Round Valley Recreation Area offers primitive wilderness camping that requires either a boat trip across the reservoir or a challenging hike of 3-6 miles. The campsites sit at 600 feet elevation within a 3,654-acre property that contains New Jersey's deepest lake at 180 feet deep. For tent camping near Three Bridges, New Jersey, campers should prepare for variable terrain and be ready to filter water from the reservoir for drinking purposes.
What to do
Explore disc golf courses: Green Lane Park, located about 45 minutes from Three Bridges, has an exceptional disc golf course along with multiple recreational activities. As one camper noted, "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing."
Witness historical reenactments: Washington Crossing State Park hosts regular historical programs, particularly their Christmas Day crossing event. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware! It was VERY cold the year I went. To warm up, there is a small visitor's center where they have a reproduction of the famous painting commemorating the moment," explains a visitor.
Bird watching: Fort Washington State Park offers exceptional bird watching opportunities during migration seasons. A visitor reported, "From this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn, wherein you can view their splendor from the wonderfully built Observation Deck."
Kayaking and canoeing: The clear waters of Round Valley Reservoir provide excellent paddling opportunities. Campers can bring their own watercraft or use rentals when available. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," states one visitor who enjoyed the paddling access to campsites.
What campers like
Peace and tranquility: Jenny Jump State Forest provides a secluded camping experience despite being relatively accessible. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path," explains one camper who appreciates the proximity to civilization while still feeling remote.
Clean facilities: Tip Tam Camping Resort maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. According to a camper, "The staff and campers are very friendly. Sites are nice and clean. The bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Over all a good place."
Natural surroundings: Boulder Ridge Farm offers rustic camping with unique boulder formations and wildlife encounters. As one visitor described, "Great place to escape the stress of every day life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
Private campsites: Many camping areas near Three Bridges offer good separation between sites. A camper at Jenny Jump State Forest remarked, "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."
What you should know
Site access challenges: For primitive camping areas, bringing minimal gear is essential. A reviewer at Round Valley State Park Campground advised, "Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible - packing too much to come here just isn't worth the work."
Water filtration requirements: Most primitive sites require treating water from natural sources. One camper at Round Valley shared, "There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require advance booking. At Washington Crossing State Park, "Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, especially in spring and fall. A camper at Boulder Ridge Farm mentioned, "It went down to 40 degrees that night so we had to make due with extra layers and bundle up but we made it through the night."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Tip Tam Camping Resort caters well to families with children. "The place was fun.. they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full! Nice little store and staff are all friendly," reports a parent who visited with kids.
Educational opportunities: Washington Crossing State Park offers historical learning experiences. "Visit the park's historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it's easily the most memorable history lesson you'll ever get outdoors," recommends a visitor.
Early morning expectations: Some family-oriented campgrounds become active early in the day. A camper at Tip Tam noted, "The only downside I saw was people here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in to fill the propane and was extremely loud."
Wildlife encounters: Kittatinny Valley State Park provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Four spots across the public park. You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful. Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most wilderness camping areas near Three Bridges cannot accommodate large RVs. Primitive sites at Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms work better for small travel trailers or pop-ups. "We are avid campers ranging from our early days of remote, rustic tent camping with just the two of us and 20 years later upgraded to our travel trailer that houses our two kids and two dogs."
Hookup availability: Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area offers limited RV facilities. A reviewer cautions, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite."
Alternative accommodations: For RVers who want to explore without moving their rig, some campgrounds offer alternative structures. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "If you want, they have the option of renting a small cabin/shelter that you can stay in if you are not into tent camping."
