Worthington State Forest Campground, near Columbia, New Jersey, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern life. With designated sites right along the Delaware River, it offers a beautiful backdrop for camping, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors.

The campground features clean facilities, including bathrooms and a dishwashing area, which visitors find convenient during their stay. Many campers have praised the privacy of the sites, especially those on the south end, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. One camper noted, “I don’t think I’ve ever been on a site with so much privacy,” highlighting the secluded feel of the area.

Outdoor activities abound, with nearby hiking trails like the Mt. Tammany hike and access to Turtle Beach for a day of fun in the sun. Whether you’re paddling along the river or simply soaking in the scenery, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Just remember, this is a no-frills location, so come prepared for a true camping experience.

The park has 78 tent and trailer sites along two miles of river frontage. Each site contains a picnic table and a fire ring. Showers, modern toilet facilities and drinking water are available. Sites 1-23 are available for tent camping only and sites 29 -82 are available for tents, travel trailers and motorhomes.

Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Shawnee on Delaware, PA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Shawnee on Delaware, PA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Shawnee on Delaware

The Best Camping Near Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania

I take quite a few trips to the Delaware Water Gap and the campground at Worthington State Forest is by far the best. Every time we've camped here we have had an amazing view of the Delaware River to wake up. The campsites are really spacious, we've never had a problem with hearing the other campers and there are quite a few sites that are wooded and secluded enough that it would be impossible to even know you are in a campground. 

We never reserve online, but we've always scored a good campsite by just driving in. When you arrive after 5pm, there is a campground map with the sites that are already taken blacked out and you can just drive around and find the perfect one, camp, and pay in the morning. The workers have always been nice. 

I am only reviewing the tent-only sites on the left side of the campground. The RV's are on the other side and I can't speak for that. 

Campsites are $20 per night. The price is good for NJ, but I took off one star for a $5 "Reserve America" fee they recently instated; even if you don't reserve online before hand.

Tent sites right on the Delaware

The campsites here offer an unusual combination of privacy and comfort in a very popular destination for campers. Campsites are private 'outdoor rooms' that can be a clearing in the dense woods or along the bank of the Delaware River. If you get a riverside campsite, you can watch beautiful sunsets over the water and the activity of anyone floating by. Whether in the woods or on the side of the river, you find a feeling of intimacy that such public campgrounds rarely offer. 

Campsite Ammenities include a fire pit with metal flip-top grate, a picnic bench, a u-hook post for hanging, and parking. There was a trail leading down the bank to the water, but swimmers beware, the rangers watch for illegal swimming outside of the campground's designated safe swimming area where lifeguards patrol.

Within reach of any of the individual campsites is a public shower facility and bathrooms. These are far enough from the sites for privacy but close enough to walk easily. There is even a playground for kids (and Peter Pan adults as well). 

We read while there that kayaks and canoes will now be rented right out of the campground via a third party company. The rate is $26 per canoe, but unfortunately the rental duration was not listed. 

Private Views, Public Ammenities

We had a wonderful one-night stay at Worthington State Forest. The campsites are private and separated by a lot of trees and brush. If you get a site on the river, the views are great, and it's fun watching the floaters go by. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with a grill.

The showers are free and reasonably clean; there is a dishwashing station at the bathrooms, which is very helpful, as well.

The only downside is the campsites need to be reserved for a minimum of two nights. We were unable to camp for two nights, but had to pay for both in order to get a site.

Private campsites with great views

This was a very pleasant stay with beautiful views and privacy. We especially enjoied seeing the wolves-- it was really neat and definetly a draw to the area (you can hike from the campsite to the preserve). 

Very close to a wolf reserve!

Nice park with some mountains to climb and waterways to enjoy. Excellent in the fall with the leaves, especially from the summit of Mt. Tammany. The campsites are all very close to the lake, especially the tent sites. The facilities are modern, basic, and clean. We heard about some bear incidents here recently but we didn’t encounter any or any evidence of them.

Near Delaware Water Gap 

Private. Beautiful. Go swimming at turtle beach! Nice space between the sites. They also have river front sites!

