Bushkill, Pennsylvania sits in the eastern region of the state, where the Delaware River carves through the Pocono Mountains at elevations around 400-600 feet. The area's camping season runs primarily from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally with limited winter facilities, though several offer year-round access with modified amenities.
What to Do
Kayaking at Delaware River: Access points near Mountainview Campground provide easy river entry. "We were able to just drive right up into our site and make ourselves at home for the day. The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," notes Christina H., who also mentioned the campground's proximity to water activities.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural location offers excellent night sky viewing. At Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms, one camper remarked, "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos."
Mountain biking trails: The region offers varied terrain for cyclists of all levels. "There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake, and an amphitheater at the campground where they hold events and Sunday morning church services," according to Jen R. at French Creek State Park.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample room between neighbors. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, reviewers noted "The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Waterfront camping: Direct lake access is available at several campgrounds. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground reported, "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail. The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting supports diverse animal sightings. "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!" shared Christina H. about her experience at Mountainview.
What You Should Know
Limited horse camping facilities: Despite being near riding trails, dedicated equestrian campgrounds are scarce. None of the campgrounds around Bushkill offer horse corrals as standard amenities. Contact individual sites for special arrangements.
Cell service varies widely: Reception can be spotty in mountainous areas. A visitor to Promised Land State Park Beechwood Area mentioned, "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon."
Seasonal closures: Many facilities reduce operations in colder months. "This park is large and has many different campgrounds. We stayed in lower lake beechwood site 323. Was decent site only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs, otherwise it's a nice wooded site with privacy," reported Dawn R.
Firewood availability: Sources vary by location. "There are a few residents that sell it right on their front lawn so be on the look-out en route to the park entrance," advised Ellen C. at French Creek State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake," noted Jen R.
Swimming options: Lakes with designated swim areas provide safer water recreation. At Stokes State Forest, "The park and surrounding forest have lots of hiking and multiple lakes," according to Tiffany K.
Educational programming: Some parks offer nature activities for children. "Can never go wrong here. Was pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids," wrote John R. about Pickerel Point.
Level sites for setup: Look for campgrounds with even terrain for easier tent pitching. "The paved area was slightly uneven and that particular corner was not as evenly pitched with the other corners of the tent which resulted in a bit of a gap in the roof," observed one camper.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check length restrictions before booking. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advised Douglas P. at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available. "We had full hookups (20/30/50 amp, water & sewer). There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna," reported Debbie W. about Pickerel Point.
Dump stations: Not all campgrounds offer this service. "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV," suggested a Spruce Run reviewer.
Winter preparation: If camping in colder months, expect limited services. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," noted Mara S. about winter conditions at Promised Land.
Ranger
