Camping options near Stockton, NJ range from primitive riverside sites to full-service campgrounds. The area sits at elevations between 150-500 feet along the Delaware River valley, creating diverse microclimates that affect camping conditions. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F with humidity levels often exceeding 70%, making waterfront sites particularly valuable during peak season.
What to do
Kayaking at Round Valley State Park: Launch from the shoreline for paddling on the 2,350-acre reservoir. The water is exceptionally clear, making it ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. According to a camper, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views. Really helpful people at the office" at Round Valley State Park Campground.
Fishing at Spruce Run Recreation Area: The reservoir contains multiple fish species and offers shoreline access points. Sites along the water provide convenient fishing opportunities throughout the day. One visitor shared, "You can bring a camper, tent, or use one of the cabins. Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir. Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area."
Rock exploration at Ringing Rocks: Located near Upper Black Eddy, these unique formations produce metallic sounds when struck with a hammer. A visitor recommends: "Lovely trails and the rocks are something else." Ringing Rocks Family Campground provides convenient access just minutes away from this geological attraction.
Hiking Cushetunk Mountain: The trail system offers moderate difficulty routes with elevation changes and woodland views. The trails connect to the campsites at Round Valley, allowing for early morning access before crowds arrive. A camper notes, "The hike up in the cushetunk mountain is really nice as well."
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Mountainview Campground offers secluded spots under mature tree coverage. A visitor reports, "The campsites are spacious and the facilities are clean. Short drive to the Delaware River for tubing." Another camper adds, "Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing."
Waterfront access: Campsites along the reservoir at Spruce Run Recreation Area provide direct water views and easy shoreline access. One camper shares, "I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds in the area report frequent wildlife sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk. A camper at Mountainview Campground described, "Wildlife everywhere! The free-range chickens by the office are a warm welcome."
Stargazing opportunities: Several campgrounds have minimal light pollution, creating excellent night sky viewing. A Mountainview Campground visitor noted, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate from April 1 through October 31, with prime facilities available mainly during summer months. Winter camping is extremely limited. According to one camper at Washington Crossing State Park, "The camp ground is secluded and right on the Delaware River. Very enjoyable."
Primitive camping challenges: Round Valley requires significant effort to reach campsites. A visitor explains, "It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort! If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site."
Weekend crowding: Popular campgrounds fill quickly Friday through Sunday, especially during summer. A Spruce Run visitor shares, "There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday. Park employees and park police drive around through the day."
Weather preparedness: Sudden afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months, with little shelter available at primitive sites. Temperature drops of 20+ degrees can occur within hours during spring and fall.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Colonial Woods Family Resort offers kid-focused amenities including a supervised pool area. A family reports, "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times. They had a playground, lake where you could fish, cornhole, and minigolf."
Educational opportunities: Washington Crossing State Park incorporates historical elements that engage children with Revolutionary War history. A visitor notes, "Washington's crossing is beautiful and historic. We often bike along the canal there. There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river."
Scheduled activities: Several campgrounds organize regular family programs during peak season. One visitor to Colonial Woods mentioned, "They did a few activities the one we did go to was the casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital."
Site selection for families: Request sites away from water edges when camping with small children. Look for level ground with partial shade. A camper at Tohickon Valley County Park observed, "Easy family camping. Easy to drive in and out. No 'camp store/features' but there's a local pool with swing sets within walking distance."
Tips from RVers
RV site challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads and tight turning clearances. A Colonial Woods visitor cautioned, "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds, with full hookups limited. A camper at Tohickon Family Campground noted, "Nice new gravel and hook ups. Spacious sites. Large stream with fishing. WiFi good. ATT poor."
Dump station access: Morning checkout times can create long lines at dump stations. A visitor to Colonial Woods suggested, "Dump station location isn't ideal on a busy morning. I heard they might work on a second dump location and was told to ask if it's ok to stick around until it dies down if our site isn't needed soon."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require substantial leveling blocks due to terrain. A camper at Mountainview Campground mentioned, "Our spot 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."
