Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (156)

    1. Stokes State Forest

    27 Reviews
    Layton, NJ
    8 miles
    Website

    $7 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "* Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash

    • There are outhouses scattered around, or if"

    2. Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Dingmans Ferry, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 828-1551

    "Went for a 3 day weekend with my boyfriend, dog, & cat who thinks he is a dog."

    "- 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."

    3. Camp Taylor Campground

    24 Reviews
    Pahaquarry, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 496-4333

    $33 - $42 / night

    "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)."

    4. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park

    33 Reviews
    Skytop, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 676-3428

    $20 - $44 / night

    "Well we stay at knee lake had lots of fun plus they have a swimming pool and thier pet friendly ."

    "Well we stayed at Knee lake what a beautiful place for camping 😊 We stayed 2 days with a swimming pool and lake plus pet friendly !"

    5. Swartswood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    13 Reviews
    Newton, NJ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-5230

    "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."

    "That said, it’s great for large groups that book a few sites next to each other. There were 3 groups during our stay. Which got pretty loud if you were in sites in the 30s."

    6. Mountain Vista Campground

    20 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 223-0111

    "Large dog park. 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."

    "The staff are wonderful, the whole campsite is very dog friendly and even has a dog park. Lots of stuff to do for kids including a game room. Only downside is the sites are a bit small."

    7. Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA

    14 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    10 miles
    Website

    $45 - $250 / night

    "The site was very kid and pet friendly, outfitted with both a pet and children's playground(see pictures and videos)."

    "Also a small pet area. We enjoyed it and would go back."

    8. Kittatinny Campground

    31 Reviews
    Milford, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 682-3539

    $75 - $400 / night

    "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."

    9. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-4026

    "Very scenic with a small lake, a pond & surrounded by woods. This is also the most expensive campground on our trip at $96.11 a night.

         "

    "This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs."

    10. Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South

    10 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."

    "This is a first-come, first-serve park in the Thousand Trails system so we had to drive around looking for a spot."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

1029 Reviews of 156 Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • S
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Dingmans Campground - Delaware Water Gap NRA

    Jump in the Gap!

    Dingmans is in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap national recreation area. There are 2 kayak launches to access the Delaware river. Camping sites are the largest I’ve seen around the area. Bathrooms are new and fairly maintained

  • John B.
    May. 8, 2017

    Tom's Creek Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Lots of Local Adventure

    The campsite in this review has two major points to express beyond the actual review.

    First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). 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.

    This site is a primitive campsite. There is a fire ring suitable for cooking on as well as allowing you a small fire. You will also have access to a privy style toilet a short distance in the woods behind your site.

    This site is a riverside site that will hold 2-3 smaller tents. It is well maintained by the NPS and had no litter or garbage on site. It is very secluded and tucked into the forest between the Delaware River and the McDade Trail.

    To reach this site you can put boats in the water at two locations, Dingman's Ferry and Eshback Access. If you start at Dingman's Ferry, you really should go for a hike first. If you hike about 30 minutes each way you will be able to see two very impressive waterfalls. Silverthread Falls and Dingman's Falls are right up the road from the river access point and well worth the walk. There are also tons of hiking trails a matter of minutes from your camp leading to minor waterfalls, overlooks and historic cemeteries. The trails are all well marked and easy hiking.

    Nightfall is great. Once the darkness sets in you easily forget your closeness to civilization. No traffic noise, usually there are no other campers close by, which allows you to just sit and enjoy the sounds of the river and the wildlife around you.

    Morning sun comes right in on the tent sites making the morning start off on a great note as well. It is definitely worth the stop if your paddling down the river.

  • John B.
    Apr. 19, 2020

    Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Always an Incredible Night

    First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or that are camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

    As a result of the global issues, at the time of this review I wasn't really sure we would even be able to camp at all.  However, after a few phone calls and messages we were given the green light to go.  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.

    With that, we set out to find a new night one campsite for our trip.  We were pleasantly surprised as we neared the island to see that what we had thought to be closed, actually had a new site number sign.  Immediately making shore we discovered that along with new site number signs, there also was new regulation signs and firepits. 