Awesome Campsite

We camped at a site (can’t remember the number- 14, maybe?) that had direct access to the water, which was perfect for fishing, swimming and canoeing!! Our site was large and isolated- a perfect getaway from the city. The bathroom was a decent walk from the site. Awesome hiking trails nearby. Gorgeous views of the river.

Large, private sites with water access

First camping trip and it was a little difficult to get too. Online directions brought us too another park but we’re able to find the camping a little while down the road. Quiet and was perfect for first time campers, rentals and tubbing not too far away! Beautiful and great sunrise sunset scenery. Plenty of wildlife and activity’s near by. We stayed 2 nights and it was plenty for first timers. Definitely would go back. Plus it was I think 25 for A night with river lot.

Beautiful

This campground has been our favorite by far. The spots are huge, and mostly private. When we go camping we don’t want to be right up against our neighbors and at worthington we pretty much had our own little island. Bathrooms were clean and showers are separate and private. 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. I believe they offer electric and rv sites As well. But the best part is that you’re close to some beautiful hikes like Mt. Tammany, and Crater Lake!

Perfect getaway

Worthington had wonderful grassy sites and clean bathrooms. Unfortunately when we were there the bathroom closest to us didn't have any warm water so the showers were a no go but, there was another bathhouse nearby. Lots of trails to hike and they have a boat launch so you can canoe or kayak down the river. Our site had a lovely view of the Delaware.

The only negative experience was that we had a lot of noisy neighbors who ignored the quiet hours by playing loud music into the night and yelling in their drunken states. It would have been nice if the Rangers had properly enforced the quiet hours.

Lots to do!

We stayed in site 19 great spot very discreet. Right on the water. Careful if you are staying in rain you will have washouts. Great hiking trails as well  We hiked Mt. Tammany.  

Awesome Site 19

The tent camping spots here are all pretty wonderful (1-23). Fire pits and picnic tables are offered at each site. Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby. Port-O-Johns serve the other further campsites (1-12). Our personal preference out of these tent-only sites are site #’s 19, 16, 15, 12, 11, 5, and 1.  These, above the others, boast magnificent views of the Delaware River, have ample tree/shade (impressive grove of very tall, old Tulip trees grows here), or are more private than the rest. If camping with a larger group, and wishing to book multiple sites, #’s 13-15 would be great, or #’s 5-7. These sites are closer in proximity, in view of one another, and have an easy-access trail in between each. 
If bringing along your own kayak, canoe, or for fishing, most sites, if not all, have pathways down to the river. 

Most other sites not mentioned have less privacy, visible from thru-road, or have less desirable views.  All would work fine in a pinch though, as it is quite incredible to camp in this dense forest along the river.  

Activities: canoeing/kayaking/rafting along the river (Edge of the Woods Outfitters in DWG offers fairly-priced 10, 6, or 4-mile river trip) or driving to the nearby Appalachian Trail head (or Dunfield Creek Trail for the waterfall views/dips in the falls) for a day-hike are a must.  
Ice and firewood conveniently sold at the forest office. 



magical tent-camping along the Delaware River

We’ve stayed in some of the RV campsites on these campgrounds.  Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often. Campsite #’s 48-62 share bathrooms that have showers and dishwashing sink, but nearly all are essentially in a big field, and in view of anyone that drives by.  Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with hinge-top grills. These items are set closer to the water, so driving up and parking your car at an optimal angle does provide some coverage if you have privacy concerns. 

Ice and firewood conveniently located at forest office.  

Booking sites 37-29 are much more ideal if you want to camp beneath the forest canopy, with personal preference being to site 33, 29 (full canopy, seclusion), and 36 &amp; 37 are great if you are with a larger group wishing to book 2 sites side-by-side on the waterfront. 

Very convenient trailheads (Douglas Springs, Garvey Springs) located just outside of camping area (exit campgrounds just past campsite 58), take dayhike up to Sunfish Pond. 

