Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area surrounds Walpack, New Jersey, offering camping options at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,800 feet. The region's forested landscape includes limestone outcroppings and numerous waterfalls accessible from camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall bring more variable conditions requiring additional layers for overnight stays.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Raymondskill Falls from Namanock Island, where you can paddle across the river and reach the falls with a short 10-15 minute hike. "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."
Kayaking on peaceful lakes: Swartswood State Park offers excellent lake paddling opportunities. "The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious and has bathrooms. Very clean and enjoyable."
Wildlife viewing: Visit the wolf sanctuary at Camp Taylor Campground for a unique experience. "The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers... There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance."
Stargazing: The lack of light pollution makes nighttime viewing excellent in the area. "No lights means an incredible view of the night sky." Bring a telescope or simply look up from your campsite for optimal viewing.
Fishing spots: Multiple lakes and the Delaware River provide fishing opportunities. "The fishing here is decent, but it's a shallow part of the river so in the summer months the fish seek deeper waters."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Dingmans Campground offers excellent site separation. "The camp sites are nicely separated overall. Picnic table and fire ring at every site. Wood is available at the general store but it's expensive at $8 for a small bundle."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the exceptional cleanliness of facilities. "The bathrooms / showers are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless."
Natural swimming areas: The Delaware River and lakes provide cooling options. "Stopped here because it was the only dog friendly campground in the area... The river is beautiful and was so nice to jump into!"
Rustic cabins: Stokes State Forest offers well-appointed cabins. "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... hot/cold water, electric stove with oven, refrigerator, toilet, bathroom sink."
Scenic sites: Many campgrounds feature waterfront or wooded views. "We selected site T219. It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
What you should know
No cell service: Several campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "No WIfi or cell service anywhere in campground but about 5 min down the road you can find it."
Limited firewood availability: Many campgrounds restrict outside wood. "You'll need to find some birch to get your fire going if, like me, you didn't buy wood on the way (plenty of signs for wood as you approach the park office)."
Wildlife precautions: This is bear country. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Seasonal limitations: Campgrounds have different operating seasons. "The 2021 season has brought a few minor but very important changes to the island. There are now only 3 approved sites on the entire island, eliminating 3 or 4 smaller sites that are regularly used by the public."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "This was my first time venturing to the island on a weekend(Friday) night but we had the place to ourselves so that was awesome. I've read that if you are going on a weekend that it's advisable to go earlier in the day."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Great Divide Campground offers numerous options for children. "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids."
Beginner-friendly campgrounds: Some sites are perfect for first-time campers. "This was our first time camping and it was a success. Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool."
Pet-friendly camping options: Several campgrounds accommodate both children and pets. "We stayed in the last walk-in river site (little bit of a hike with all your stuff but worth it!), had views of the river, shade, and the water and port-o-potties a short walk away."
Safety considerations: Ranger patrols help maintain security. "The island is situated in a way that once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours more strictly than others. "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for bigger rigs: Choose campgrounds that accommodate larger vehicles. "The RV sites for a bigger camper are tight squeezes. If you are not comfortable with lots of tight turns I would not recommend for you!"
Hookup availability: High Point State Park offers limited services. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional preparation. "The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the 12'x10' platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill in the night."
Dump station locations: Know where you can empty tanks. "There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna. This place is absolutely stunning. The lake is crystal clear and the beach is spotless."
Winter camping options: Several parks 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."
Legend
