Camping spots near Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania range from open meadows to dense forest settings, with elevations varying from 300 to 1,500 feet throughout the region. Most campgrounds in this area open from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Fall camping is popular for leaf viewing with cooler temperatures requiring warmer sleeping bags.
What to do
Hiking to mountain summits: Jenny Jump State Forest connects directly to several trails with varying difficulty levels. "We enjoyed seeing the wolves-- it was really neat and definitely a draw to the area (you can hike from the campsite to the preserve)," notes Molly G. about Worthington State Forest Campground.
Wolf sanctuary visits: Camp Taylor Campground offers a unique wildlife experience. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite. Hiked to Mt. Tammany from the campsite for the best view in NJ (9 miles round trip)," shares Dina S. from Camp Taylor Campground.
Paddle sports on small lakes: Many campgrounds offer on-site paddling options beyond the Delaware River. "Small swimming pond with paddleboat and kayak rentals. Clean Bathrooms. We walked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river," mentions Jean T. about Camp Taylor Campground.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Designated fishing areas provide opportunities for novice anglers. "Large dog park. Love the Campground except our site is near a fairly busy road which takes away from that beautiful tranquility. Lots to do. Pool, tennis. Sauna, pond for fishing (catch & release)," reports Joyce B. about Timothy Lake South.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Some campgrounds offer tent-specific areas with more privacy. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," explains Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
River access for boating: Direct water access makes paddling convenient. "Our campsite was located along the Delaware river with a short walk down to be able to launch our canoe and kayak. With the exception of a few noisy campers up from us it was an enjoyable time," notes Mitchell E. of Worthington State Forest.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds schedule weekly events. "Otter Lake has every amenity imaginable super clean swimming beach beautiful lake with boat rentals available. Tons of activities for kids and adults. Indoor pool with 2 hot tubs even a dry sauna," reports Erik M. from Otter Lake Camp Resort.
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "Driftstone is a gem of a campground at a great location on the Delaware. Easy access to Delaware Gap Recreation Area. The bathrooms are super clean and had the nicest showers I have ever seen at a campground," shares Elke P. from Driftstone Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely throughout the gap region. "Camp is nice, sites are long but narrow. Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi. Cell service is ok. Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable," warns Don C. about Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South.
Noise considerations: Highway sounds reach some campgrounds. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," mentions Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "Sites were small and right on top of each other. The whole campgrounds were smaller than the map lead me to believe. Also, the creek on the map is 4' wide with stagnant water so no swimming or fishing," cautions Stephanie C. about Delaware Water Gap KOA.
Seasonal crowds: Summer weekends can be busy. "It's a nice spot if you have kids because they have many different activities (pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more)," notes Kylie R. about Timothy Lake South.
Tips for camping with families
Evening activity restrictions: Check quiet hour and common area policies. "Security was so annoying about riding bikes after a certain time... we were actually told we couldn't play bingo because we wouldn't be done before it started to get dark," warns Nicole S. from Mountain Vista Campground.
Playground access: Look for sites near play areas. "Our camp site was great (52), backed onto a wooded area and a big playground was directly in front of us, which worked out perfectly since we have school age kids," shares Penny C. about Delaware Water Gap KOA.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds have pools, but some offer natural swimming. "The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in. The bathrooms/showers are clean and well maintained. The small mini-golf course is a fun distraction for a bit," says Kathy G. about Camp Taylor Campground.
Camp store supplies: On-site stores vary in selection. "The store is cute and has just about anything that you need," adds Kathy G. about Camp Taylor, while another camper notes, "Only bad thing is their general store is more of a gift shop and does not really cater to the needs of a camper."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra equipment. "We were in site A22 and loved it. We took a little trip to the Delaware water gap for some hiking. Already booked the site for next year!!" shares Angela from Mountain Vista Campground.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. "The sites are all large, and easy to get in and out of. Sites include water, electric and cable. There is an inexpensive pump out service available daily," notes Kathy G. about Driftstone Campground.
Arrival route planning: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill," cautions Jim G. about Driftstone Campground.
Winter camping options: Limited campgrounds remain open year-round. "We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven! The other campers are friendly and welcoming, the views are breathtaking," shares Melody about Otter Lake Camp Resort.
