Camping near Riegelsville, Pennsylvania offers diverse outdoor experiences along the Delaware River Valley where elevations range from 150-500 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area operate from early April through October, with primitive camping options available for those seeking less developed accommodations.
What to do
Kayaking the Delaware River: Located near Colonial Woods Family Resort, the Delaware River provides excellent paddling opportunities. "We didn't have to go tubing because there was so much to do. We took a trip down using bucks County river tub company," notes a camper who visited Colonial Woods.
Rock exploration at Ringing Rocks: Just minutes from Ringing Rocks Family Campground, visitors can experience the unique geological formation where rocks ring when struck. "Went to Ringing Rocks county park and the kids were having so much fun making music they didn't want to leave," shares one visitor who made a spontaneous decision to camp after visiting the park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies near campgrounds offer fishing access. At Round Valley State Park, the reservoir is known for its exceptional fishing. "The water is crystal clear," reports a camper who noted the reservoir's 180-foot depth provides habitat for various fish species.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Mountainview Campground where natural surroundings create peaceful camping experiences. "Our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors). Beautifully secluded and quiet. Pretty rare for campgrounds in NJ," notes a reviewer who appreciated the isolation.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and common areas. "The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure," reports a visitor to Ringing Rocks Family Campground. Similarly, at Colonial Woods, reviewers noted, "The bath house with showers was clean."
Waterfront camping: Sites along water bodies rank high among camper preferences. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," shares one camper who enjoyed the lakefront setting with its sunset views.
What you should know
Weather variability: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. Late spring through early fall provides the most reliable camping weather, but preparation for sudden changes is essential. "Even in the summer, nights can cool down significantly," notes a regular visitor to the area.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (June-August) and holiday weekends. At Tohickon Valley County Park, "You can reserved a site or find an open one and set up camp. Park rangers routinely will check up on you to make sure things are going well."
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds. At Spruce Run, one camper noted, "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."
Alcohol restrictions: Some public parks prohibit alcohol. "It's a great place to take the kids for a night or two of lovely moderate hiking and outdoor experience. Except I don't have kids and the people I tagged along with didn't read the rules, so we brought a bunch of alcohol and had our selves a blast until the rangers showed up," reports a Tohickon Valley visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Several campgrounds offer organized events for children. At Colonial Woods, "They had a nice arts and crafts for the kids to do for dad," during Father's Day weekend. Another visitor mentioned, "They did a casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Ringing Rocks Family Campground provides "a double playground" that children enjoy, while Colonial Woods offers "a playground, lake where you could fish, cornhole, and minigolf."
Swimming options: Pools provide safe swimming alternatives to natural water bodies. "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," notes a Colonial Woods visitor, though they add that "pool hours were not as described... it was open a little later."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend carefully choosing sites based on tree coverage and access. "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," advises a Spruce Run visitor.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Mountainview Campground, "The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp," notes one RVer, making it suitable for various equipment needs.
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds present access difficulties for larger rigs. "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 an RVer about Colonial Woods, adding "If you're not big rig camping like we do, this place is great for you."