RV camping along the Delaware River

There are two camping areas at Worthington State Forest - one area is tent only and the other area, separated by 3 group sites, has sites suitable for RVs and campervans. There are no hookups at any of the sites. Alcohol is not allowed. Facilities include plentiful single use bathrooms and showers.  

Site 10 is a spacious, private tent site. Sites 36 and 37 are close together but would be great waterfront campervan sites.  Many tent sites are wooded. Ticks and rattlesnakes are present in the area. Additionally, store food properly as this is bear country.

Activities include water sports on the Delaware River as well as hiking. We formed a loop hike by combining the Douglas Trail (1.7 miles), a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, and the Garvey Springs Trail (1.2 miles). This route will climb about 1200 feet past Laurel Falls to a backpacker Appalachian Trail campsite, and onward along Kittatinny Ridge to Sunfish Pond - a 44 acre glacial lake designated as a World Heritage Site - before descending back down.

State Forest camping with large sites on the Delaware River

We arrived at our site later than the check in time, had a bit of trouble finding it but once wr did it was easy enough. Careful on the roads to the campsite, they're a bit on the bumpy side. Defo smaller roads than your usual ones. We have a minivan so we had to take our time on all the pot holes. Campsite was lovely though, and were the only people there! Great hot showers and chilled vibes. Very quiet and serene. They warn for black bears so obvs practice safe routines and leave no trace!

Spacious, chilled, clean, quiet

\*\*Campground Review\*\*

We REALLY enjoyed staying at Worthing State Park. The whole place was fairly large and very well maintained. We had a ton of space for our individual campsite and felt like we were far enough away from others to have our privacy but not too far into the woods that it felt creepy. They bathrooms were also clean which is always a plus. If I were to come back, I would consider reserving a spot ahead of time to get one of the campsites along the riverbank(although it seemed like those could get buggy). The only downside I would say to Worthing State Park is how far it took for us to drive to our site every time we wanted to leave. It was a good 5 minute drive down a gravel road from the entrance of the campgrounds to our tensile (watch the time lapse). That said, I would highly recommend staying at Worthing State Park!

Ranger Review: Primus Onja at Worthington State Forest

Our campsite was located along the Delaware river with a short walk down to be able to launch our canoe and kayak. With the exception of a few noisy campers up from us it was an enjoyable time. The water is rather warm and swimming was enjoyable. 

Nice and secluded  

Worthington State forest is right on the Delaware river. It is a beautiful place to camp. You can hike up Douglas trail and sit near the Sunfish Pond. This campground is great for families but not for groups going out to drink alcohol. Alcohol and cigarettes/vapes are not allowed. 

Great for Families

We camped here in almost mid October this year. Our first time in a NJ state park. The tent camping area was right along the river, some sites with direct access, some you'd have to walk a little more to the larger access areas. Our site, 15, had a direct path right down where you could be on the river. It was also very close to the bathroom/shower without actually being close enough that people bothered you, rarely even heard folks going to the restrooms. The camp site was level, huge, good table and had a lantern hook, too. Plenty of places for tent and shelter, plus tons more space. The bathrooms got the job done. Nothing fancy, but had hot water showers, large shower rooms and enough bathrooms as well. Biggest extra was a dishwashing sink which felt amazing after a summer of camping far from water and all the drama that entails. Its a "dry" campground, but I know for sure the sites around us did not follow that rule. No electric, or water at each site, just at the bathrooms. There's so much outdoor stuff to do in this area that honestly I'd go back a ton of times if I could. Hiking, fishing, Lakota Wolf Preserve, Pennsylvania…the list goes on. 100% recommend this area for camping!

Gorgeous location with generous sites !

Camp site was great right on the water. Site 19. Extra lg site pretty flat and private only downfall directly across from campsite was a gorgeous golf course, kind of takes the camping feel away. There are tons of hiking trails to accommodate all levels of expertise. Bathrooms were always clean with fairly warm water. Can't wait to get back! 

Away from the world!!! 

We camped right on the river. The trees and water are beautiful and so peaceful! Long walk to the bathrooms.

