Description

Welcome to Round Valley Recreation Area, also home of Round Valley Reservoir, second deepest lake in the state.

Round Valley Rec. Area is one of the few NJ State Parks to offer a back-packing camping experience as the sites are only accessible by hiking or mountain biking 3 to 6 miles, or boating across the reservoir to the campsites. No vehicle access to campsites.

Round Valley currently does not have any equipment rentals, campers need to bring all of their own equipment. We do not provide a boat rental service.

Campsites are located at the eastern end of the reservoir. We offer 85 wilderness campsites; 8 are group wilderness sites and 77 are family wilderness sites. Each site is a secluded clearing in the woods and has a fire ring with a grill attached to it for cooking. Drinking water is sometimes available, but we recommend you bring your own drinking water in case the wells are not available. Restrooms are very primitive (no flushing water) and showers are not available. Trash boxes are available at each restroom.

Swimming is prohibited in the reservoir and campsites.

The trail leading to the campsites is very steep, rocky and windy in some areas; not recommended for very small children or the elderly. The distance from the campers’ parking lot to the campsites is 3 to 6 miles depending on the site the camper reserves.

Campers boating to their campsites need to be aware of the wind warning system. The wind warning system is activated when winds reach 20-25 mph. The wind warning system consists of 4 strobe lights; one at each dam, one at the NJ Fish and Wildlife Public Boat Launch and one at the middle of the campgrounds. If any one of the 4 strobe lights turns on, boating is prohibited. Campers need to wait until the winds calm. If the winds persist and the system is on, then campers need to be prepared to hike back to or from their sites as Round Valley Recreation Area does not provide a transportation service for campers or a towing service for boats.

Boats are restricted to a 10 HP engine on the reservoir.

All campers, with reservations or walk-ins, need to check-in at the park office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pick up their overnight parking permit before leaving to the campgrounds. Registration is permitted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Campers are not allowed to check-in or go camping without checking-in after 4 p.m.

The staff at Round Valley Recreation Area hopes to provide you with a safe and enjoyable stay and visit! Hope to see you soon!

Geography:

The Cushetunk Mountains lie on a bed of igneous rock in Round Valley Recreation Area at the east end of the lake rising 500 feet above the shoreline and 834 feet above sea level. The Cushetunk Trail leads you to the Cushetunk Mountains providing hikers and horseback riders with a scenic view of the surrounding area and the reservoir.

The area offers a great example of the diversity in geological transition well known with the Highlands areas. Definitely worth the hike!

Great geological formation along one of our most traveled trail, the Water Trail. Overlook points are available by hiking to them on the Cushetunk Trail.

Recreation:

Round Valley Recreation Area Offers:

Picnicking: Year-round. We do not have reserve-able picnic areas.

Swimming: During the summer season; Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The swimming area is tested regularly for compliance in water quality per the NJ Dept. of Health standards. If the results are not in compliance, we sometimes have to close the swimming area with short notification. Lifeguard staff is sometimes limited which may also cause swimming area closures. We apologize in advance if the swimming area is closed upon your arrival.

Nature Programs: Scheduled programs and programs by request while staffing is available.

Hiking: 4 trails offering easy to difficult hikes. Family Hike and Bike Trail (white trail) is approximately .3 miles. Pine Tree Trail (green trail) is approximately .75 miles. Water Trail (blue trail) is approximately 1 mile. Cushetunk Trail (red trail) is approximately 9 miles. The only trail that loops at Round Valley is the Pine Tree Trail.

Horseback Riding Trail: Cushetunk Trail (red trail) is a 9 mile, multi-use trail. Bring your own horse. Please clean up after your horse.

Mountain Biking Trail: Cushetunk Trail (red trail) is a 9 mile, multi-use trail. Bring your own bike.

Fishing: A fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or less than 70 years of age. Fishing is allowed from the reservoir’s shoreline in the park. Remember to comply with park hours. From your own boat on the reservoir or the reservoir’s shoreline at the NJ Fish and Wildlife Public Boat Launch. All fishing must comply with the NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations, for regulations and licensing please refer to www.njfishandwildlife.com .

Boating: Boats are restricted to a 10 HP engine on the reservoir. Please use the NJ Fish and Wildlife Public Boat Launch for recreational boating or fishing from your boat for the day. Boaters need to have a fishing license, trapping license, hunting license or launch permit to use the NJ Fish and Wildlife Public Boat Launch. For licensing or permits, www.njfishandwildlife.com . Round Valley does not have a towing service for boats. Please be cautious and well prepared if boating on Round Valley Reservoir. Please be aware of the wind warning system and adhere to regulations. The wind warning system is activated when winds reach 20-25 mph. The wind warning system consists of 4 strobe lights; one at each dam, one at the NJ Fish and Wildlife Public Boat Launch and one at the middle of the campgrounds. If any one of the 4 strobe lights turns on, boating is prohibited and we ask that you please beach your boat at the nearest shoreline.

Sledding: During winter months on the hills.

Cross-country skiing: During winter months on the trails.

Ice-fishing: During winter months on the frozen swimming area and frozen reservoir.

Ice-boating: During winter months on the frozen reservoir.

Deer Hunting: Inquire in park office for dates and times.

Volunteer opportunities available.

Facilities:

Camping facilities are wilderness sites and therefore very primitive. The sites are secluded clearings in the woods with very few amenities. Available at the campsites are fire-rings with grills attached to them, outhouses for restrooms (no flushing water), trash boxes near each restroom, and drinking water hand pumps when wells are available to the public. Showers are not available at campsites. Pets, alcoholic beverages and chainsaws are prohibited at the campsites.

Nearby Attractions:

NJ Fish and Wildlife Public Boat Launch for recreational boating/fishing on the reservoir for the day.

Red Mill Museum, Main Street, Clinton, NJ

Hunterdon Art Museum, Lower Center Street, Clinton, NJ

Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Historic Sites, Somerville, NJ

Nearby markets: Wal-Mart, Bishops and Kings Supermarkets all on Route 22, Shoprite and Wal-Mart on Route 78 exit 15.

Eateries: Lebanon General Store in the town of Lebanon on Main Street, Pizzeria’s diners and McDonald’s on Route 22.

Concession/Snack Bar on site.

Nearby parks: NJ State Parks – Spruce Run Recreation Area, Voorhees State Park and Hackelbarney State Park. Hunterdon County Parks – Deer Path Park and Echo Hill Park.