New Jersey is home to several ghost towns, many abandoned as the mining industry moved out of the state. Residents went where jobs went and towns were left behind to become part of history. Many of these gems are hidden away in the Pine Barrens, but there are a handful of ghost towns in the northern portion of our state. One of which is at the Round Valley Reservoir and the entire town is under water. Keep reading to find out more about this town that sits underneath this reservoir in New Jersey.

Round Valley At Night Is Pure Magic
Flickr/Victor Belisle
Round Valley Reservoir is located in Lebanon, New Jersey. A popular recreation destination, visitors enjoy activities on the water including swimming, fishing, boating and scuba diving. Reaching depths of around 180 feet, it is the deepest lake in the state.
Trails Around Round Valley Are A Paradise For Hikers And Nature Lovers
Janet Frasca/Google
A truly stunning spot, it is surrounded by tragedy. The cool blue waters have claimed over two dozen lives since 1971. Many of the deaths were determined to be accidental drownings but some visitors have disappeared without a trace. Occasionally referred to as the "Bermuda Triangle of New Jersey," some believe the area is haunted. Once a popular Native American hunting ground and later a recreation spot for Revolutionary War soldiers, this certainly is possible, but it's more likely that the drownings are caused by failure to follow safety procedures.
Round Valley Area Map
library.princeton.edu/Thomas Gordon, "Map of the State of New Jersey: with Part of the Adjoining States." Published by H. S. Tanner, 1828
The reservoir was built in the late 1950s to provide water to the surrounding areas. It wasn't built on empty land however, the town of Round Valley stood in its place. A small farming community, residents were forced to relocate to make way for the flooding. 16 homes were moved to nearby locations, along with barns and other buildings - everything else was demolished. Still, the foundations of several structures along with unique ruins and artifacts remain.
Round Valley Before The Reservoir Was A Small Town That Faced Some Challenges
YouTube/Media 523

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YouTube/Media 523
YouTube/Media 523
With just over two dozen total homes and one main road, the town was quiet and safe. Sadly, the area was struggling while eastern neighborhoods in New Jersey were rapidly increasing in population - industry was winning out over farming. There was a drought, and something needed to be done to provide water to the state. A vote was taken, and all New Jersey counties except Hunterdon voted to fill the valley.
Round Valley Today Is A Gorgeous Recreation Area
Wikipedia/Public Domain
YouTube/Blanchard Family Posts
The community put up a fight, but ultimately the reservoir was built. Many chose to move up the hill, overlooking what would become the lake. Under the surface of the water, remnants of the town can be found. If you’re a diver, the best spot to see the ruins is about 1500 - 1800 feet from the shore. In addition to foundations, you'll find tree stumps, plants, and wildlife.

To see the site for yourself, check out these footages from YouTube users, Blanchard Family Posts and Media 523 Documentaries :

Did you know that this town once existed? Have you been to Round Valley before? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments below. For other unique spots in New Jersey, check out this fairy hiking trail or these bizarre roadside attractions.

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ROUND VALLEY RESERVOIR & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | December 15, 2022

What is there to do at Round Valley Reservoir?

Round Valley Reservoir offers a plethora of recreational activities. In fact, it’s one of the most gorgeous swimming holes in New Jersey, and it’s known for its cool and crystal-clear waters. Here are a few activities that you can do at the reservoir:

  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Scuba Diving 

Also, as the largest reservoir in New Jersey, it is easy to see why it’s a popular destination. Here’s an article that tells you more about the fun activities at Round Valley Reservoir in New Jersey.

Besides the town under the Round Valley Reservoir, what are some other ghost towns in New Jersey?

It’s a tragedy what happened to the town under the Round Valley Reservoir. However, there are other ghost towns in New Jersey that experienced hardships or tragedies. They include:

  • Harrisville in Bass River Township was a thriving paper mill town that was burned down in 1914. 
  • Walpack Township is not quite a ghost town because a few residents remain, and the buildings are used as a tourist attraction. But in the 1960s nearly 8,000 residents were forced to leave their homes behind because of a dam at Tocks Island that was never built.
  • Sea Breeze in Cumberland County was a thriving beach town that was struck by a major hurricane in 1985, and other homes were flooded, destroyed by fires or demolished by the EPA for safety reasons.

Here’s a previous article about more fascinating ghost towns in New Jersey.

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Round Valley Reservoir, Clinton Township, NJ 08833, USA