The Delaware River corridor around Barryville creates a unique microclimate that maintains slightly warmer temperatures than surrounding highlands, with average summer highs around 82°F. The topography features steep slopes along the river, with campgrounds nestled between the water and forested ridges. Seasonal flooding can affect lower riverbank campsites during spring thaws.
What to do
River tubing and rafting: The Delaware River near Kittatinny Campground offers family-friendly water activities during summer months. "The most beautiful campsite ever. Don't cheap out. Get the tubing package as well. Also love their camp store," writes Kendra P. Rentals typically run $25-45 per person depending on trip length.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple species including smallmouth bass and trout populate the Delaware River system. "The kids loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around," notes Katrina R. about Oakland Valley Campground, where camping spots right next to the water provide easy fishing access.
Hiking trails: The region connects with sections of the Appalachian Trail and other marked paths. "I stopped at this shelter while hiking the AT in High Point SP. It was raining the entire day and the shelter provided a dry place to take a break," reports Richard M., who appreciates the standard trail amenities like water sources and bear boxes.
What campers like
Digital disconnection: The lack of cell service creates an opportunity for intentional unplugging. "The lack of phone service was a blessing in disguise, allowing us to disconnect from technology and truly immerse ourselves in nature," shares a visitor at Slumberland at the River's Edge, noting this feature enhances the camping experience rather than detracting from it.
Secluded sites: Many campers value privacy between accommodations. "Not near any other campers and every site is right on the water," notes Hall S. about their experience at the glamping sites. Unlike traditional crowded campgrounds, these locations provide significant space between neighbors.
Family-focused activities: Neversink River Resort (formerly a KOA) offers structured entertainment for children. "They had the bounce pillow and a small pool. It could benefit from some sprucing up," notes one reviewer who enjoyed the basic amenities with friends during a weekend visit.
What you should know
Varied noise levels: Campgrounds in the region differ dramatically in how strictly quiet hours are enforced. "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," writes Jim D. about one riverside location, highlighting the party atmosphere that predominates at certain sites.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have dramatically different site qualities within the same facility. "I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. We wanted to setup our large tent on the flat gravel driveway and our hammocks and relaxation area on the platform. The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site," warns Dwight D. about High Point State Park Campground.
Seasonal operations: Most glamping near Barryville, New York operates April through October only. "Stay in one of the last weekends of August. We were a party of 8 so we needed 2 sites, the first sites we booked were horrible - so so tiny (E11 & E12) and right on a swampy pond," shares Lori M., recommending alternative sites at Neversink River Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Platform sites for stability: Look for elevated tent platforms when booking in wet seasons. "Some of the sites had a platform to set up your tent on which is nice, especially if you are going after it recently rained," explains Ethan K. about Shotwell campsites, noting how platforms keep tents dry after rainfall.
Bathroom facility variations: Campground bathroom quality ranges widely throughout the area. "Clean-ish bathrooms with flush toilets, no sinks, no showers, with that awful outhouse smell. Bringing your own toilet paper is a good idea as the park didn't replace it enough," advises one camper who visited during off-peak times when maintenance was reduced.
Swimming options beyond river: Some families prefer pool access in addition to river swimming. "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," shares Emily Z., noting this dual option helps when river conditions aren't ideal or when smaller children need calmer water.
Tips from RVers
Limited level sites: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain have significant slope issues. "Some of the sites are literally on the road - stay away from the sites on the same side of the road as the pond. I saw a family who literally had to block the road a little bc they couldn't park their car and have a tent on the tiny site," warns a reviewer about site selection at one facility.
Winter adaptations: Mountain Top RV Park maintains limited year-round operations. "The restrooms were closed for the winter, so we didn't get to use or see those... If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain," advises @HomegrownRV, noting the seasonal limitations that affect RV camping.
Electric amperage considerations: Many older campgrounds have limited electrical capacity. "The investment in new 50amp wiring, upgraded sewer systems, and newer water lines provided convenient camping experience," notes Jason G. about Mountain Top RV Park's recent improvements, distinguishing it from other facilities with outdated infrastructure.
