Round Valley State Park

About Round Valley State Park

Swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers are drawn to the picturesque shores of Round Valley Reservoir. The reservoir covers more than 2,000 hectares and is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the USA and the second largest in North America. A 1.5-mile-long, 1.50-metre-wide stream, created by the round dam, separates it from the main part of this reservoir.

With a water capacity of 55 billion gallons, Round Valley Reservoir, the second largest freshwater reservoir in the United States, has a total of 1.8 million cubic meters of water in its reservoir pool.

The pool is filled with lake trout and is home to a variety of fish species as well as a number of birds, reptiles and amphibians.

In the winter months, cross-country skiers and sledders meet in Round Valley, and in spring and summer, cross-country skiers and snowshoe hikers return to the park. The campsites on the eastern side of the reservoir are accessible only on foot or by boat, but the campers, vans and parking lots are 3 miles from the nearest location and can be reached via steep, rugged paths.

Rounds Valley is one of the few parks in California that offers wilderness camping. There are campsites on both the west and east sides of the reservoir pool.

Most facilities, including the swimming area, are within walking distance, and the RV, van and parking lot are all within walking distance.

The family side can accommodate up to 6 people, and all water pipes, pits and toilets are within walking distance. The family pages can accommodate 6 or more people at the same time, with a maximum capacity of 4 persons per family per day, per room.

The group sites can accommodate up to 25 people, with a maximum capacity of 4 people per family per day, per room. Swimming is allowed in Round Valley during the day, but not in the main pool.

Use of the area is limited to Labor Day and Memorial Day, unless a lifeguard is in use.

Visitors will find a concession building where food and beach supplies can be purchased. On the beach there are two volleyball nets, two changing rooms and two picnic tables and a picnic table.

Barbecuing is prohibited on the beach and there is no pool, but only a small pool with a maximum capacity of 4 people per family per day, per room. Boat and swimming equipment such as kayaks, rafts, kayaks and paddle boards are not allowed in the swimming area.

Public boat moorings are located in the day-to-day use area, which is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Motor vehicles must not be registered unless they are longer than 10 metres and each person must have a valid driving licence for a motor vehicle with a maximum capacity of 2 persons per family per day and per room. The reservoir can hold up to 4000 cubic feet of water per person per hour or 2500 cubic meters per year.

To access the reservoir from the public jetty, you must apply and place a copy of your fishing, hunting and fishing permit on the vehicle's dashboard. The recreation area has three picnic areas; two are located under trees and on shady lawns at the end of a beach, and the third is on a hill overlooking the reservoirs and the park. On the picnic area visitors will find tables, barbecues, toilets and playgrounds.

Round Valley has a Cushetunk Trail leading to the campsite and this path is accessible from the south car park in the day use area.

The trails are open all year round, but visitors should plan their walk before leaving the park as they are reminded to stay off the road.

Pets must always be kept on a leash and owners are responsible for picking up their pets. In some areas, migration can lead to interference with private property, leading to erosion and vegetation damage. Fire is permitted along the way, but only in areas with a high fire risk, such as the fire pit.
The Cushetunk Trail is rugged, rocky and steep in places, making it difficult for experienced hikers and mountain bikers. There are many hiking trails that lead to open, densely wooded areas, such as the north and south paths. Drinking water is available on low traffic access roads and campsites, but users must follow the same route that ends in restricted areas without water supply and therefore has no sewerage.

The pine path is about 1.5 km long and leads through pine forests and is ideal for small children, birdwatchers and seniors. The family hiking and biking trail is a 1.5 mile loop that leads from the southern hiking trail to the northern entrance of Round Valley State Park.

The Pine Nature Trail connects the daily use area with the area of fish and wildlife through the pine forests and woodlands of Round Valley State Park.

The water clarity and abundant aquatic fauna make Round Valley State Park one of the state's most popular waterfalls. There is a path that completely circumnavigates the reservoir and can be reached from motorhomes and boat moorings. The fourth unmarked waterway, about 1.5 km long, is just a short walk from the hiking trail and a few hundred metres from a picnic area.

Depending on the water situation, diving is permitted in Round Valley State Park, but divers must be registered and certified by the county board. Divers must have a diving buddy, an inflatable vest and a feather and must register at least two hours before and three hours after diving.

Take I-78 to the exit, follow signs to the park and follow signs to the entrance to Round Valley State Park. Divers must check in before diving and check out after diving and check out at least two hours before and three hours after diving.