Round Valley State Park Campground provides primitive wilderness camping options within 15 miles of Stockton, New Jersey. The sites are positioned along a 2,350-acre reservoir with water that reaches 180 feet deep at its center. Tent campers access these sites via hiking trails ranging from 3 to 6 miles, while others can reach campsites by boat. The surrounding area features several campgrounds offering glamping alternatives and family-friendly accommodations across eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey.
What to do
Explore geological wonders: At Ringing Rocks Family Campground, visitors bring hammers to create unique sounds from rock formations. "Lovely trails and the rocks are something else," writes Gregg G. The campground sits just minutes from Ringing Rocks County Park, where campers can experience this natural phenomenon directly.
Access waterfront camping: Round Valley State Park Campground offers secluded reservoir camping accessible by boat or hiking trails. As Riley K. notes, "Well maintained campsites. Fire pit had a medal grate to cook on. Beautiful area. we paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear." Sites require a 3-6 mile hike unless accessing by watercraft.
Bike the canal path: The Delaware Canal towpath connects multiple camping areas, creating scenic cycling routes. "The Delaware Canal is nearby with the tow path for biking. That makes this a nice Bikepacking stop," explains Maureen F. about Tohickon Valley County Park.
What campers like
Wilderness experience: Many campers appreciate the remote feel of certain sites. "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. about Round Valley.
Private wooded sites: Mountainview Campground features secluded tent sites set back from developed areas. "The Tent sites are The Best Thing about this Place, They are a lot more Private and spacious," notes a reviewer. Christina H. adds, "This place was just so calming and quiet, it was really just such a relaxing place to be."
Wildlife encounters: Natural settings attract diverse animal life. "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. 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!" reports Christina H. from Mountainview Campground.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Some primitive sites have minimal amenities. "There is a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets. Trails are well-kept. Definitely a great place to start with getting into backpacking and enjoying nature," notes Agbi B. about Round Valley.
Tent site conditions: Surface conditions vary significantly between locations. At Little Red Barn Campground, "The ground is moderately rocky, so there may be some slight troubles getting tent stakes in the ground." Other campgrounds feature grass or gravel sites.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping close to Stockton, New Jersey requires advance booking. "Since it was late in the season, I called ahead to make sure this campground was still open. I was reassured that it was, that reservations were not needed, and that a ranger would come around to collect our fee," explains Lee D. about Tohickon Valley County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities. "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," notes Nicole S. about Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events. "We went on Father's Day weekend and they had nice arts and crafts for the kids to do for dad," shares Shannon C. about Colonial Woods. Another visitor mentioned, "They had a playground, lake where you could fish, cornhole, and minigolf."
Bathhouse proximity: Consider bathroom locations when selecting sites with children. At Little Red Barn Campground, "only one bathroom and it's very far from the primitive sites," warns Kelsey K. This becomes important for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for locations that accommodate larger vehicles. "Sites are very close together. Site numbers are on the back of the sites, very hard to see from the road," notes Kim B. about Colonial Woods.
Access challenges: Some roads may present difficulties. "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)," warns Brian C. about navigating Colonial Woods with a fifth wheel.
Hookup availability: Camp Carr Campground offers riverside sites with utilities. "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," advises Melissa N., adding "We prefer even numbered sites as the hook ups for odd number are one the front side of the trailer."