Round Valley Recreation Area, a New Jersey Park near Allentown, Basking Ridge, Belle Mead, Bensalem, Bound Brook

USA

New Jersey

Round Valley Recreation Area

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Round Valley Recreation Area

Nearby Parks:
Round Valley State Park
Spruce Run State Park
Voorhees State Park
Hacklebarney State Park
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Roosevelt State Park
Bulls Island State Park
Morristown National Historical Park
High Rocks State Park
Ralph Stover State Park

Park Contact Information:
	Round Valley Recreation Area 1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road Lebanon, New Jersey 08833-3115 Phone: 908-236-6355	Area Accommodations
Adopt-A-Park Contacts:
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Park Overview:

Round Valley is one of the few parks that offers wilderness camping. The campsites on the eastern side of the reservoir are accessible only by hiking or boating. The campers' parking lot is three miles away from the nearest site, reachable by a steep and rugged trail. Cross-country skiers and sledding enthusiasts congregate at Round Valley in the winter months.

The brisk blue waters of Round Valley Reservoir attract swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers to its scenic shore. The Round Valley Reservoir swimming area was created by the construction of an earth dam across a narrow waterway on the west side of the reservoir, separating it from the main part of the reservoir. The reservoir covers over 2,000 acres and is approximately 180 feet deep, the deepest lake in New Jersey. It has a water capacity of 55 billion gallons. The reservoir is stocked with lake trout.

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Area Activities

Arts & Crafts

Peters Valley Craft Center Store - Layton , NJ
The store at Peters Valley Craft Center offers original handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, and home furnishings. Unique items from over 300 artists offer distinctive ideas to embellish the home, treat yourself, or to select for a gift. Visit the Gallery upstairs for our latest exhibit of fine art craft.

Web Site: http://www.petersvalley.org

Camping:

Campers must check-in at the park office by 4:00 p.m

Wilderness: Wilderness family campsites 85 wilderness tent sites with fire rings (no trailers and no vehicle access), drinking water and pit toilets are within walking distance. Access to campsites by boat, canoe, or backpacking. Three-to six-mile hike from parking lot and from most facilities including swimming area. Each family site accommodates up to 6 people. Open April 1 through October 31.

Group wilderness campsites: Eight group wilderness sites with fire rings. Running water and pit toilets are within walking distance. Each group site accommodates up to 25 people. Open April 1 through October 31.

Trails:

There are three marked trails at Round Valley: the Cushetunk Trail, which accesses the campsites, the Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail. All trails are accessed from the South Parking Lot within the Day-use Area. Trails are opened year-round. Visitors should plan their trail activities so that they will be out of the park by closing and are reminded to stay on the path. Wandering off causes erosion, damage to vegetation and may, in some areas, result in trespassing onto private property. Fires are not permitted along the trails. Pets must be leashed at all times, and owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Drinking water is available along the lower service road located in the campground.

The nine-mile Cushetunk Trail and the three-mile lower service road are multi-use trails that pass through open and heavily wooded areas. The Cushetunk trail surface is rugged, rocky and steep in places which makes it more suitable for experienced hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Users must follow the same trail back as it ends at the Water Supply Authority's Restricted Area and therefore, has no outlet.

The Pine Tree Trail is approximately a one mile loop and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail is 1/2 mile loop. They pass through pinewoods and are ideal for young children, birdwatchers, and seniors. The Pine Tree Trail connects the day-use area with Division of Fish and Wildlife property.

There is a fourth unmarked water trail that is approximately 1 1/2 miles. You can access it from the campers boat launch area.

There are no trails that completely circle the reservoir.

Be aware of the park hours, so that you may plan your hiking or biking trip accordingly. Please be sure to be out of the park before it closes.

Area Activities

Arts/Cultural/Drama

Peters Valley Craft Center - Layton , NJ
Peters Valley is a non-profit education center and gallery for craft arts. Tour the studios on weekends during summer. Workshops May to September, 2 to 5 days. Expert instructors from US and abroad. Commute or sleep over for a mini-vacation close-to-home. Wood turning, weaving, jewelry, ceramics, blacksmithing, photography, papermaking, beading and more.

