Best Tent Camping near Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River
Tent campers seeking primitive experiences in the Upper Delaware region can access several rustic options along the river corridor. Namanock Island offers tent-only camping exclusively accessible by canoe or kayak, with four designated primitive sites maintained by the National Park Service. Other options include Hankins and Callicoon in New York, as well as several walk-in tent sites at Second District Brew Farm across the border in Pennsylvania.
Access conditions vary significantly between campgrounds, with most requiring specific preparation. Namanock Island sites require paddling approximately four miles downstream from Milford Beach, where day parking costs $10. Sites have fire rings but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own filtration systems. Most sites permit only one-night stays as they're designed for river travelers continuing downstream. Many tent-accessible sites across the region lack amenities such as showers or drinking water, though some like Second District Brew Farm provide basic facilities including toilets, trash disposal, and drinking water.
The tent camping experience in the Upper Delaware area offers unique advantages compared to RV or cabin camping. Namanock Island provides complete seclusion accessible only to paddlers willing to make the journey, creating a rare opportunity for riverside isolation. Areas farther from town access points offer deeper solitude, especially midweek. The sites positioned along the Delaware River provide excellent fishing access and connections to regional hiking trails. A camper described the Namanock Island experience: "Once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river... an incredible view of the night sky." Another noted that Alder Lake's tent sites offer "a peaceful, quiet camping experience" when visited outside peak periods.
