The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans over 70,000 acres along the Delaware River, with elevations ranging from 300 to 1,600 feet. Temperatures typically drop 10-15°F at night compared to daytime highs, even in summer months. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in this region offer riverside or wooded sites with varying levels of shade and privacy.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: At Stokes State Forest, trails accommodate pets on leashes, including parts of the Appalachian Trail. "There are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive. You can also rent kayaks and SUP at the main office," notes one visitor who found the location ideal for outdoor activities.
Wolf preserve tours: Take a short hike from Camp Taylor Campground to see wolves in their sanctuary. "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," writes one camper, adding a unique wildlife experience to your trip.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the region offer fishing, with Pickerel Point at Promised Land State Park providing shore access. "My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" explains a regular visitor who appreciates the convenient water access for anglers.
What campers like
Secluded river sites: Dingmans Campground offers riverside camping with natural privacy. "The campsites are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park," notes one visitor who appreciated the balance of seclusion and convenience.
Swimming areas: Natural swimming spots form along the Delaware River where campers create their own pools. "Some people even made little pools made of rocks!" observed one camper, describing how visitors adapted the riverside environment for cooling off during hot weather.
Campsite spacing: Sites at Mountain Vista Campground provide good separation between campers. "Our site was a good size and the facilities were clean," reports a visitor who found the campground well-maintained despite high usage during peak season.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds operate from April/May through October, with limited winter options. "We stayed on site #11 on Lake Ocquittunk. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night," shares a camper who visited during shoulder season.
Cell service limitations: Expect minimal connectivity throughout the region, especially at federal park locations. "There is no WIfi or cell service anywhere in campground but about 5 min down the road you can find it," advises one experienced visitor.
Bathroom maintenance: Facilities range from newly renovated to basic, with potential crowding issues on weekends. "The showers were clean - the most amazing water pressure I have had at a campsite and hot water. Felt like I was home," reports a Dingmans visitor who was impressed by the bathroom quality.
Wildlife awareness: The area is home to black bears, requiring proper food storage practices. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns a Stokes State Forest visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Great Divide Campground offers multiple recreation areas for children. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," suggests a first-time camper whose family enjoyed the amenities.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter, well-marked paths suitable for young hikers. "The Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked," recommends a visitor who found appropriate hiking options for families with children.
Organized activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular events specifically for children. "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. Kids had a great time! The museum and crafts were closed due to Covid so that was a bummer but we found other things to do," shares a parent who appreciated the family-oriented atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific sites when booking, as size and privacy vary significantly. "There are four campgrounds that are all pretty different, we stayed at Shotwell across from the pond. For the most part, each campsite has its own porta potty or it shared with a couple other sites," explains an RVer who recommends researching campground layouts before arrival.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are common, but full hookups are limited. "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 a camper who stayed at Promised Land State Park.
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds restrict vehicle placement or require offsite parking. "The only drawback is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," notes a visitor, highlighting connectivity issues that may impact RVers who need to stay connected.
