The Pahaquarry area sits within the Delaware Water Gap region where elevations range from 300 to 1,600 feet, creating diverse camping environments with temperature variations of up to 10°F between riverside and ridge sites. Camping spots near Pahaquarry, New Jersey offer distinct seasonal experiences, with spring sites often muddy along the Delaware while fall brings colorful foliage and crisp nights that can drop below 40°F. Winter camping is available at select locations with proper preparation for temperatures that regularly dip below freezing.
What to do
Observe wolves at close range: Camp Taylor Campground offers unique access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve with discounted tours for campers. "We took a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," shares Julie F., who enjoyed the wooded private sites.
Explore Mt. Tammany trails: Worthington State Forest Campground provides direct access to some of the region's most challenging hikes. "Perfect getaway with plenty of beautiful trails with lots of wildlife! If you enjoy kayaking or canoeing they have sites which have river access right from your site... the best part is that you're close to some beautiful hikes like Mt. Tammany, and Crater Lake!" explains Fransheska A.
Paddle the Delaware River: Driftstone Campground offers on-site river access with kayak rentals and launch facilities. "Accept the Delaware River from campground and kayak trips offered. Plenty of things to do," notes George in his review. The campground includes a boat ramp accessible for small watercraft and organized river activities during summer months.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Jenny Jump State Forest receives consistent praise for its well-maintained facilities. "The bathrooms were clean and well kept. Great place to get away for the weekend with the family!!!" writes Fransheska A. Other reviewers note that "The facilities are modern, basic, and clean" at several campgrounds throughout the region.
Private, wooded campsites: Mountain Vista Campground earns high marks for its natural setting. "We were in site A22 and loved it. It was their last weekend of the season-weekend before Halloween. They offered different activities. And had (socially distanced) trick or treating for kids!" according to Angela, who appreciated both the privacy and community aspects.
River views from your campsite: Many campers value the Delaware River sightlines available at several campgrounds. "We had a beautiful site along the Delaware river with a short walk down to be able to launch our canoe and kayak. The water is rather warm and swimming was enjoyable," Mitchell E. shared about his experience at Worthington State Forest.
What you should know
Road noise affects some campgrounds: Jenny Jump State Forest, while popular, has some sites impacted by highway sounds. "This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean. My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," notes Jocelyn G. in her review.
Bear activity requires proper food storage: Throughout the region, bear encounters are common and safety measures are necessary. "We heard about some bear incidents here recently but we didn't encounter any or any evidence of them," reported Harry H. at Worthington State Forest Campground.
Cell service varies significantly: Connectivity can be a challenge depending on your provider and specific campground location. "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity," reports Nick E. from Timothy Lake South.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with playgrounds: Camp Taylor Campground offers excellent family facilities. "It's GREAT For kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over. The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," writes Kathy G., who enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere.
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Many sites offer scheduled events for children. "They have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more)," Kylie R. mentions about Mountain Vista Campground, making it easier to keep children entertained during your stay.
Reserve early for holiday weekends: The Delaware Water Gap region becomes extremely busy during peak times. "When we arrived we were surprised at how many seasonal campsites there were. We came on a holiday weekend and thought it would be rowdy and loud. So far, nice and quiet," notes Angie G. from Timothy Lake South, highlighting the importance of advanced planning.
Tips from RVers
Scout the approach routes carefully: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads for larger rigs. "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill," warns Jim G. about Driftstone Campground.
Consider site dimensions before booking: Many RV sites in the region have specific limitations. "Sites are kinda close together but it was fairly quiet even though it was full," notes Mary H. about Timothy Lake South. For larger rigs, she recommends requesting specific site information before arrival.
Prepare for limited hookups: Full-service sites are limited in the Delaware Water Gap area. "No sewer hookups and the dump station is difficult to get in and out with larger rigs," cautions Jim G. at Driftstone. Knowing these limitations helps RVers plan accordingly for longer stays.
