3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Middletown, New Jersey range from established state park grounds to primitive backcountry sites, with several options within a 30-mile radius. Jenny Jump State Forest offers tent camping from April through October with both walk-in and drive-in access, while Round Valley Recreation Area provides more secluded tent sites accessible only by hiking or boating in. Stonetown Circular Trail features primitive tent camping with free sites that require no reservations, offering a true backcountry experience for those willing to hike to their campsite.
Most primitive tent sites in the region have basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites at Sandy Hook require campers to transport gear from parking areas using provided wheelbarrows, with no showers available. Water access is inconsistent across campgrounds, with some offering pumps or spigots while others require filtering from natural sources. A camper noted, "We filtered water right from the reservoir instead of walking back to the spigot," highlighting the self-sufficiency needed at more remote locations. Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons particularly problematic at coastal sites where food storage containers are essential.
The backcountry tent camping experience in this region offers varying levels of seclusion and natural beauty. Sites at Round Valley provide waterfront tent camping with mountain views, though reaching them requires a challenging hike. According to one visitor, "The hike in was a tough one with a couple of steep hills and rocky terrain, but once we reached the campsite it was absolute perfection." Namanock Island in the Delaware Water Gap offers boat-in tent camping with complete isolation, while sites at Wawayanda State Park provide easier access with similar wilderness feel. Most tent-only areas become quieter on weekdays, with weekend crowds common during summer months. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer insects, making it an ideal season for tent camping throughout the region.
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc."
"The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan! Check them out and leave a review with your adventures during your stay!"
from $50 - $275 / night
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
"Campsite is flat, grassy, some rocks to avoid, one tree in center, large fire ring, picnic table, short walk to the pit toilet, short walk to the water spigot that is always running and ice cold, short"
"Fire rings don't seem centered on their cement bases, but other than being aware of the edges as a tripping hazard this is not an issue -- no worse than any other rock or root. "
from $20 / night
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
from $5 - $75 / night
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
LegendNestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
LegendThere's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
ScoutOn Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
Tent camping near Middletown, New Jersey offers access to both Highland and Coastal Plain regions, with elevation ranges from sea level to over 1,200 feet in the northwestern areas. Seasonal temperatures vary dramatically, with summer highs in the upper 80s and winter camping often facing freezing conditions at night. Most primitive campsites remain open from April through October, with weekend reservations typically filling months in advance.
Hiking direct from campsites: At Jenny Jump State Forest, trails connect directly to camping areas. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany," explains Fransheska A.
Visit local waterfalls: From Namanock Island in the Delaware Water Gap, paddlers can explore nearby falls. "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if you're stopping here," notes John B.
Mountain biking and disc golf: Multiple parks offer activities beyond hiking. Campgaw Mountain Reservation combines tent camping with recreational options. "There was plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water," reports Jake R.
Island camping solitude: Namanock Island provides a unique experience only accessible by water. "Let me say that of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else," shares John B. The Delaware River location features multiple primitive sites with fire rings.
Dark night skies: Sites away from urban light pollution offer stargazing opportunities. "The island is situated in a way that once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river. Now, no lights means an incredible view of the night sky," notes a camper at Namanock Island.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer chances to spot local fauna. "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddling, birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!" reports Sean M. at Namanock Island. At Kittatinny Valley State Park, "You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful," according to Bee L.
Noise considerations: Some otherwise peaceful sites experience noise pollution. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)," notes Seth K. Similarly, Jocelyn G. reports, "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Water access varies: Sites near water bodies may require additional effort. "We filtered water right from the reservoir" is common practice at backcountry sites, while some locations offer basic pumps. At Jenny Jump, "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean," shares Kelsey K.
Tent site terrain challenges: Tent pads aren't always ideal. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," warns Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Shelter options beyond tents: Moon Valley Campground offers alternatives for families not ready for traditional tent camping. "Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking, cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents," suggests Bob F.
Cabin alternatives: At Sebago Cabin Camp, "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge," explains Sara P. This provides a middle ground for families new to outdoor camping.
Isolation level selection: Choose sites based on desired privacy and activity access. "Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)," advises Bee L. about Kittatinny Valley State Park, while Scott O. found Jenny Jump "nice for beginner camping" with manageable primitive tent sites.
Accessibility challenges: Most primitive camping areas near Middletown limit RV access. Wawayanda State Park allows RVs but John C. notes, "Not very much completely level terrain but nothing you can't sleep on," indicating site preparation may be needed.
Amenity expectations: RV campers should prepare for limited hookups. At Stonetown Circular trail, "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view... The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble," warns Ethan K.
Seasonal considerations: Spring visits face higher water levels affecting access. John B. mentions, "Spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry," which particularly impacts RV campers accessing waterfront sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Middletown, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Middletown, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Middletown, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Middletown, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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