Web Site: http://www.petersvalley.org

Picnicking:

There are three picnic areas within the recreation area; two are located on tree-shaded grassy spots at each end of the beach, and the third is on a hill overlooking the reservoir and park. At each picnic area the visitor will find tables and grills, restrooms, and playgrounds. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Boating:

A public boat launch is located north of the day use area, which is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, motor boats (up to 10 horsepower) and three chambered inflatable vessels are permitted on the reservoir and must be registered through Motor Vehicle if over 12 feet in length. NJ Boating Rules & Regulations pertain to Round Valley Reservoir at all times. Each person must have on a wearable Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

A parking permit must be obtained through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to access the reservoir at the public boat launch, or a copy of your fishing, hunting or trapping license must be placed on the dash board of your vehicle.

Swimming:

Swimming is permitted at Round Valley in the Day-use Area only from Memorial Day through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. Swimming is not allowed in the main reservoir. Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies are available for purchase. Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront. There are two playgrounds and volleyball nets on the beachfront. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Fishing and Hunting:

Fishing

There are 19 species of fish inhabiting Round Valley Reservoir, including largemouth and smallmouth bass. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually and lake trout are abundant. The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages the reservoir as a trophy lake. Anglers must follow the posted special fishing regulations that apply. Fishing is subject to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations. Fishing is prohibited in the swimming area and a valid NJ fishing license is required.

Hunting

Waterfowl may be hunted at Round Valley Recreation Area on a seasonal basis. Waterfowl hunting is permitted by boat only. Hunting is subject to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Area Accommodations

B&Bs / Inns

Holly Thorn House - Whitehouse Station, NJ
A lovely replica of an English country manor home which combines fine old inn-keeping tradition, gracious in every way and lending itself to all seasons. You can enjoy comfortable and serene Queen bedded rooms, furnished with the warmth of antiques, and all with private baths and phones.
Web Site: http://www.hollythornhouse.com

York Street House B & B - Gracious 1909 Manor House. Elegant. Comfortable. Antiques. Waterford chandelier. Original master bath. Leaded glass windows. Gourmet candlelight breakfast. Gardens. Sitting porch. Fine art.

Aaron Burr House Inn of New Hope - This vintage village Victorian inn is a member of the WEDGWOOD COLLECTION and has a AAA/MOBIL rating: EXCELLENT. Across from Lambertville (NJ)and in New Hope's Historic District, ideal for business.

Maplewood Farm Bed & Breakfast - Neighboring New Hope, Lambertville, Peddler's Village, Doylestown and the scenic Delaware River. Friendly home, relaxing guestrooms, sumptious breakfast, sparkling pool, gardens and bucolic views.

Whistling Swan Inn - Stanhope, NJ
Nestled in the beautiful Skylands Region of New Jersey, the house now known as The Whistling Swan Inn was built in 1905 by Justice of the Peace, Daniel Best, for his wife, Sarah. Come visit Northwest NJ's finest Victorian Inn Voted "Top Ten B&B in US" by Inn Traveler Magazine
Web Site: http://www.whistlingswaninn.com

The Wooden Duck Bed & Breakfast - Newton, NJ
A brick patio & in ground swimming pool invite guests to step outdoors and enjoy their picturesque surroundings and provide a lovely spot for seasonal breakfasting, sunbathing or just plain relaxing!
Web Site: http://www.woodenduckinn.com/

Manchester Inn Bed and Breakfast - Ocean Grove, NJ
The Manchester Inn, The Ocean Grove New Jersey Bed Breakfast and The Secret Garden Restaurant are steps from the white sandy beach and the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the cooling ocean breezes from our rocking chair porch while overlooking Ocean Pathway, Ocean Groves finest avenue!
Web Site: http://www.themanchesterinn.com/index.htm

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