Dispersed camping areas near Barryville, New York feature both rugged terrain and accessible riverside locations. The Delaware River corridor provides opportunities for primitive camping with varying road conditions and seasonal availability. Most dispersed sites in the area require self-sufficiency with limited or no facilities, typically operating from mid-spring through fall when weather conditions permit backcountry access.
What to do
Tubing adventures: 4-mile float trips are popular at Kittatinny Campground, where campers can combine river activities with their stay. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" notes one visitor.
Kayaking to island campsites: Access the remote Namanock Island for a truly secluded experience. "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet. There was a bathroom with flush toilets nearby and the campsites were well spaced apart. Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset," explains one camper about regional paddling options.
Waterfall hikes: Multiple cascades within 10-15 minutes of camping areas provide cool respite during summer months. "We also hiked Tumbling Falls which was a beautiful shady hike with water falls," shares a camper who stayed at Dingmans Campground.
Stargazing without light pollution: The lack of development creates exceptional night sky viewing. "There was a beach nearby that was an excellent place to gaze at the stars. Loved it!" reports a visitor to Pickerel Point.
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Sites directly on the Delaware River offer both recreation and tranquility at Slumberland at the River's Edge. "Me and two friends do a yearly kayak trip down the Delaware river... The host put out a orange cone that made finding our campsite easy and a nice beach made unloading and loading kayaks pretty easy," notes one kayaker.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature wooded spacing between sites. "The campground's family-friendly atmosphere and waterfront location added an extra layer of beauty to our stay. The serene river provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation and water-based activities," shares a Slumberland visitor.
Elevated tent platforms: Several campgrounds offer wooden platforms keeping tents dry during wet conditions. "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," explains a camper at Stokes State Forest.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bald eagles and other wildlife are common sights from riverside campsites. "Saw about 6 bald eagles! When we got back to the campsite we had to go get our truck to bring our kayak back to the site," reports a Dingmans Campground visitor.
What you should know
Access limitations: Several dispersed camping locations require high-clearance vehicles. "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must," warns a visitor to Hickok Brook.
Noise levels vary drastically: Some riverside campgrounds become busy party spots on weekends. "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around," reports a Kittatinny Campground visitor.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Many dispersed camping areas have no services. "This site is PRIMITIVE camping.... No bathrooms, no facilities of any sort. Everything must be packed in and out, or you wont have it," explains a Namanock Island camper.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close from late fall through early spring. "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," notes a winter visitor to Pickerel Point.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with swimming access: Stokes State Forest offers kid-friendly water areas. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer organized programs. "This place was so fun for the entire family, it wasn't that busy, so we didn't really have to worry all the time about the kids getting ran over! The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters," shares a Kittatinny visitor.
Check bathroom facilities beforehand: Quality varies significantly. "The bathrooms were a total mess. Normally they are quite clean," warns a repeat visitor to Dingmans Campground about inconsistent maintenance.
Reserve early for riverside sites: Prime waterfront locations book quickly during summer months. "We have taken our children there often but I wouldn't recommend or call it family friendly," cautions a camper about Jerry's Three River Campground, highlighting the importance of researching each location's atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with full amenities. "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!" warns a visitor to Dingmans Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many sites feature uneven terrain. "We got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level," notes a camper at High Point State Park.
Year-round options limited: Few campgrounds remain open through winter. "Right off the interstate. If you have the generator going and ear plugs it shouldn't bother you. The couple who runs the park is super helpful and patient," explains an RVer at Tri-State RV Park, one of the few year-round options.
Highway noise factors: Sites near main roads can be noisy. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot. Restrooms are clean. Not much else to say about this CG, is just a parking lot with hookups," reports a Tri-State RV Park visitor.
