Best Dispersed Camping near Walpack, NJ
The Delaware Water Gap region surrounding Walpack, New Jersey features primarily dispersed camping options for backpackers and hikers. Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia serves as one of the few official camping areas within Worthington State Forest, where camping is otherwise restricted. Within an hour's drive, campers can access additional primitive sites at Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania and Hickok Brook in New York. These locations cater primarily to tent campers and hammock users seeking minimal amenities in natural settings. The area's camping landscape reflects its position along the Appalachian Trail corridor, with most sites designed for self-sufficient backcountry travelers rather than vehicle-based camping.
Road conditions and site access vary significantly throughout the region, with several locations requiring careful navigation. As one camper noted about Hickok Brook, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping." Water availability presents a consistent challenge, particularly at the Appalachian Trail sites where campers report "no water nearby" and advise to "stock up on water at Dunnfield Creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish Pond." Permits are required for camping at Thunder Swamp Trailhead and on New York state land near Hickok Brook, where rangers enforce designated camping areas. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountainous terrain, making preparation essential.
Campers consistently mention the balance between solitude and community at these sites. At the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, visitors appreciate that "there's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." The site includes bear boxes and suitable trees for hammocking, though ground fires are prohibited. Limited capacity characterizes most camping areas, with Hickok Brook offering just three spots that can fill quickly on holiday weekends. While views from some sites are described as "only mediocre," others provide "great views" that compensate for the minimal amenities. Visitors should note that many locations prohibit pets, alcohol, and fires, reflecting the conservation priorities of land managers throughout the region.