    ONLY AT SITES 1 and 4......  Sites 2 and 3 no longer have any signage or firepits.

    Returning home I contacted and updated the NPS, who said it should not have had any new site work.  With that said, if you use Nanamock Island during the 2020 season, do so at your own risk.

    As always, camping on the island is such a treat.  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, (beyond the neighboring sites), on the river for miles, if not days - other boaters varying... 

    Its always in nice shape, if not pristine.  Group/family accommodating, pet friendly, PRIMITIVE camping that takes you back in time.  You have Raymondskill Falls about a half an hour above you on the river, and down river you will shortly come to Dingman's Crossing, (lots of history), and a short hike takes you to two more waterfalls.  This is only some of whats in the area...

  • John B.
    May. 4, 2017

    Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Very peaceful, very private

    This review is of site #4 on Namanock Island. The campsite in this review has two major points to express beyond the actual review.

    First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). 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.

    This site is a primitive campsite. There is a fire ring suitable for cooking on as well as allowing you a small fire. You will also have access to a privy style toilet a short distance in the woods behind your site.

    Let me say that of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else.

    The campsites on this island are always very clean, if not pristine. In the 7 years I have camped here I do not think I have even wore shoes here once. Never any glass or trash anywhere.

    There is tons of room to enjoy your camping trip, its an island that is at most shared by 3 other camping groups. Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness.

    The fishing here is decent, but its a shallow part of the river so in the summer months the fish seek deeper waters. As for local wildlife, you can expect to be visited by a masked robber or two during the night, but a bear bag handing will eliminate any issues.

    Stopping here is normally a very simple thing as most of the island has a 3-4 foot shore around it of river rock. This makes for an easy landing and unloading of boats. However, spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry.

    If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A "must-see" if your stopping here. The New Jersey side will require a longer hiking time, but will take you along Old Mine Road where there are more things to see than you can imagine.

    This area is rich in history, folklore, legends and locations that anyone camping here would truly enjoy knowing/seeing.

  • John B.
    May. 4, 2017

    Peters River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Site #3 is amazing

    The campsite in this review has two major points to express beyond the actual review.

    First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). 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.

    This site is a primitive campsite. There is a fire ring suitable for cooking on as well as allowing you a small fire. You will also have access to a privy style toilet a short distance in the woods behind your site.

    The site itself is very nice. It is spacious enough for a medium to large group to camp at without feeling like you are on top of each other. There are 9 other sites in this group and they are all within shouting distance of one another, but have enough wooded growth between them to allow you to forget the other sites are there.

    The sites are all kept clean and the NPS will come through from time to time and do repairs and/or upkeep as needed.

    A short hike, approximately 10 minutes or so, will take you to the Decker Ferry House. A house that dates back more than 200 years and is rich in history. Walking 5 minutes more will find you on Old Mine Road. Old Mine Road has many amazing places that help found this country. From cemeteries, churches, houses, and military forts to abandoned towns.

    Warning, this site is frequented nightly by the local wildlife. Black bear and raccoons are not shy and a hanging "bear bag" is seriously recommended. Once night falls you will also be treated to the sounds of an owl from the ledges across the river that I have yet to see, but have heard for 7 years running.

    Also this year I had the pleasure of opening my eyes just after daylight and from the comfort of my hammock watching a Bald Eagle working on its nest and feeding riverside.

    The section of river this site is on is well known for its catfish population and your a mere 1/2 mile up river from Big Flatbrook, a "trout stream of no mean reputation" which is full of native brook, brown, and rainbow trout.

    All in all an amazing time to be had by everyone lucky enough to stop here.

  • Trip Over Life
    Oct. 23, 2018

    Stokes State Forest

    Ranger Review: humangear FlexiBowl and GoBites at Steam Mill Campground

    Campground Review

    Stokes State Forest has four campgrounds. The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans. No pets or alcohol allowed.

    The campground has a pit toilet and a well. Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform. Many sites are a bit rocky.

