Glamping sites around Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River dot the densely wooded landscape at elevations ranging from 600-1,100 feet. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most sites require advance booking during the June-August high season when water temperatures are warm enough for comfortable swimming.
What to do
Fishing at streamside sites: Russell Brook Campsites offers direct access to Russell Brook, with sites featuring private water frontage. "Our site was massive (39) and and direct access to Russell Brook. Couldn't keep my son out of the water," notes one camper who appreciated the peaceful setting.
Farm activities for families: Valley View Farm and Campground combines camping with farm experiences in a forested setting. "One of the best places I've stayed all year. Great spots to setup your own tent as well as cabins and trailers. My daughter and I highly recommend this campground to anyone who loves the forest," explains a visitor.
River tubing adventures: The Delaware River provides numerous opportunities for casual floating. At Kittatinny Campground, campers can arrange river excursions directly from their site. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!"
What campers like
Private riverfront locations: Slumberland at the River's Edge offers direct waterfront placement with significant space between sites. "Not near any other campers and every site is right on the water. Tons of amenities," according to one reviewer who valued the seclusion. Another kayaker noted, "It was quiet and peaceful and you had your own space far from the other sites at slumberland (unlike many other campgrounds along the river)."
Lakeside recreation: Campers consistently highlight the water-based activities. One Keen Lake visitor explains: "I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake."
Clean facilities: Roscoe Campsites maintains well-kept bathroom facilities, which matters to glamping guests seeking upgraded comfort. "Clean bathrooms and showers. People working there were more then helpful. Guided us to our site. Helped us set up. All and all a very pleasant stay," shares a satisfied camper.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: At some locations, proximity to neighboring campers may affect your experience. A visitor to Kittatinny noted, "There is no structure and everyone is literally on top of one another," while Secluded Acres Campground offers a different experience: "Such wonderful rustic sites that are absolutely secluded!!"
Limited cell service: Many glamping sites in the area have minimal or no connectivity. A Slumberland visitor observed, "The lack of phone service was a blessing in disguise, allowing us to disconnect from technology and truly immerse ourselves in nature."
River levels fluctuate seasonally: Water activities depend on current conditions. A Roscoe Campsites reviewer cautioned, "With how shallow the river was, I would have been pretty nervous to take a tumble out of a kayak or paddle board. Maybe the river is higher at different times of the year and these activities are less dangerous?"
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: Many glamping sites welcome pets but have specific restrictions. At Honesdale-Poconos KOA, a camper reported, "We had a fantastic first camping experience for the kids (and dogs). I have been camping across the country so I know what to look for."
Supervised water play: Sites with gentle water access work best for younger children. "The farm, playground, beach, and shallow river make it a great, easy entry point for new and younger campers," notes a visitor to Roscoe Campsites.
Structured activities for children: Several locations offer organized programming. A Keen Lake visitor shared, "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day! The security is great and patrol to make sure quiet hours are quiet."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads for stability: Secluded Acres Campground provides well-maintained sites for vehicles. "Our tent site is perfect. An area of the lake is to swim and the other to fish in. Catch and release only. Lots of trees for great shade," reports a visitor who appreciated the site layout.
Utility hookup reliability: Hookup quality matters for longer stays. At Keen Lake, a seasonal camper noted, "People are great very well taken care of. Stay the whole season last year and will be camping there again."
Check site dimensions before booking: Some RV sites may be smaller than expected. One camper at Keen Lake observed, "Most of the sites seem to be on the smaller size when compared to other campgrounds we've been too. That said we had plenty of space, it was just very close to the next site."
