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April 2, 2022 Bike Camping Trip; Spruce Run State Park

Pack up your panniers, batten down your baskets, stuff your bikepacking™ bags.  It’s a long winter and it’s nice to plan our next bike camping trip and look forward to trying a new spot – Spruce Run State Park in Clinton.  Meet at Denville clocktower, ready to roll at 2pm on a great 40 mile mixed terrain ride.  A lot of gravel gliding on well maintained paths through Randolph, a REALLY nice chunk of West Morris Greenway rail trail, nearly the entirety of The Columbia Trail rail trail with the remainder on mostly quiet roads.  Easyish paced ride along this easy route with regroups.  Bring some bucks for the site.  Tons of options for food & refreshments along the way and in town a couple miles from camp.  Self supported. Heavy steady rain cancels.  Let me know if your coming in the comments below or find my email in the contacts, Adventure Awaits!!!

Update: That trip was great! A gang of 7 rolled out from the clock tower, the weather was spectacular – one of those middling days where you never get too hot or cold, no bugs, no wind, just comfy. 3 more lifetimers hopped on along the way in Randolph and we scooted around the swoopy trails through the woods and parks. After a quick tire boot, the rail trail conditions were really fast and the scenery changed just enough to keep it enticing, not boring. After a quick Quick Check raid, we flew down valley to the next rail trail and hauled ass to dinner in High Bridge! Met up with 2 more campers in town as we all finished our sit down dinners. As we slow rolled at different paces to camp, it got dark! We all enjoyed the fire and snacks that two lifetimers drove down with, thanks guys! Campsites were ideal, huge! My tent was about 2 steps from the waters edge. In the morning I unzipped my door to reveal how peaceful and special this place felt. I sat in awe for a while and I want to go back there! Temps dipped and some morning drizzle turned to rain as we packed up, gabbed, ate, cooked and drank some coffee. We had different approaches to the return trip and we split into groups. It rained pretty hard along the way home, Columbia trail was full of puddles, even with full fenders the grit was really sticky and a little slow, so I skipped West Morris Greenway and hit the road at Flanders to Ledgewood, Mine Hill, Dover…. I wore all my clothes and ate so many snacks, my feet were a little numb but I felt great! I eventually got home exactly 24 hours after I had left. My derailleur pulleys need replacing after that one! Thank you all for such a wonderful trip full of camaraderie and fun.

Look at these campsite photos!

Another great camping trip. Here are some pics.

30 thoughts on “April 2, 2022 Bike Camping Trip; Spruce Run State Park”

  6. Dean !…. I have the weekend free, but need to get my hands on a gravel bike, possibly rental. By when would you need an answer from me for campsite reservations ?

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    1. Randyman! I dont see any problems with room at the sites. Get a bike dude! I have an old Raleigh grand pricks I could loan ya. Its running pretty good on 650b x 42 knobbies. Could throw a blackburn rack on the back for ya if you think it might fit… Its like a 58cm toptube

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      1. Do you have enough sites?
        Me and my S.O. so 2 people
        State has too many rules:

        Occupancy- Each site can accommodate a maximum of 6 people (including visitors). Visitors are allowed at camping facilities between 8am and 8pm. Visitors must pay the daily entrance fee (seasonally).

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      2. We have 2 sites. List of solid yes is approaching 12. I’ll check if more sites are available but I’m not worried about getting hassled if we go over by 1 or 2. Especially if we have no cars parked there. Have taken alot of state park trips and not met a ranger or park police in a really really long time.

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    1. Yeah, buddy! Trails are mostly pretty smooth packed cinder rail trails that drain pretty well. I think you’d be okay if your rig has >28mm tires.

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  10. Hey there Dean. I plan on coming too along with my good friend Adam who is my regular bike adventure buddy. Looks like a minimum of vertical which will serve me well as I’m really fat at the moment.

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    1. been racking my brain… I can only think of unofficial parking on Pocono Rd. Across from St. Claire’s hospital on the Barn side, pick a quiet corner. Should be all-right.

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      1. Definitely NOT walgreens and bus commuter lots….you will get ticketed. I have had good response in past by calling the local PD and asking them. You might be able to use the municipal parking lot. Give them your plate #.

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      2. Sounds like its more trouble then its worth. I have a freind who lives in Denville, hes like a mile from the clock tower, I’ll just park it at his house.

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      3. I was going to say the municipal building and ask the police. Also the train station might be an option. I’m assuming you can park overnight. I think its like $3.

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  15. Pingback: October 21-22, 2023 Bike Camping Trip; Spruce Run State Park – FULL MOON ADVENTURE WEREWOLF BIKE RIDE – Night Riding, Gravel Gliding and Bike Camping New Jersey since 2010

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