Spruce Run Recreation Area

My first time camping trip in a few decades... So can't compare to others (yet).

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.

Pros:

Reasonable cost from NJ state website. I paid $41 for 2 days.

Campsites well spaced apart.

Staff friendly.

Boats/Kayaks can be rented.

Cons:

Showers were cold water only and very cold at that.

Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway.

Only 8 electric sites. You basically pull off side of parking lot and camp there. Lake was closed so did not swim. If you get there on a day they clean the showers not bad. Very run down. Had to pick up trash from previous campers. AT&T great service.

We stayed in a RV and a tent. There were eight people in total sleeping on the site. We stayed July 1 and 2nd. The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day. The park used to be a swim attraction but the water is not safe to swim in because of a dangerous algae bloom. While walking around, it gave off an abandoned summer camp feel. There were maybe six structures (concessions, changing rooms, etc) that were all boarded up. Thursday night was quiet. We were able to sit outside and enjoy the sounds of nature. The next night, there were many more people there. In one site, campers set up at least five tents. They were very loud past the curfew time of 10. Quiet hours were not taken seriously on that night.

Such a refreshing experience to visit here. My friend and I both hadn’t camped in awhile so we aimed for this space to kick back and take it easy. Our space was very spacious with flat terrain without many twigs/rocks. We were right off the water which was soothing to see a sunset and sunrise over. We had very cold rain on our full day but utilized that time to stay at our campsite to play games and read. It was quiet with only a few other campers which provided further relaxation. The bathrooms were clean and had sinks available to wash dishes at. Only wildlife we ran into were some beautiful deer!

Stayed here 2 nights in May, Friday-Sunday. There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday. Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall. The other stalls weren't as bad, but definitely not clean. Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning. Not including the bathroom situation, the only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down.

I did my first solo tent camping by the reservoir and it was perfect. There was so much to see and hiking trails in the campground and nearby. Bathrooms were clean and other campers were quiet making for a peaceful trip. Check in was pleasant but unfortunately, some things were closed due to covid restrictions. I will be back as often as I can and hopefully be able to rent a kayak.

This is one of the best campsite I’ve been this year, clean bathrooms with very hot water and flushable toilet. The grounds are full of grass which makes my tent easy to pitch. Most campsite has a view of the Reservoir when sundown has amazing sunsets. Staff are friendly and helpful.

The campgrounds were just okay. If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs.

It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!

Otherwise, the overall park itself is very nice during the day.

Gets packed but lots to do. Still trying to catch a fish here. A quick treat at Rita’s around the corner

Decent overnight park. Lots of space. Great for sailing and fishing. Does get a little rowdy at night with some groups that party.

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.

First camping at Sprice Run. It was pretty much what you would expect in a state park camp ground in NJ. Clean, well kept.

Lots of grassy and open area. Still a good amount of shade.