve offers educational tours at discounted rates for campers. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance."

Rock exploration at Ringing Rocks: Just across the Pennsylvania border from Stewartsville, Ringing Rocks Family Campground provides access to the unusual geological formation. A visitor recommends: "Bring a hammer... Lovely trails and the rocks are something else." The metallic sound produced when striking certain rocks makes for a unique outdoor experience.

What campers like

Private waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise water-adjacent sites at Spruce Run Recreation Area for their views and access. One camper reported: "Stayed here 2 nights in May, Friday-Sunday. There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday... Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning."

Secluded wooded spots: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites with natural privacy screens. At Mountainview Campground, a reviewer appreciated that "The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains... This place was just so calming and quiet, it was really just such a relaxing place to be. There was no irritation from loud, busy nearby roads, no city noise, no people yelling or stomping about."

Primitive camping experience: For those seeking an authentic wilderness experience, paddling or hiking to sites at Round Valley Recreation Area offers true seclusion. One camper noted: "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear... Beautiful peaceful and primitive. The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment—be careful."

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards despite their remote settings. At Jenny Jump State Forest, a camper mentioned: "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean. The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials, although the main office does sell firewood."

What you should know

Boat-in camping challenges: Round Valley State Park Campground offers wilderness camping accessible only by boat or hiking. A visitor warned: "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—so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots."

Limited supplies: Many campgrounds have minimal stores or none at all. Stock up in larger towns before arrival. A Jenny Jump camper advised: "The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials, although the main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!"

Variable site conditions: Even within the same campground, site quality can differ dramatically. At Colonial Woods Family Resort, a camper observed: "However, for whatever reason the sites are all covered in stone, and I don't mean just the area where you park, I mean it was like camping on a stone driveway. Also, while the seasonal sites have lots of room the transient sites are much more on top of each other."

Wildlife encounters: Bear activity requires proper food storage. One Mountainview Campground reviewer shared: "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! I guess if you don't like that kind of stuff you should avoid an area like this, but for some of us, this is what camping is all about."

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with activities: Driftstone Campground organizes regular weekend events throughout summer. A visitor reported: "It would be very difficult to be bored at Driftstone-- games, activities, swimming, boating, plenty of open field for the kids. It is a very family-friendly campground where the staff and other campers are very personable."

Book early for holidays: Summer holiday weekends fill months in advance at most campgrounds within 30 miles of Stewartsville. Colonial Woods typically reaches capacity by early March for July 4th weekend.

Try cabins for beginners: Several campgrounds offer cabin options for families new to camping. At Jenny Jump State Forest, a first-timer found: "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, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch."

Secure sites away from noise: Request sites away from major facilities and roads. At Mountainview Campground, "Our site was #27 and pretty spacious. The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure. The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even."

Tips from RVers

Mind the access roads: Several campgrounds near Stewartsville have challenging approach roads. For Driftstone Campground, a reviewer cautions: "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill."

Size limitations: Many campgrounds aren't suitable for larger RVs. A Colonial Woods visitor warned: "Ok so let me start off by saying. If we still had our smaller travel trailer this review would've been at least 4 stars. However this place is not the place for you if you have a fifth wheel. The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed."

Limited hookups: Full hookups are uncommon at state parks in the region. A Spruce Run camper explained: "I can not speak to the condition of the bathrooms, I stopped going into them 6 years ago as soon as I bought a cassette toilet to avoid them... Also if all the sites had Water & electric hook ups. They don't mostly, have hookups it's a trade off because the sites on the water are just so nice."