Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2020

Always an Incredible Night

First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS,(National Park Service) within the DWGNRA,(Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or that are camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

As a result of the global issues, at the time of this review I wasn't really sure we would even be able to camp at all.  However, after a few phone calls and messages we were given the green light to go.  The NPS then informed me that they were starting to close off island camping on the river and going to "rotate in" some new sites to help with land management.  Almost like a farmer rotating crops.

With that, we set out to find a new night one campsite for our trip.  We were pleasantly surprised as we neared the island to see that what we had thought to be closed, actually had a new site number sign.  Immediately making shore we discovered that along with new site number signs, there also was new regulation signs and firepits. 

ONLY AT SITES 1 and 4......  Sites 2 and 3 no longer have any signage or firepits.

Returning home I contacted and updated the NPS, who said it should not have had any new site work.  With that said, if you use Nanamock Island during the 2020 season, do so at your own risk.

As always, camping on the island is such a treat.  You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone.  There are no public interactions, (beyond the neighboring sites), on the river for miles, if not days - other boaters varying... 

Its always in nice shape, if not pristine.  Group/family accommodating, pet friendly, PRIMITIVE camping that takes you back in time.  You have Raymondskill Falls about a half an hour above you on the river, and down river you will shortly come to Dingman's Crossing, (lots of history), and a short hike takes you to two more waterfalls.  This is only some of whats in the area...

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Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by John B., April 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by John B., April 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by John B., April 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by John B., April 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by John B., April 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by John B., April 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by John B., April 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by John B., April 19, 2020