Glamping accommodations in Pahaquarry, New Jersey and surrounding areas offer access to the Kittatinny Mountains at elevations ranging from 300-1,800 feet. The Delaware Water Gap region experiences distinct seasons with fall foliage peaking in mid-October and summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Winter camping options are limited as most canvas structures close between November and April.
What to do
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Jenny Jump State Forest provides trails with varying difficulty levels leading to panoramic vistas. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany," notes a camper at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Wolf preserve tours: The Lakota Wolf Preserve offers educational experiences with scheduled tours leaving multiple times per weekend. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary," explains a visitor at Camp Taylor Campground.
Water activities: Lakes and rivers provide swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities from May through September. "The lake is very nice a little copper kind of like iced tea color but was very nice. They have a few hiking trails we didn't get to do, also have a horse shoe pit volleyball ball area and a little play area in the camping area," shares a camper at Tobyhanna State Park.
Boulder field exploration: Located within driving distance, natural boulder fields offer unique geological formations to explore. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," reports a visitor to Hickory Run State Park.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Otter Lake Camp Resort offers secluded camping spots surrounded by trees. "Sites are very well shaded but some can be tight. Great activities for all ages. Had an amazing first visit and will be going back!" notes one reviewer.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the region prioritize bathroom cleanliness. "The campground is huge, lots of sites to choose from. There is a big lake you can fish from, kayak, bring your own boat and even swim from when it's warm out. There are some sites right against the lake where you can fish right there," explains a camper at Otter Lake.
Diverse accommodation options: Sites range from primitive tent camping to full-service glamping. "We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven! The other campers are friendly and welcoming, the views are breathtaking," shares another visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Natural settings provide opportunities for animal sightings. "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast. Everyone was very nice camp host and DCNR were very helpful. We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area but never really thought that we would see one," reports a Tobyhanna State Park camper.
What you should know
Bear safety measures: Food storage precautions are mandatory in many campgrounds. "Be aware that this area has a high bear population and all campers are required to keep food items in their vehicles or trailers when not at the site," advises a visitor to Hickory Run State Park.
Campsite selection impacts experience: Site layouts vary widely between and within campgrounds. "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. Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot," notes a Jenny Jump State Forest camper.
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping accommodations close during winter months. "We took a drive on 2 afternoons on a stone road through the woods to see the Boulder Field. It was a beautiful drive. We were on the lookout for bear, but only saw 3 deer," reports another Hickory Run visitor.
Cell service variability: Connection quality depends on location and carrier. "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," warns a camper at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Great Divide Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "This was our second visit to the campground and the first weekend they opened to RVs after Covid. No amenities were open but we had a great time fishing in the lake. Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground," reports a visitor.
Safe swimming areas: Designated beaches provide supervised water access at many locations. "The campground has a nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," notes a Great Divide camper.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs enhance children's camping experiences. "We've been here multiple times. It's so peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely. The last time we were there we were at site 28 which was nice and secluded but the smell from the pit toilets wafted over after a while," shares a Jenny Jump State Forest visitor.
Playground access: Dedicated play areas allow children to burn energy. "It's a really nice campground and lots to do for the whole family. Sites have room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool," reports another Great Divide camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger units: Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA accommodates various RV sizes. "The staff, facilities and amenities were fantastic. If I were here with a camper or rv I would have had a perfect weekend. However as a moto camper I felt rather closed in, surrounded by massive rvs and cabins," notes one visitor.
Utility hookup variations: Water and electric access varies between campgrounds. "We opted to relocate to a site with less construction occurring and although you can still hear back hoes etc-our view has much improved. We wish there was easier access to bike and hike trails so we didn't have to drive to a location but overall a comfortable and positive experience," shares a KOA camper.
Leveling considerations: Terrain impacts setup difficulty. "Delaware Water Gap was a massive campground that was incredibly well kept and had spaces for both RVs and primitive camping. The site was very kid and pet friendly, outfitted with both a pet and children's playground," explains another visitor.
Site privacy differences: Some areas offer more secluded spots than others. "It was a fair sized site with room for a couple large tents. Site was located on a small hill next to the lake with the road directly in front and water about 50 yards away and the bathrooms about 100 yards away," reports a Stokes State Forest visitor.
