Primitive camping spots near Layton, New Jersey range from riverside campsites to forested platforms throughout the Delaware Water Gap area. Most tent campsites near Layton require access by water craft or hiking trails, creating natural barriers that limit crowds. Elevations vary between 300-1,600 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during days and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 10-15 minute hike from Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites allows access to Hornbeck Creek waterfall trail. "These three sites also have easy access to the multiuse McDade Trail, so after pitching your tent, a short walk upriver on the trail will bring you to the Dingman's Campground, whose store has ice cream and cold drinks and to Hornbeck Creek waterfall trail."
Wild blueberry picking: July-August season at Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers kayak-accessible berries. "If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries."
Fossil hunting: Accessible with short hike from Sandyston Boat In Campsites during lower water levels. "Within minutes on the Pennsylvania side of the river you can hike to Raymondskill Falls, as well as search for abandoned/forgotten homes and mills, or try your luck at fossil and artifact hunting."
Paddle sports: Rent kayaks and canoes at Camp Mohican Outdoor Center for use on Catfish Pond. "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
What campers like
Sunrise views: Site A at Kittatinny Valley offers best vantage point. "Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)."
Complete isolation: Three campsites only on Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite. "The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side."
Wildlife watching: Common deer sightings at Kittatinny Valley State Park. "You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful."
River sounds: Natural white noise creates calm camping environment at Namanock Island. "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."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Spring trips require more care at Sandyston Boat In Campsites. "Due to fluctuating water levels all of the islands that are used for camping have a cut wall cliff style approach, but these sites have a very steep and above average height to the shoreline making unloading both more tiring and more of a hazard than I prefer."
Site availability: Weekend competition requires early arrival at boat-in sites. "During the summer, it is often a challenge to find an open site on a Saturday night, especially if you have gotten a late start on the river or are approaching the southern end of the park."
River navigation markers: Small signage at Namanock Island can be missed. "Once at the tip of the island you will want to stay to the right on the river and close to the shore of the island (on your left hand side) as the site comes up relatively quickly and you won't want to shoot past it."
No drinking water: All primitive sites require you bring your own water. "We were very happy to see the openness of the sites. They were very large and while covered by 40+ft trees were open enough to make you wish you brought more gear and people just because it would fit."
Tips for camping with families
Bear-proof food storage: Required at Rivers Bend Group Campground. "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site."
Firewood collection: Prepare before arrival for most sites or purchase at limited locations. "Definitely would stop at one of the many places along the way to buy fire wood."
Camping platforms: Wooden tent platforms at some sites make for cleaner camping. "Tent sites are either on the ground have wooden platforms."
Large group sites: Rivers Bend accommodates multiple family tents. "Huge group potential. Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV access: Most primitive tent campsites near Layton lack vehicle access. Consider Steam Mill Campground for smaller travel trailers. "These sites are for people truly there to camp, either in a tent or small travel trailer."
Highway noise: Some road sounds can be heard at certain sites. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Site selection: Scouting recommended as terrain varies widely. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks."
Parking fees: $10-20 daily at some river access points. "There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you'll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
