The Delaware River corridor near Port Jervis sits at the junction of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, creating a tri-state camping region with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. Seasonal temperature fluctuations affect tent camping options, with July averaging 84°F highs while spring and fall nights can drop below 40°F. River campsites require paddlers to account for variable water levels that impact landing difficulty.
What to do
Water activities on the Delaware River: The Delaware River provides paddling opportunities for all skill levels. Campers staying at Namanock Island can enjoy easy access to multiple water features. "There are waterfalls on the Pennsylvania shore within a quick walking distance of your location that are very much worth the time it takes to walk the trail," notes John B. For those continuing downriver from the island, "it's a very easy paddle of maybe an hour and you are at the Dingman's Ferry area."
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple waterfall trails exist near Hornbeck's River Campsites. "These three sites also have easy access to the multiuse McDade Trail, so after pitching your tent, a short walk upriver on the trail will bring you to the Dingman's Campground, whose store has ice cream and cold drinks and to Hornbeck Creek waterfall trail," explains Ross R.
Historical exploration: The region contains significant historical sites dating back centuries. According to John B., when camping at Sandyston, "you can hike to Raymondskill Falls, as well as search for abandoned/forgotten homes and mills, some of which date back to the 1700's, or try your luck at fossil and artifact hunting." Many ruins remain accessible via short hikes from water access points.
What campers like
Island camping privacy: Tent campers particularly value the seclusion of river islands. At Sandyston Boat In Campsites, John B. notes "It is always a clean set of sites, a few of them are fairly large and accommodate large groups." The remoteness creates a unique camping experience as "there is no access to the general public."
Night sky viewing: Without light pollution, star gazing becomes exceptional at river sites. John B. describes camping at Namanock Island: "The island is situated in a way that once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river... No lights means an incredible view of the night sky."
Forest campsites with lake access: For those preferring more developed facilities, Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground offers spacious sites with lake access. Bee L. reports, "Four spots across the public park. You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful. Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)."
What you should know
Water access only camping: Many sites require boat transportation. According to John B., at Sandyston, "this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. There is no public road access to the campsite." Similarly, Sean M. notes about Namanock Island: "Paid 20 for day and overnight parking at Milford beach. Paddle about 4 miles to the site 12, the first site on the right side of nomanock island."
Seasonal restrictions: Camping seasons vary by location. At Steam Mill Campground, facilities operate during warmer months. River site availability depends on water levels, with spring often bringing higher, swifter currents making landing difficult.
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active throughout the region. Kristan V. advises at Steam Mill Campground: "There are bears in this area, and while I've not seen one in the campground, I have seen them on the trails while staying here. I store my food in my car overnight and toss garbage bags in the dumpster nightly as well."
River landing difficulties: River site access varies in difficulty. John B. notes about Sandyston sites: "The other downside to these sites is the river to camp journey. Due to fluctuating water levels all of the islands that are used for camping have a cut wall cliff style approach, but these sites have a very steep and above average height to the shoreline making unloading both more tiring and more of a hazard than I prefer."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites with amenities: For family camping, Jenny Jump State Forest offers developed facilities better suited for children. Dwight D. describes their shelter experience: "The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch."
Consider toilet facilities: Primitive sites have minimal facilities. Sean M. notes about Namanock Island: "Very buggy spot, LOTS of centipedes and other creatures at night, so bring a chair instead of sitting on the bench or log." For families with young children, Dwight D. recommends shelter locations at Jenny Jump: "Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk?"
Plan short paddling distances: When taking children on water-access camping, choose closer sites. Adeline M. advises about Sandyston: "It's first Come first serve so we were definitely anxious to make sure we got a spot. There are a couple campsites on the island we stayed at and one hole in the ground to poop in haha. We were the only one on our island, thankfully."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near Port Jervis: Small trailers can access some campgrounds, but large RVs face significant limitations. At Port Jervis Elks Brox Hiker/Biker Campground, Gregg T. advises: "I read a previous review that stated small cars stay away. I have a Nissan rogue and made it in no problem. It's .8 miles in on the right. I would not drive an rv in here except maybe a small type trailer."
Check seasonal road conditions: Forest access roads deteriorate seasonally. At Steam Mill Campground, Kristan V. recommends: "If you want to stay remote, be sure to pick up enough fire wood from the office when you check in. They sell the NYNJ Trail Conference Maps, too. It's a ~15 minute drive from the park office to the campground."
