Sue B.
Ranger
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
Camping near Delaware Water Gap, PA
209 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans both Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the Delaware River, offering riverside camping at sites like Worthington State Forest Campground and Dingmans Campground. Visitors will find tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations at private campgrounds such as Mountain Vista Campground and Camp Taylor Campground. The region also features unique boat-in camping options on islands like Namanock Island, accessible only by canoe or kayak. According to The Dyrt reviews, many campers appreciate the proximity to hiking trails, including direct access to the Appalachian Trail from several campgrounds.
Camping limits and land use rules vary by agency throughout the Delaware Water Gap region. The National Park Service maintains primitive river campsites that are first-come, first-served with specific regulations about length of stay. One camper noted, "This site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. There is no public road access to the campsite. People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS." Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some like Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA remain open year-round. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with spring bringing higher water levels on the Delaware River, affecting boat-in camping accessibility. Cell service is limited in many areas, particularly at primitive sites.
Several visitors mentioned shoreline views and water access as key highlights of camping in this region. The riverside tent sites at Worthington State Forest receive consistently positive reviews for their spaciousness and river views. One reviewer shared, "Every time we've camped here we have had an amazing view of the Delaware River to wake up to." Island camping on Namanock Island provides a unique experience of solitude, with campers reporting, "Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." Proximity to natural features like waterfalls is another common highlight, with Raymondskill Falls, Dingmans Falls, and Silverthread Falls all within hiking distance of various campsites. Wildlife sightings, including black bears, are common throughout the area, making proper food storage essential at all camping locations.
Best Campgrounds near Delaware Water Gap (209)
1. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"I take quite a few trips to the Delaware Water Gap and the campground at Worthington State Forest is by far the best."
"The tent camping area was right along the river, some sites with direct access, some you'd have to walk a little more to the larger access areas."
2. Camp Taylor Campground
"Camp Taylor Campground is located on the Delaware Water Gap Mtn. There are miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Tr."
"There was also a lake with a swimming beach, but we did not partake this trip. We did some fantastic hiking here. One day we headed up past the wolf preserve to the Wildlife Lake."
from $33 - $42 / night
Check Availability3. Mountain Vista Campground
"And had (socially distanced) trick or treating for kids! We took a little trip to the Delaware water gap for some hiking. Already booked the site for next year!!"
"Facilities were neat & clean, and there was a covered verandah with string lights, chairs & picnic tables outside the bathroom area."
4. Driftstone Campground
"Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."
"Driftstone is a gem of a campground at a great location on the Delaware. Easy access to Delaware Gap Recreation Area. Sites are pretty spacious with water and electric hookups."
from $64 - $74 / night
Check Availability5. Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
"Delaware Water Gap was a massive campground that was incredibly well kept and had spaces for both RVs and primitive camping."
"We wish there was easier access to bike and hike trails so we didn't have to drive to a location but overall a comfortable and positive experience."
from $45 - $250 / night
Check Availability6. Cranberry Run Campground
"PRO's: Dog Friendly (we had 2 dogs and there was no charge), firewood and ice available, small store with essentials, pay per person with no limit to # people, quiet, shaded, close to DeWG Con's: small"
"A shady spot with a creek nearby and good cell service. They have a pool. The surrounding area/town is really nice."
from $44 - $72 / night
Check Availability7. Jenny Jump State Forest
"Close proximity to good hiking and kayaking at Delaware Water Gap but without the crowds of their sites."
"The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."
8. Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South
"The campsite is beautiful and lovely to walk around, the outside campground cats are the best part though ❣️"
"Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."
9. Otter Lake Camp Resort
"We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven!"
"There is a steam and some wet areas behind the row of sites we were in. I would probably avoid this section in the summer as the bugs will be bad."
10. Delaware River Family Campground
"Only complaint is we got a site next to a seasonal camper who did no maintenance at all. Other than that it was pretty cool."
Drive Time
- 43 min from Scranton, PA
- 45 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 15 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 21 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Camping Photos near Delaware Water Gap, PA
597 Photos of 209 Delaware Water Gap Campgrounds
Paul J.
Camp Charles Campgrounds
Katharine T.
Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
Nick E.
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Janelle G.
Camp Taylor Campground
Matt H.
Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
John B.
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Karralee B.
Mountain Vista Campground
Sarah L.
Cranberry Run Campground
Katharine T.
