Port Jervis sits at the confluence of the Delaware and Neversink rivers at an elevation of 400 feet. The surrounding area features diverse terrain with the Kittatinny Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains creating a natural boundary between New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Most campgrounds near Port Jervis operate seasonally from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Hiking at High Point State Park: Located 12 miles from Port Jervis, the park offers over 50 miles of trails including access to the Appalachian Trail. "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," notes Justin P.
Visit Tillman Ravine: This scenic trail in Stokes State Forest features rocky streams and dense forest. "This visit we hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)," according to a review from Trip Over Life.
River activities: The Delaware River provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and tubing. A visitor to Kittatinny Campground mentioned, "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!"
Pickleball: For those seeking recreational activities between nature outings, Mountain Top RV Park has recently added a pickleball court. "The family-friendly atmosphere was evident through the thoughtfully designed property, including an updated pool, playground, game room, and a brand-new pickleball court that added a unique touch to the stay," notes Jason G.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Many campsites along the Delaware River offer direct water access. At Slumberland at the River's Edge, Brooks B. noted, "The host put out a orange cone that made finding our campsite easy and a nice beach made unloading and loading kayaks pretty easy... It was quiet and peaceful and you had your own space far from the other sites at slumberland (unlike many other campgrounds along the river)."
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate well-spaced sites at certain campgrounds. A review for Shotwell states, "Campsites nice and private. Only one other camper on the other loop. Rustic. Perfect for me. Spacious campsites."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming facilities. At Oakland Valley Campground, Katrina R. shared, "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this one was of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around."
Heated glamping accommodations: Luxury camping near Port Jervis includes heated options for cooler weather. According to one review at Slumberland at the River's Edge, "The accommodations were top notch, with lights already on, and a table set, along with a grill, fire pit, and covered porch and canvas tent that housed two queen sized beds along with an electric stove and a woodstove."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant variation between sites. At Deerpark New York City NW KOA (now Neversink River Resort), one camper advised, "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 where the grass is growing into the water so it was hard to see where the water line was. We had kids, so we needed to move our sites."
Noise levels vary by campground: Some locations enforce quiet hours while others are known for a more social atmosphere. A reviewer at Kittatinny Campground shared, "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. If you looking for a peaceful campground not the place to go."
Limited cell service: Some glamping spots close to Port Jervis, New York offer a true digital detox. A visitor at Slumberland at the River's Edge noted, "The lack of phone service was a blessing in disguise, allowing us to disconnect from technology and truly immerse ourselves in nature."
Weekend vs. weekday differences: Campgrounds can transform between weekdays and weekends. One camper at Oakland Valley Campground shared, "It was Memorial Day Sunday when we stopped in, staff was friendly. Our location was by the river and did not disappoint. It was a rocky location but we didn't mind."
Tips for camping with families
Find campgrounds with organized activities: Some locations offer regular programming for kids. A review for Kymers Camping Resort mentions, "This is a family friendly, camper-friendly place. Lots of seasonals- everyone waves, everyone stops to chat. This is what a campground should feel like. The sound of laughter and play sitting around the huge, clean pool was refreshing."
Check playground conditions: Playground quality varies significantly between campgrounds. A review at Neversink River Resort noted, "Playground definitely needs to be replaced. It was more like a few metal bars for hanging. But they had a jump blob thing my kids loved."
Look for sites away from water with small children: While riverside camping is popular, consider safety with young children. A Deerpark/Neversink River Resort camper shared, "We were a party of 8 so we needed 2 sites... We ended up right across the way on E7 & E8 - much better. This loop for tent campers is mixed."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while still enjoying the outdoors. At Stokes State Forest, W L. reported, "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. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven sites. At High Point State Park, a reviewer cautioned, "The 'trailer' sites aren't level. Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump, website says laundry, but apparently not."
Verify hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at some public campgrounds. A reviewer at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort noted, "The camping spots are downhill, a good distance from the office and amenities. Trash is located off site in a pullout on the road you drive in on."
Consider access roads: The mountainous terrain can make some campgrounds challenging to reach with larger rigs. A camper at Shotwell mentioned, "Roads are a bit rocky but the site itself is quiet."
