Camping near Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River
The Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River region encompasses numerous campground options spanning both New York and Pennsylvania sides of the Delaware River. Established campgrounds like Skinners Falls Campground and Soaring Eagle Campground provide waterfront access directly on the Delaware River, while facilities such as Honesdale-Poconos KOA offer more developed camping experiences with modern amenities. Most locations accommodate tent camping, with several sites also supporting RVs. Cabin options exist at select campgrounds including Keen Lake Resort, Happy Days Campground, and Soaring Eagle. The area's mixed-use campgrounds typically operate seasonally from spring through mid-October.
Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when riverfront campsites fill quickly. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations with limited availability outside the peak period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "Beautiful, spacious, waterfront sites available. Lean-to sites also. Love it here, though the staff can be cantankerous and hard to deal with," noted one camper about Skinners Falls Campground. Water-based recreation represents a primary draw, with several facilities offering equipment rentals for tubing, kayaking, and rafting on the Delaware River. Road access varies between campgrounds, with most being accessible by standard vehicles, though visitors should check specific site requirements before arrival.
Riverfront camping consistently receives high ratings from visitors across multiple campgrounds. Areas like Narrowsburg Campground and Skinners Falls feature sites with direct river access, making them particularly appealing for fishing and water activities. According to one visitor, "This campground was nice they offered river activities (for purchase) tubing, kayaking, rafting. They had a small camp store and friendly staff." Most campgrounds maintain basic facilities including restrooms, showers, and trash disposal. Weekends during summer months can become crowded and potentially noisy at popular riverside locations. Some visitors note significant differences between weekday and weekend experiences, with weekdays offering considerably more solitude. Several campgrounds feature wooded sites providing natural shade, while others emphasize open riverfront locations with scenic views of the Delaware.
