The Unionville area sits at the junction where New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania meet along the Delaware River watershed. At elevations ranging between 400-1,800 feet, this region experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm, humid summers and cold winters that limit year-round camping. Most campgrounds in this tri-state area offer access to the Appalachian Trail system and Delaware River recreation opportunities.
What to do
Kayak the Delaware River: The Neversink River Resort provides direct water access where you can enjoy paddling. According to one visitor, "They have an onsite buffet with live entertainment if your timing is right. They are also located right on a river that you can easily access by foot."
Climb to observation points: Take a short drive to High Point State Park Campground where you can hike up to the monument. One camper shared, "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view."
Fish in secluded ponds: Several campgrounds offer fishing spots away from crowds. At Ocquittunk, campers report: "Nice place to set up and car camp. Enjoyed some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site."
Visit nearby waterfalls: Many trails lead to hidden cascades. As one camper at Namanock Island notes, "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the natural separation between sites at Dingmans Campground. One reviewer noted, "The camp sites are nicely separated overall. Picnic table and fire ring at every site. Wood is available at the general store but it's expensive at $8 for a small bundle."
Wildlife encounters: Farm animals and natural wildlife provide entertainment at several campgrounds. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, visitors enjoy the animals: "Upon arrival we had a bit of a mix up. Someone was planted in our assigned spot. After a phone call, all was ok. The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool."
Clean bathrooms: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. A reviewer at Dingmans mentioned, "The bathrooms/showers are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless."
Elevated tent platforms: Some sites offer raised platforms to keep tents off wet ground. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper mentioned, "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Quality varies significantly between neighboring spots. At Stokes State Forest, a camper advised, "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night. If you are looking for more secluded campsites try to get 13 or 14 as they seem to sick back more."
Shower availability varies: Not all campgrounds have showers or their locations may be inconvenient. At High Point, one camper noted, "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers."
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds experience significant noise on weekends. A Kittatinny Campground visitor warned, "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."
Alcohol policies: Rules differ between parks. An Ocquittunk camper pointed out, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection. FYI.... Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer organized events for children. A visitor to Kittatinny Campground shared, "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, and just made it a very fun place for all the kids."
Choose sites near swimming areas: During summer months, water access is important. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a family noted, "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevation causes significant day-to-night temperature drops even in summer. As one High Point camper explained, "Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs."
Consider the hike to your site: Some tent sites require walking from parking areas. A visitor to High Point noted, "Drive in but ours had a drive in to a mini trail so it was a pain to load/unload."
Tips from RVers
Water hookup lengths: Prepare for variable hookup distances at campsites. At Mahlon Dickerson, an RVer shared, "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Tri-State RV Park, a camper noted, "We stayed here for 2 nights while traveling through. The campground is small and a bit rundown. The sites are on the smaller size. The gem is the beautiful grounds, river, and parklike setting. Lots of wildlife around. We had a FHU 30/50 amp."
Highway proximity: Some RV parks prioritize access over seclusion. A Tri-State visitor explained, "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."
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds close during winter months or limit RV access. At Mahlon Dickerson, one RVer noted, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
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