Wooded Campground
Mary M.
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Jen R.
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Kevin B.
Driftstone Campground
Recent Reviews near Delaware Water Gap, PA
1140 Reviews of 209 Delaware Water Gap Campgrounds
- Sue B.Ranger
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Great lodging options and trails!
I've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
- DDaniel O.
ScoutDeerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
Nice for a quick stopover
Stayed for a quick weekday overnight at a primitive site—fine spot overall. Pros: Restrooms and showers clean and in working order. Pet-friendly. Nice surroundings (though nothing extraordinary). Easy access with a sedan. Cons: most sites are very close to one another with little privacy. Fair amount of road noise. Quiet hours didn’t seem to be enforced—some folks playing music until midnight.
- AAnastasia M.
TravelerTobyhanna State Park Campground
Awesome lakeside camping 🤩
We were looking for a lakeside campground with a spacious campsite that could comfortably fit two large tents and two vehicles. We chose Tobyhanna State Park, and it turned out to be absolutely wonderful.
We stayed at Site 113, which had plenty of space on the right side of the campsite for two large tents, with enough room to park two vehicles as well. While the campsites are fairly close to one another, most visitors come here to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, and everyone seemed very respectful of each other’s privacy.
Just a one-minute walk from our campsite, there was a very clean restroom, hot showers, and a laundry facility. Right next to it, there was a volleyball court, as well as easy access to the lake with a boat launch and great spots for fishing.
On our very first day, the park rangers warned us that bears sometimes visit the campground, so they recommended storing all food in the car overnight. We followed their advice and had no issues.
Overall, I would give Tobyhanna State Park a perfect 10 out of 10. We had an amazing experience and will definitely be coming back!
- MMakylie P.Scout
Ringing Rocks Family Campground
incredible find
i stumbled on this searching for something almost immediately off the interstate, but with little-to-no booking available for a reasonable price elsewhere local. we detoured about 25 minutes to get here, and it is just incredible. the scenery is gorgeous, they have a camp store with oodles of stuff, there’s a huge playground, and the camping areas are dispersed well and offer beautiful scenic privacy. i wish i could make this place my home. amenities are well taken care of, they have showers in the bathroom, as well as an on-site laundry facility. they have complimentary wifi, which i appreciate with AT&T. signal is slim to none without it. overall, 5/5 stars from my family.
S G.ScoutMahlon Dickerson Reservation
Primitive
The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
- JJohn S.Scout
Quakerwoods Campground
Great place. Friendliest people
The staff is the GREATEST. They are knowledgeable and helpful. The grounds are clean. The shower rooms are clean and large. Laundry room is perfect. They have pull-thrus, back ins and tent sites. Dog stations are placed throughout the park. The campers are also the friendliest. You can always tell the condition of the camp by the quality of the people staying there.. everyone was respectful, courteous and friendly. We stayed in July, 2026 and would DEFINITELY stay again next time we are thru PA.
- MMaybe I.
GuideThe Pines Campground — Promised Land State Park
Good place
We had a great campsite 038, mainly because we booked the site right next to the restroom and hoped no one would reserve the one closest to it, which ended up being the case. The neighboring campsite on the other side also became vacant, so we had plenty of privacy. Otherwise, the sites would have felt a bit cramped. The beach is about a 5-minute walk through the woods. I highly recommend taking a walk there after dark to look at the stars. It’s absolutely worth it. Shower location only near the beach and be ready to pay for it with quarters The restroom is very close from our site and clean, but it’s surrounded by trees, so it’s well hidden and never felt like a disturbance. Our site was much more secluded than most of the others. I would also recommend site 032, as it seemed even more private. Verizon barely had any service, except early in the morning and late in the evening. T-Mobile worked much better. Overall, it’s a nice campground with a beautiful lake. We really enjoyed spending time kayaking, and if you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one there
Frank J.TravelerSwartswood State Park Campground
The campground is open
The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
Guide to Delaware Water Gap
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Delaware Water Gap, PA?
What camping is available near Delaware Water Gap, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Delaware Water Gap, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 209 campgrounds and RV parks near Delaware Water Gap, PA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Delaware Water Gap, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Delaware Water Gap, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Delaware Water Gap, PA is Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 39 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Delaware Water Gap, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Delaware Water Gap, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Delaware Water Gap, PA.
Keep Exploring