R
Russell A.
Scout
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Tent Camping near Canadensis, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides numerous tent camping opportunities near Canadensis, Pennsylvania, with primitive walk-in tent sites scattered along both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey shores of the Delaware River. Most tent campsites in this region are boat-in or hike-in access only, with notable locations including Namanock Island, Bushkill Creek, and the Sandyston Boat In Campsites. The Appalachian Trail also offers tent camping at Kirkridge Shelter on Kittatinny Mountain, providing a rustic overnight option for hikers.
Many primitive tent sites require paddling to reach them, with no road access available. These boat-in campsites feature basic fire rings but lack most amenities including drinking water, trash service, and improved facilities. Tent campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. The National Park Service maintains these sites with first-come, first-served policies, though some locations like Alosa Boat In Campsites require reservations. Most sites include a designated fire ring, with some locations providing primitive toilets. Seasonal closures or rotations may affect site availability, as the Park Service occasionally "rotates in" new sites for land management purposes.
Walk-in tent sites on Namanock Island provide a unique camping experience with complete seclusion and impressive night sky views. The island features several designated tent sites with good spacing between them, allowing for privacy even when other campers are present. The terrain is generally flat and comfortable for tent setup, though access points can be challenging with steep embankments from the river shoreline. According to one visitor, "Having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else." Tent campers frequently use these sites as part of multi-day paddling trips, with most locations limiting stays to one night per site. The surrounding area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking to nearby waterfalls within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Canadensis (46)
1. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $75 / night
2. Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"They are a first come, first camped, set up, but I have not once in 6 years, (multiple trips per year), ever found anyone in the site ahead of me."
3. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
4. Rivers Bend Group Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding. To your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large “U” bend of the Delaware river."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $100 / night
5. Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side. "
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
6. Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
7. Alosa Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Primitive site for multi day river trips. There’s usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $16 / night
8. Mohican Walk-In Campsites
"The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $40 / night
9. Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"This camping site is a set of 6 sites on the New Jersey border maintained by the National Park Service."
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS,(National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
10. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
"Very open, plenty of space. most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. lots of ticks tho so get your spray"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 39 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 3 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 18 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 42 min from Reading, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Canadensis, PA
83 Photos of 46 Canadensis Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Wooded Campground
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Steam Mill Campground
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Canadensis, PA
1015 Reviews of 46 Canadensis Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
Daniel C.ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Kathy L.RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
Guide to Canadensis
Tent camping opportunities near Canadensis, Pennsylvania range across the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area's 70,000 acres of forested terrain. The region sits within the Pocono Mountains at elevations between 300-1,800 feet, experiencing seasonal temperature fluctuations that can reach below freezing in winter months. Spring and fall camping trips offer the most comfortable temperatures with overnight lows in the 40s-50s.
What to do
Wildlife viewing along waterways: The Delaware River corridor supports diverse wildlife including bald eagles and black bears. At Namanock Island, you'll find excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor noted, "You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone. There are no public interactions on the river for miles, if not days."
Waterfall hiking: Multiple cascades are accessible within short hiking distances from river campsites. Near the Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite, "There are waterfalls on the Pennsylvania shore within a quick walking distance of your location that are very much worth the time it takes to walk the trail."
Paddling routes: Many tent sites connect via paddle routes allowing multi-day river journeys. River segments between camps typically take 30-45 minutes with normal water levels. "After leaving this site you will only travel down river about 30-45 minutes before you come upon Shawnee Golf Course. Its pretty neat to see, the last few holes of the course are on an island mid-river."
Fossil hunting: The Delaware Water Gap area contains numerous fossil beds with specimens dating back 400 million years. "Within minutes on the Pennsylvania side of the river you can hike to Raymondskill Falls, as well as search for abandoned/forgotten homes and mills, or try your luck at fossil and artifact hunting."
What campers like
Complete seclusion: Many boat-in sites offer rare privacy experiences. At Namanock Island, "Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." Another camper shared, "Having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else."
Blueberry picking: Summer campers can harvest wild blueberries near certain waterfront sites. A visitor to Camp Mohican Outdoor Center recommends "taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries" during summer months.
Stargazing opportunities: The distance from urban areas creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Namanock Island described, "No lights means an incredible view of the night sky."
Multiple camping styles: Sites range from completely primitive to those with basic facilities. At the Sandyston Boat In Campsites, "It is primitive camping, so no facilities for waste, water, or anything that you did not pack in with you," yet it "is one of the rare primitive sites along the river to feature an outhouse."
What you should know
Campsite rotation system: The National Park Service periodically changes which sites are available. "The NPS then informed me that they were starting to close off island camping on the river and going to 'rotate in' some new sites to help with land management. Almost like a farmer rotating crops."
Local fishermen access: Some seemingly remote sites have unofficial access points used by locals. At Walter's Boat In Campsites, "As dusk fell, a small group of local fishermen came walking through the camp to access the river. It turns out the locals know this place well and it is very popular with the anglers."
Water level fluctuations: River access points can vary significantly with seasonal changes. "Due to fluctuating water levels all of the islands that are used for camping have a cut wall cliff style approach, but these sites have a very steep and above average height to the shoreline making unloading both more tiring and more of a hazard."
Parking fees: Day use parking fees apply at some river access points. "There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you'll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Consider sites with toilet facilities: While most tent sites are primitive, select locations offer basic facilities. "This is one of the rare primitive sites along the river to feature an outhouse. My daughter was happy to have a chance to have walls for privacy for a change."
Pack light but strategic: Steep embankments at boat-in sites make unloading gear challenging. "The river to camp journey...these sites have a very steep and above average height to the shoreline making unloading both more tiring and more of a hazard."
Use river shuttle services: Free seasonal shuttles operate weekends during summer months. "We packed up and hiked back along the McDade Recreation Trail to Dingmans Ferry access where we caught the River Runner Shuttle (a free shuttle that runs along the river on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer free of charge)."
Consider Jenny Jump State Forest: For the best tent camping near Canadensis, Pennsylvania with easier accessibility, Jenny Jump State Forest offers "Nice spacious campgrounds close to beautiful hiking trails. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany. The campgrounds and bathrooms were clean and well kept. Great place to get away for the weekend with the family!!!"
Tips from RVers
Consider shelters for non-tent campers: Cabin options exist for those preferring more shelter. "The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!"
Bring battery-powered lighting: No electricity exists at most sites. "We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies."
Prepare for insect activity: Depending on season, bugs can be problematic. "Very buggy spot, LOTS of centipedes and other creatures at night, so bring a chair instead of sitting on the bench or log."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Canadensis, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Canadensis, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Canadensis, PA is Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Canadensis, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Canadensis, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Canadensis, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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