Beautiful nature

Had a group of 10 in the fall. Plenty of space for tents, cars, and anything else you'd want to haul in. Close to a lot of nice hikes, near the AT.

BIG sites near lots of hiking

This campground was clean and quiet and workers were very helpful with any questions we had. Our campsite (#10) was right on the water and had tons of space away from other campers. We didn't see any bears on our trip, but they do warn you pretty seriously that you need to be aware they're in the area!

Worthington state forest

This campsite is about 2 hours from NYC, great location right on the river. The campsites are very nice, some are a bit more private than others though. They have great amenities: bathrooms with showers, playgrounds, they sell wood, big sinks to wash dishes, and picnic tables and grills at every site. There are many things to do in the area including kayaking, hiking, fishing, and there’s even a Walmart very close by in case of emergencies.

Great location right on the river, lots of hiking nearby

Free hot/warm showers! We saw a bear with two Cubs on our first day. There’s a resort across the river that was  somewhat loud. Sunfish pond was beautiful. 

Riverside delights 

A well kept State Forest Campground that's ideal for "Boon Docking!" They have water near the office to fill up before you go park. There is NO dump station but there is Delaware Family Campground about 10 miles away to dump if you need to. (It was $25 at the time of this writing) 

It's a great wonderful basecamp for Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Canoeing, or just sitting around and enjoying what nature has to offer. 

The sites are mostly grass, but a few have gravel pads. Many are out in the wide open, great for solar, and many are under some tree provided shade. 

The Restrooms/Showers are in great shape and cleaned daily. The park staff does a terrific job, it's just some of the people "Trash" it up, no respect.

FYI, not really set up for large RV's but we made it work. They have a gate in the back you can get in, once you check in at the office, that makes parking much easier.

Great place to Boon Dock!

This is by far my favorite campground in NJ. I have been going here for years now and nothing beats the view (most sites are right on the water). 

I can only speak for the south end of the campground (tent sites only) but the sites mostly are large in size. Not the usually square or rectangle shape sites but more natural looking. Most sites have an abundant amount of privacy. Site 20 is a huge site but no privacy. Sites 17,18,19 have the most privacy being only able to see from the driveway and no view from the sides of the peripheral sites.  Site 16 has a long winding driveway but on the left side of the site has an opening to see site 15. Site 18 is by far my favorite, it’s probably the biggest site I have ever encountered as a non-group site. To the point where you can have an actual football game on it. 
All of these sites have ample shade. 
There are 2 porter potties in front of 18 but since the sites are so far apart no one is really using it. 
Next to site 16 are the showers and bathroom (and outside the building are outlets and a dish washing sink). This bathroom is by far the cleanest one I have ever seen. Always clean over the years. Showers are hot and good pressure. 
The trails around this campground offer great views especially the sunfish pond and the mount Tammany trails. 

Best campground in NJ!

The waterfront campsite was absolutely stunning. Everything was clean and quiet and the campsite itself was very spacious and private. There was a convenient area to wash dishes and the office staff was very friendly. Will definitely be back!

Great Camping near Delaware Water Gap

What a neat place right along the Delaware River. There is plenty of hiking near by as well. 

It has no amenities so come prepared. They do have water spigots in a few spots, bathrooms w/showers and place to wash dishes too. Other than that, its a BoonDockers paradise. **NO Dump Station!!!**

Several campsites are under trees but if you have solar, stay near the far back in the open area, plenty of sun!

We were there for about 8 days and loved it. Have Fun! We will be back!

Wonderful State Park along the Delaware River!

We camped here many many times and it’s always a great experience. The sites are right on the Delaware and it provides amazing views and water activities. Showers and bathrooms are single use, clean and plenty of hot water. 

Great views. Amazing showers. Not necessarily related. 

