Round Valley Recreation Area

Round Valley Recreation Area A state park located in Hunterdon County's Highlands, Round Valley Recreation Area is an oasis for recreation and relaxation. Happy Adventures ~

Round Valley Recreation Area was once a round valley framed by the horseshoe shaped Cushetunk Mountain. In 1970 the valley was filled with water from the nearby South Branch Raritan River and that is how Round Valley became New Jersey's third largest reservoir and an oasis for recreation and relaxation. Experienced wilderness campers can enjoy a rugged 3-6 mile hike over mountain terrain before ha

ving the opportunity to relax and toast marshmallows (fire danger permitting). Picnickers and summertime visitors can enjoy swimming at the lifeguarded beach when it is open. And trail users of all kinds are welcome to visit the park in every season for hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, fishing and more!

You are cordially invited to take a leaf out of Belleplain State Forest and Cape May Point State Park’s book by posing w...
08/03/2026

You are cordially invited to take a leaf out of Belleplain State Forest and Cape May Point State Park’s book by posing with your NJ State Park Passport to Adventure booklet, freshly stamped, and at the scene of the cover photo! 🍃📗📷 Wearing lots of pretty rings in your photo is not required, however, you're welcome to earn bonus points for any fabulous energy or happy park stories that you have to share ~
Passport to Adventure booklets are available at the Round Valley Park Office for $7 plus tax. We also still have the old-fashioned "stamps" from the original park passport booklets so feel free to ask us for both!
🗺️📘 Where will your next park adventure take you?

Camping camping camping, at Round Valley lake*! Check in at the office, and please do not be late!Check out these amazin...
08/02/2026

Camping camping camping, at Round Valley lake*! Check in at the office, and please do not be late!

Check out these amazing outfits! This group of campers was so prepared for our wilderness camping that they even had themed shirts!

Better yet, they read their confirmation email and were well versed in all of the rules and facts about camping at Round Valley!

For example, you must be ready to hike or boat three to six miles to camp at Round Valley! Wilderness camping means you cannot bring your car to your campsite! For this reason, you also must be checked into the office before 6pm on the day of your reservation, so that you have time to safely adventure before it gets dark.

Furthermore, camping at Round Valley entails a night out in the woods, which means it’s good to come prepared with all the food, water, and supplies you need for the night! An animal proof container (for your food) and bug spray (for you!) is especially advisable!

Interested in learning more? Check out our website, or go to www.camping.nj.gov, to learn the rest of the rules and get yourself excited for an awesome camping trip.

Camping at Round Valley is a wonderful experience— if not, would these campers have these fantastic shirts? We hope to see you soon for some happy camping!

(*Fun Fact! It’s actually a reservoir, but that doesn’t rhyme!)

Round Valley Recreation Area's swimming beach will be CLOSED on Saturday August 1st and Sunday August 2nd due to a lifeg...
08/01/2026

Round Valley Recreation Area's swimming beach will be CLOSED on Saturday August 1st and Sunday August 2nd due to a lifeguard staffing shortage.

Every year we strive to offer a safe swimming experience by staffing the swimming area with lifeguards and testing the water; however swimming is not always a guaranteed activity due to weather, water quality, and staff availability.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy other fun park activities like fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and wilderness camping this weekend.

Check out the Comment section below for links to the NJ State Park Swimming Schedule.

Swimming Advisory: Round Valley Recreation AreaThe swimming area at Round Valley Recreation Area is closed Saturday, Aug...
07/31/2026

Swimming Advisory: Round Valley Recreation Area

The swimming area at Round Valley Recreation Area is closed Saturday, Aug. 1 & Sunday, Aug. 2, due to a lifeguard staffing shortage.

View other New Jersey State Parks swimming areas: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/swimming-schedule/

Speaking of bears, it sure is smokey (… get it?)Check out this progression of smoke from Canadian wildfires filling the ...
07/17/2026

Speaking of bears, it sure is smokey (… get it?)

Check out this progression of smoke from Canadian wildfires filling the air at Round Valley!

This serves as an excellent reminder to listen to our friend Smokey Bear! Practicing fire safety is the best way to prevent wildfires!

Only start legal campfires, and keep them safe and attended until you are ready to pour water on them to put them out! Check fire danger and restrictions before doing anything that poses a fire risk. Keep emergency numbers on hand at all times!

When it is smokey outside, be aware of the risks of smoke inhalation. Consider wearing a mask or staying inside for the day.

Round Valley sends well wishes to everyone affected by these fires. Stay safe out there!

07/17/2026

Attention all visitors! We have had a few bear sightings in the past few weeks! That means that it’s time to become beary aware of the bear facts!

If you see a bear in (or out) of the park, don’t panic! Most black bears are more scared of you than you are of them! That being said, it’s still important to know what to do during an ursine encounter, because a little confusion can be a big deal! So, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to remain bear safe when you’re out in the park.

🍔 Be aware of your food! Make sure all food waste is carried out of the park with you, or placed in one of the bear safe trashcans out on our campgrounds! Speaking of camping, before you go to sleep, make sure your food is bear safe— closed up, tied up, and away from the tent!

🐻 If you do encounter a bear, remain calm. Keep a safe distance, but make sure that you don’t block the bear from moving away from your group. Bears are intimidated by size and noise, so if it gets close, get big and loud. Slowly back away to a safe area— don’t run or play dead!

😡 If the bear seems angry or agressive, notify the proper authorities. That means give a call to us at the office, or to NJ Fish and Wildlife! Remember, while most bear interactions are friendly, if a bear begins to attack you, FIGHT BACK! Again, don’t play dead! Carrying pocket sized pepper spray is always helpful!

With all this in mind, the bear that visited Round Valley was just as friendly as any other visitor! We’re really bearly worried; it’s just always good to be aware 🙂

Address

1220 Stanton-Lebanon Road
Lebanon, NJ
08833

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

Telephone

(908) 236-6355

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