Camping near Port Jervis, New York offers access to three state forests and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. Weather patterns vary significantly between river valley sites and higher elevation campgrounds in the surrounding highlands. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s during the day and can drop to the mid-50s at night.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 5-mile radius contains multiple cascades accessible via short hikes. At Stokes State Forest, "Tumbling Falls was a beautiful shady hike with water falls. Check out our Instagram for more pics," notes one visitor. Several trails under 2 miles lead to viewpoints.
River paddling: Delaware River access provides calm waters suitable for beginners and families. "We had the opportunity to cook some soup on our stovetop and chill out by the campfire. The kayak trip down the Delaware River was beautiful! Saw about 6 bald eagles!" reported a camper at Namanock Island.
Mountain viewpoints: High Point Monument offers panoramic views across three states. "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view. There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking," explains a visitor to High Point State Park.
Lake recreation: Swimming and fishing opportunities exist at several parks. "The lake was beautiful in the morning with mist or steam. We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely," shared one camper at Lake Ocquittunk.
What campers like
Island camping: Total seclusion provides a unique experience on river islands. "Let me say that of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else," writes a visitor to Namanock Island, adding "Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness."
Family activities: Organized events keep children entertained at some campgrounds. "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," explains a visitor to Kittatinny Campground.
Farm settings: Animal interactions create memorable experiences for children. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," notes a camper. Another visitor adds, "Important to not miss: the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
Riverside sites: Natural soundtrack enhances the camping experience. "You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone. There are no public interactions beyond the neighboring sites on the river for miles," describes a visitor to Namanock Island.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies by location with higher elevations generally providing better connectivity. At Dingmans Campground, "No WIfi or cell service anywhere in campground but about 5 min down the road you can find it," notes a camper.
Site spacing: Privacy levels differ between campgrounds and even within the same property. "The sites are nicely separated overall. Picnic table and fire ring at every site," reports a Dingmans Campground visitor, while another camper at a different site mentions, "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!"
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms / showers are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless," notes a Dingmans Campground visitor, while at High Point State Park, a camper reports, "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers."
Reservation timing: Advance planning essential for weekend stays from June through August. "I would definitely recommend getting their earlier if you intend to go during the weekend," advises a visitor to Namanock Island.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Farm settings provide entertaining experiences for children. A visitor to High Point State Park Campground mentions, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel."
Activity options: Multi-sport outings keep children engaged. "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," reports a High Point State Park visitor.
Site selection: Water features provide natural entertainment. "We requested a 30 or 50 amp site and originally were given a 20 amp. They quickly rectified that. The RV sites are nicely shaded. The river is beautiful and was so nice to jump into! Some people even made little pools made of rocks!" notes a visitor to Dingmans Campground.
Quiet options: State parks generally enforce stricter noise policies. "The sites seem closer together by the river, but not too bad. It was a nice stay," reports a visitor to Oakland Valley Campground.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Road conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Tri-State RV Park notes, "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."
Winter camping options: Limited year-round facilities exist in the area. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners. Perfect for an overnight stop," explains a Tri-State RV Park visitor.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are concentrated at private campgrounds. "We stayed in the upper section of camp, but there is a middle section and after a lower section where the river is. The sites seemed closer together by the river, but not too bad," notes a visitor to Oakland Valley Campground.
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds limit larger rigs. "If you are not comfortable with lots of tight turns I would not recommend for you!" advises a Dingmans Campground visitor about navigating the access roads.