This camping was perfect! Check-in was easy and we were able to buy fire wood there. When my partner and I went, it was actually generally vacant. We stayed at site 19 which was great for us – it was huge, we could even fit 2 more tents in the space. It was also really private, you could only see over into the site next to it from the driveway space but there wasn’t anyway staying there anyway. The bench, fire pit, and lantern hook were the perfect basics for the site. And there’s a clearing by the fire pit that looks over onto the river, it was gorgeous. The bathrooms were okay… not as clean as some of the other reviewers mentioned – definitely bring some flip flops to wear in the shower. It was functional, so that’s what matters the most. In terms of activities, we visited the Lakota wolf preserve and it was wild, great experience. And the hiking in the area was great. We definitely want to go back, but the weekend book up fast!

Perfect Getaway

I was pleasantly surprised by this campsite. The group site was more than accommodating with size, had a fire pit, charcoal grill, and two picnic tables. The view of the river makes it absolutely worthwhile. 

Absolutely beautiful 

We did a family dry camp trip here. We had two campers, a 28 ft tow behind and a 38 ft mobile home. We stayed at sites 62 &amp; 63. This place, and these sites, were perfect for a little disconnect from society and a little reconnect with our kids, parents and siblings. These two sites were next to the shower house and playground. The facilities were clean, stocked, and warm. The park was clean, quiet, and spacious. I can’t say enough nice things about the staff. We called ahead and they gave us an easier way into the campground than that single road in. The view was great. We did Mt Tammany hike one day. Another day we did Bushkill Falls (40 mins away). Will definitely be back. You can’t beat the state parks. 

Perfect State Park for outdoor adventures 

This place is amazing! While it’s easy to find and easy enough to access, it’s also tucked into a quiet corner of the state, providing plenty of privacy and enjoyment.

We tent camped in site #16 on the south end of the property, right on the Delaware River. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a site with so much privacy. The bathrooms and showers are located in a building that’ll take all of two minutes to walk to. Both the bathrooms and showers need an update, but they were mostly clean and functional during our stay. 

Everything on the south end of the property is nestled against the river. On the north end, the property opens up and there’s more space, but less privacy. Either way, it’s a gorgeous setting.

Can’t wait to come back!

As my first time ever camping, this location was great and everything went smoothly. We reserved spot #67 and got information from the office about paddle board rentals and bought firewood. The bathrooms and dishwashing sink were convenient and a close walk. We went to turtle beach one day and did the Mt Tammany hike as well. No phone service or wifi at the campsite so keep that in mind.

Great first time camping experience

I'm typing this at 2:22 AM as the group site next to us has been playing amplified music into the wee hours of the morning for two nights in a row.. We called the number for the noise complaints...and nothing. Where is the oversight in this place? There is no park ranger on site. So you are pretty much on your own here. If you are looking for a nice peaceful getaway from the city to quietly enjoy nature....this is not it. I've been looking forward to this trip all year(after having stayed here in 2013).... I'm am so disappointed.

  

\*\*\*Additionally:

  

There was a thunderstorm on Thursday night, and in the past a police officer or ranger would warn us to sleep in our cars if the storm was too close. I naively assumed the same would have happened now. That did not happen now. I stayed up all night and timed the Thunder and lightning in case I had to warn our group.

Come here if you want a nightclub in the woods

If you’re looking for a place to be a recluse, this is not the campsite to go. Being it’s along the Delaware water gap it attracts a lot of people, especially in summer. During the day you can hear music, smell fires, see people tubing on the water, or pass by people doing day picnics near the forest office. I went in the middle of the week and all the campsite in my area were filled up. I’m normally used to having campgrounds to myself when I go since I do during off times so this was a bit of a surprise. WiFi is very spotty— I was essentially out of range the entirety of my stay. Trails are nice and well marked, and there is no fee to enter if you drive all the way down to the day area parking at the end of Old Mine Rd. Bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets. Showers had hot water and nice ventilation. Overall it was a nice campsite, but too busy for my liking. 

Spotty/unreliable WiFi and rather busy

It’s on the Delaware so that’s nice, but being so attracts a lot of tourists. Which seems like most of them never have any courtesy for other campers. Always a few sites blasting music till late hours. Cars speeding around the campsite. In the three weekends we’ve been here the park rangers only patrolled one night each time. 

Good for the river 

Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available. 

Photos of Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers