Campsites near Wallpack Center, New Jersey span elevations from 300-1,800 feet across the Delaware Water Gap region. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F, with cooler nights in valley campgrounds. The region's terrain includes ridgelines, river valleys, and lakeside areas that create distinct microclimates for camping, with fall temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 10-15 minute access from several campgrounds to Raymondskill Falls. "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here," notes a camper at Namanock Island.
Kayaking on calm waters: Free kayaks available at some locations. "The camp site is VERY spacious, we have used 5 tents at one time here, 6 or more boats, and when you add the main campfire as well as the couple minor fires through-out the camp that were burning, there was no feel of crowding at all," shares a Namanock Island visitor.
Wolf preserve tours: Special access for campers with scheduled viewings. "The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers," according to a visitor at Camp Taylor Campground. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp."
Lake fishing and boating: Multiple lakes within 5-20 minute drives of campsites. "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," reports a camper at High Point State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campgrounds feature natural separation between sites. "Sites are nicely separated overall. Picnic table and fire ring at every site," notes a visitor at Dingmans Campground. "The bathrooms/showers are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless."
Mountain views: Several campgrounds offer elevated perspectives. "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view," shares a High Point State Park visitor. "There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking."
Pet friendly amenities: Multiple options for dog owners. "We stayed here because it was the only dog friendly campground in the area," notes one camper at Camp Taylor. While some sites restrict pets to specific areas, "There are only 4 dog friendly sites, which we need. They are 42-45. Be careful with site 44, no good place for a tent. The other are nice," advises a visitor at Swartswood State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: Some sites remain open year-round. "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," reports a camper at Pickerel Point Campground.
What you should know
Site reservation tips: Book early for waterfront access. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," shares a Pickerel Point visitor.
Bathroom facilities vary: Campgrounds range from primitive to modern. "Campsite sells fire wood. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, masks required for the pandemic still," notes a Swartswood State Park camper.
Seasonal crowds: Weekday visits offer more solitude. "Best to stay during the week... Can get really overcrowded on summer weekends sometimes. On holiday weekends it looks like a refugee camp," warns a Dingmans camper.
Fire restrictions: Some areas limit wood sources. "Limited access to firewood. Sites are picked clean, quiet hours are strongly enforced- which can be a good thing depending upon who you are," advises a Camp Taylor visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple recreation options: Choose campgrounds with diverse activities. "First, it is a state park so it has many of the things you would expect like a beach area, picnic areas, playground, volley ball, pavilion, etc," shares a Swartswood visitor. "We like quiet spots so the fact that it has the potential to be too loud in peak times meant 4 starts from me."
Cabin camping convenience: Kitchen facilities help with meal planning. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend," notes a visitor at Stokes State Forest. "Outside is a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. There are hooks near the door to hang a lantern."
Activity scheduling: Weekday visits avoid weekend crowds. "We spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel," shares a High Point State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for levelness: Some areas present challenges for RV parking. "The group campsites are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site, and one of those flat charcoal 'grills'," notes a High Point State Park visitor.
Hookup availability: Electric and water options vary by campground. "Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," advises a visitor to the area.
Terrain challenges: Hills and narrow roads can impact access. "The road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back," shares a Pickerel Point camper about the accessibility of their campground.
