The Unionville area sits at the junction of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet across its varied terrain. This tri-state region contains several state parks and recreation areas where camping with pets is permitted year-round. Most campgrounds maintain specific leash requirements between 4-6 feet in length depending on the facility.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 15-minute drive from Unionville to Raymondskill Falls via Namanock Island campsites. "There's a 'must-see' if you're stopping here. 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," notes Namanock Island camper John B.
River paddling: Multiple access points on the Delaware River offer routes for various skill levels. "The kayak trip down the Delaware River was beautiful! Saw about 6 bald eagles!" reports a paddler at Dingmans Campground. The campground offers a service to drive visitors to Milford Beach for launching kayaks.
Mountain viewpoints: Short hikes lead to panoramic vistas. "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 Yolanda T. who stayed at High Point State Park Campground.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Natural privacy barriers between many campsites. "The sites were close together and everyone was super loud which didn't bother me. I enjoyed hearing other people's music and laughter," notes Margarita Z. at Kittatinny Campground, showing how even busier campgrounds can provide enjoyable social experiences.
Easy water access: Walk-in river sites available at several campgrounds. A Namanock Island visitor explains: "Stopping here is normally a very simple thing as most of the island has a 3-4 foot shore around it of river rock. This makes for an easy landing and unloading of boats."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk activity peaks for wildlife. "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!" describes Sean M., highlighting the natural encounters possible when camping on Namanock Island.
What you should know
Bear presence requires preparation: All food must be secured overnight. "As for local wildlife, you can expect to be visited by a masked robber or two during the night, but a bear bag hanging will eliminate any issues," advises a regular Stokes State Forest visitor.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Some sites offer modern amenities while others are primitive. "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites," notes Catherine S. about Lake Ocquittunk in Stokes State Forest.
Weather impacts site conditions: Spring brings higher water levels on riverfront sites. "Spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry," warns a Namanock Island camper about the Delaware River conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activity options: Some sites offer structured programming. "We came with a few families and had a nice time. They had the bounce pillow and a small pool," explains a visitor to Neversink River Resort, noting the family-friendly amenities available.
Select sites away from water for younger children: Riverfront sites require constant supervision. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," reports Jeff W. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, highlighting safer options for families.
Pack for variable temperatures: Mountain elevations can drop 10-15°F at night. "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning," explains a winter visitor to Stokes State Forest cabins.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup distances: Bring extra hose lengths for some sites. "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," explains a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Level site availability: Request specific sites when booking. "We had to try 2 different spots bc some of them are VERY un-level," notes an RVer at Neversink River Resort, highlighting the importance of site selection for larger vehicles.
Seasonal road access: Some access roads close during winter months. "We stayed in one of the RV areas across the pond. It was peaceful to hear the frogs chirping at night, but definitely didn't think about how many more bugs the pond would bring," reports Adeline M. about her experience at Stokes State Forest, showing how site selection affects the camping experience.
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