The Catskill region near Sparrow Bush, New York sits along the Upper Delaware River with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. This area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The Delaware River forms a natural boundary between New York and Pennsylvania, creating a water-rich environment with multiple tributary streams flowing through forested valleys.
What to do
River activities: Access the Delaware River for tubing, kayaking, or fishing at Jerry's Three River Campground which operates from April to October. According to a camper, "The location is beautiful and about 2 hours from NYC. We have taken our children there often but I wouldn't recommend or call it family friendly."
Hiking trails: Explore over 63 miles of marked trails at Stokes State Forest including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A visitor noted, "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful, and areas with waterfalls and great views were easily accessible."
Wildlife viewing: Observe local fauna in their natural habitat but remember proper precautions. As one camper at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Swimming: Cool off at designated swimming areas like Lake Marcia. A visitor to High Point State Park Campground shared their experience: "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."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many glamping options near Sparrow Bush offer direct water access. At Slumberland at the River's Edge, one camper noted, "Not near any other campers and every site is right on the water. Tons of amenities."
Natural surroundings: The forested settings provide seclusion and natural beauty. A visitor to Shotwell campground mentioned, "Nice private campground... Some RVs had their generators running all night along with a bunch of string lights they had put up were on throughout the night."
Platform tent sites: Elevated camping platforms keep tents dry at several locations. A camper at High Point State Park explained, "Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and rivers provide excellent fishing. According to one visitor at Oakland Valley Campground, "They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around. Quiet, family friendly and close to home!"
What you should know
Varying noise levels: Some campgrounds experience significant noise during peak times. A visitor to Kittatinny Campground reported: "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."
Site terrain conditions: Many sites feature uneven or rocky ground. One camper at Oakland Valley noted: "The sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel. Otherwise a very nice place to relax."
Limited cell service: Disconnecting is part of the experience in this rural area. A Slumberland visitor shared: "The lack of phone service was a blessing in disguise, allowing us to disconnect from technology and truly immerse ourselves in nature."
Bathroom facilities: Facility quality varies widely between campgrounds. At Stokes State Forest, a camper observed: "Clean-ish bathrooms with flush toilets, no sinks, no showers, with that awful outhouse smell."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers farm animals that children enjoy. A visitor mentioned: "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool. Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay."
Safety considerations: Be prepared for wildlife encounters and river safety. One camper at Kittatinny advised: "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!"
Activity planning: Schedule morning hikes before afternoon water activities when temperatures rise. A visitor to High Point State Park noted: "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The slight downside was that we had to drive between the different lakes."
Pack extra supplies: Stores are limited and often distant. A Pleasant Acres visitor warned: "A bit out here in the middle of nowhere, 15-20 minutes from any town. Make sure you have what you need!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on size and access. A visitor to Mountain Top RV Park advised: "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."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at many locations. A Pleasant Acres reviewer noted: "Large levelled spaces but a little muddy. Good for a quiet, relaxing weekend; not very close to attractions otherwise."
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. A Shotwell camper mentioned: "Roads are a bit rocky but the site itself is quiet."
Weather preparation: The area experiences significant seasonal variation. A Mountain Top RV Park visitor shared: "The newly upgraded camp infrastructure elevated the stay, providing amenities for comfort and entertainment."
