Round Valley State Park Campground offers primitive camping sites accessible by hiking 3 to 6 miles or by boat. Located approximately 45 miles from Newtown, this wilderness camping area sits on a 2,350-acre reservoir that reaches 180 feet deep. The campground maintains water pumps and pit toilets, but doesn't permit swimming in the reservoir. Sites feature basic fire rings and picnic tables, making this a true backcountry option for pet owners seeking seclusion.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Washington Crossing State Park offers unique historical experiences alongside pet-friendly trails. "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," notes David S. from Washington Crossing State Park.
Visit Ringing Rocks Park: Located near Ringing Rocks Family Campground, this unique geological site features boulders that make metallic sounds when struck. "Bring a hammer," advises Gregg G., who found the "rocks are something else." Justin B. adds that when visiting with kids, "they were having so much fun making music they didn't want to leave."
Fish at multiple lakes: French Creek State Park offers two lakes for fishing enthusiasts with pets. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," according to Jen R. The park also features "miles of trails for walking, hiking or biking."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of Tohickon Family Campground. "Very nice, rustic, wooded campground. Nice new gravel and hook ups. Spacious sites. Large stream with fishing," notes Stephen W. The campground offers a balance between natural settings and amenities for pet owners.
Minimal noise restrictions: Mountainview Campground provides a peaceful setting without excessive rules. "This campground is perfect for a getaway if what you're looking for is no more than spending some time in nature. The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other," writes Mario M., who appreciates the simple camping experience with pets.
Wildlife encounters: At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers enjoy abundant natural wildlife. "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., who found the natural experience ideal for nature lovers with pets.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to reach. "We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space," notes Robert J. about Mountainview Campground's accommodations for vehicles.
Site conditions vary: At Colonial Woods Family Resort, site quality can differ significantly. "The sites are all covered in stone, and I don't mean just the area where you park, I mean it was like camping on a stone driveway," reports Ian P., adding that "while the seasonal sites have lots of room the transient sites are much more on top of each other."
Bathroom quality: Facilities cleanliness varies between parks. At French Creek State Park, one reviewer noted being "very disappointed in the cleanliness of the women's bathroom. Let me just say I went one time and didn't go back." However, others mention "showers had good pressure and hot water" despite facilities needing updates.
Weather impacts: Sites can become muddy after rain at Tohickon Family Campground. "Don't come if your in a tent And It Has Been or will rain, It Becomes Flooded or turns into A mudPit," warns LU D., though they still rated the experience positively overall.
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabin options: Nockamixon State Park Cabins offers pet-friendly accommodations that work well for families. "The cabins are full electric with heat and are well appointed. It was an excellent fall trip location for a family with young children," reports John S., who found the experience comparable to other state park cabins.
Look for organized activities: Multiple campgrounds provide scheduled events for children. At Ringing Rocks Family Campground, Shannon C. notes, "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" Colonial Woods also offers "a ton of scheduled crafts and to do for the kiddos and adults alike."
Pack for playground visits: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds. French Creek State Park offers "a nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground" with "slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line." Washington Crossing State Park also has "great place for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Ringing Rocks Family Campground, site layout can impact your experience. "The park is clean and well-maintained, the facilities are clean as well. The pool is nice but small and the sites are very close to one another," notes Lynn R. RVers should request sites away from tent camping areas for more privacy.
Road conditions: Colonial Woods presents challenges for larger vehicles. "This place is not the place for you if you have a fifth wheel. 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., suggesting smaller trailers will have an easier time.
Dump station logistics: Plan for potential waiting times at busy campgrounds. Nathan R. mentions Colonial Woods' "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."
Water and electric access: For RVers needing hookups, Colonial Woods offers full connections. "Full hook ups which was great!" mentions Jessica V., who visited with children and appreciated the convenience alongside the recreational activities available.
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