13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans both Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the Delaware River, with diverse camping options ranging from primitive river sites to developed campgrounds. The area features several established campgrounds including Worthington State Forest Campground, Dingmans Campground, and Camp Taylor, offering tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. Many locations provide opportunities for riverside camping, with some sites only accessible by boat while others offer full hookups and facilities for recreational vehicles.
Camping in the Delaware Water Gap region operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from April through October or early November. Primitive river sites throughout the National Recreation Area are paddle-in only and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some reviews indicate the National Park Service has considered implementing a reservation system. Facilities at boat-in sites typically include fire rings and occasional primitive toilets. The river corridor features numerous designated camping areas maintained by the National Park Service, with specific regulations about length of stay. "These sites all have metal fire grates and are separated from one another enough to allow privacy, yet letting you hear your neighbors on the wind at night," noted one camper about the Peters River Campsites.
Campers consistently praise the riverside locations and access to recreational activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The McDade Trail connects many riverside camping areas, allowing visitors to explore beyond their campsites. Wildlife sightings are common, with reviews mentioning bald eagles, deer, black bears, and raccoons. Several visitors highlighted the importance of proper food storage, particularly at primitive sites. "Black bear and raccoons are not shy and a hanging 'bear bag' is seriously recommended," warned one experienced camper. Proximity to waterfalls, historic sites, and trout streams enhances the camping experience for many visitors. Most river sites accommodate multiple tents and have designated landing areas for canoes and kayaks, though some reviews mention challenging river access at certain locations.
"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."
"Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."
"It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
"We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
from $7 - $55 / night
"The 2 young staffers at the desk hooked me up with site 94 which was far away from everyone, grabbed a bag of ice for “sodas” and cup of noodles and had a great night."
"Easy access to Delaware River.
- Large field for kids to run around.
- Dogs allowed.
- Fire pits at each site but no grates to cook on."
"Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you. "
"They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."
from $33 - $42 / night
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"Some sites are right on the lake, just put the kayak on the shore, and you're ready for an early morning paddle."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $44 / night
"We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."
"The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."
"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."
"We were very into socially distancing, and said so when we made our reservation. We were assigned a perfect site for this."
from $45 - $250 / night
"Love the Campground except our site is near a fairly busy road which takes away from that beautiful tranquility. They have camouflaged it as best they could. Friendly staff. Lots to do."
"Close to Bushkill Falls which we hiked. 👍"
"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."
"Nestled along the scenic Delaware River in Milford, Pennsylvania, Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites offers a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure."
"Hidden within the serene beauty of Milford, Pennsylvania, Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites is more than just a campground; it’s a sanctuary for the soul."
from $75 - $400 / night
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
ScoutWhat 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!
LegendThis 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.
GuideThis 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.
LegendThere'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!
GuideStayed 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.
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'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.
ScoutPast reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area camping straddles the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey along a 40-mile stretch of the Delaware River. The region features elevations ranging from 300 to 1,600 feet and receives approximately 45 inches of precipitation annually, creating ideal conditions for diverse forest ecosystems. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, though winter camping options exist at select locations.
Hiking to waterfalls and scenic vistas: Trails near Dingmans Campground connect to numerous natural attractions. "Waterfall in pic was a 5 min drive from the campground and then a 40 hike. Worth it!" notes Rob M. The area features multiple hiking options within short driving distances.
Wildlife observation: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Near Camp Taylor Campground, visitors can experience the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," shares Julie F.
Water activities: The Delaware River provides numerous recreation opportunities. At Kittatinny Campground, campers can combine camping with river adventures. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" recommends Maggie K.
Private waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. At Pickerel Point Campground, "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," reports Kelly F. These waterfront sites often include convenient kayak launch access.
Wooded camping environments: Many campers appreciate the forest setting available at area campgrounds. "Our layout for this trip - May 31 - June 2 - Tent camping with 3 kids ages 12, 10, and 8. 2 other tent campers and 6 RVs... Location - beautiful set right up against the Delaware river. You can paddle it right from the campgrounds personal launch or start up river and land at their launch. Wooded sites are just as pretty sans the water views," explains Eric P. about Dingmans Campground.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. "The bathrooms / showers are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless," reports one Dingmans Campground visitor. These well-maintained facilities enhance the camping experience throughout the Delaware Water Gap region.
Reservation timing: During peak season, securing campsites requires advance planning. "We drive from Arizona to camp here for 6 weeks each year. It is truly a resort with organized activities like softball, archery and ceramics for kiddos. 2 pools, hot tub, sauna, lake beach and swimming. All sites are wooded, clean and spacious. We have been coming here for 11 years!" notes a visitor to Otter Lake Camp Resort.
Variable site privacy: Site configurations differ significantly between and within campgrounds. At Swartswood State Park, "There are about 50 camp sites but many of them, from 1 to 30ish are wide open with ZERO privacy. That said, it's great for large groups that book a few sites next to each other," explains Rob M. Research individual sites when booking.
Enforcement of rules: Campgrounds maintain different atmospheres regarding quiet hours and regulations. Camp Taylor visitor Dan B. notes, "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire."
Playground proximity: For families with children, consider sites near play areas. At Delaware Water Gap KOA, one camper reports, "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 children."
Educational activities: Several campgrounds offer programs for children. "We enjoyed this campground! The pool was closed for the season when we were there, but the kids were able to enjoy an awesome playground and bounce pad. The roads were also great for them to ride on and get exercise. They REALLY enjoyed the art classes & the gem mining," shares Jimmy L. about Delaware Water Gap KOA.
Cabin options for new campers: Families new to camping might consider cabin rentals. At Stokes State Forest, "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace," details one visitor.
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Kathy G. notes about Camp Taylor, "Water and electric hookups are standard, no sewer, but there is a dump station." Research access routes before arrival.
Site leveling preparation: Terrain throughout the Delaware Water Gap area can be uneven. One camper at Camp Taylor observed, "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time." Bring adequate leveling equipment.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary between campgrounds. At Pickerel Point Campground, "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," shares Debbie W. Check specific utility requirements when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers a variety of campgrounds. Dingmans Campground provides large campsites with two kayak launches for Delaware River access and modern bathrooms. For paddlers, several boat-in campsites are available including Peters River Campsites, Namanock Island, Tom's Creek Boat In Campsites, Walter's Boat In Campsites, and Sandyston Boat In Campsites. These river campsites are maintained by the National Park Service and are only accessible by canoe or kayak.
Where can I find a map of Worthington State Forest campground in Delaware Water Gap?
Maps of Worthington State Forest campground can be obtained from the park office upon arrival or downloaded from the New Jersey State Park Service website. For digital options, Stokes State Forest nearby uses similar mapping systems through the same state service. The official Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area website also provides downloadable maps of the entire area, including Worthington State Forest. For interactive camping maps, The Dyrt app offers detailed campground layouts that can be downloaded for offline use during your visit.
What camping is available near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers a wide range of camping options, with 217 campgrounds and RV parks near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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