    We selected site T219. 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.

    Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes.

    Outdoor activities in the area abound. Go fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail. Pick up a hiking map at the park office or download the Avenza Maps app.

    This visit we hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery).

    You can also drive or hike to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for a view of High Point Monument. High Point Monument is the highest elevation in New Jersey and is located in High Point State Park which borders Stokes State Forest on the north. High Point State Park also offers camping, hiking, sightseeing opportunities. And, on the western border of Stokes State Forest is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. So, there is lots of outdoors to get out and explore!

    Product Review

    We camped at the Steam Mill Camping Area in Stokes State Forest in our campervan over a chilly autumn weekend. We had the opportunity to cook some soup on our stovetop and chill out by the campfire. And, as Rangers for The Dyrt, we get products to test from time to time so we were psyched to try out some new dinnerware and cutlery. This included the FlexiBowl and GoBites from humangear.

    What made these humangear products pretty awesome? Well, the fun colors to start. I mean, seriously, my orange bowl rules. The FlexiBowl also has some neat features: it’s flexible - just like the name suggests - and foldable. The bowl can be squished and stuffed anywhere. And, the top section can be folded down to create a smaller bowl. The FlexiBowl is versatile yet durable. It held my hearty, warm soup just perfectly.

    I paired the FlexiBowl with one of the GoBites utensils (the Uno model). The Uno model is my favorite - it has a fork on one side and a spoon on the other side. Very simple and convenient. The other GoBites models include the Duo (separate fork and spoon that can snap together) and the Trio (a fork, spoon, and knife - with bottle opener - in a case).

    PRO TIP: I keep the Trio GoBites model in my travel pack at all times. It recently came in handy on a (non-camping) trip to Sardinia. The knife on the Trio allowed me to slice some delicious local cheese to pair with bread, jam, and wine that was purchased from the grocery store. YUM.

  • John B.
    May. 8, 2017

    Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Very Nice Riverside Camping

    The campsite in this review has two major points to express beyond the actual review.

    First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). 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.

    This site was actually an Eagle Scout project according to the signs. There are two different levels to the campsite, which is nice for boaters. We were able to leave the boats on the lower level,(yet more than high enough that the river is no issue), and camped on the upper level. There are railroad tie stairs from the river up to the site, making it nice weather muddy or dry.

    This is actually the second to last site on this section of river. After another 1/2 mile and there are no other campsites for more than 20 miles, and those are private or reserved sites.

    There was quite a bit of room, and the site was very clean. According to all the literature this is a site with no road or trail access. HOWEVER, 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.

    As soon as they seen the site was occupied they did change their path of travel, but still was a little bothersome when expecting total seclusion.

    Upon 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.

    Beyond that another 20 minutes and you find yourself at the New Jersey Welcome Center and Mt. Tammany, a large mountain that forms the eastern side of the Delaware Water Gap. It has a moderate difficulty hike that takes about an hour an a half round trip to complete, but it has the most incredible view. You have to go to the top if you get here. If not it will always be one of those "I should have" memories. The Appalachian Trail also cuts across the top of this mountain.

    All in all, a great campsite, just do not be surprised if in the middle of the night you have local fishermen visiting.

  • John B.
    Apr. 19, 2020

    Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Ranger Review: GCI Outdoor Seats at Sandyston Canoe Camp

    Campground Review:

    First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or that are camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

    Tucked away on the New Jersey side of the river, about a 1/4 mile after the Nanamock Access, you will find the 6 sites that make up Sandyston Canoe Campground.  Its a very quiet area, as there is no access to the general public.   It is primitive camping, so no facilities for waste, water, or anything that you did not pack in with you.

    It is always a clean set of sites, a few of them are fairly large and accommodate large groups, however we camped at site 5 this trip, which was more than adequate for two of us.

    This site is in the heart of the historic area of the river.  Within minutes on the Pennsylvannia side of the river  you can hike to Raymondskill Falls, (one of many in easy walking distance), as well as search for abandoned/forgotten homes and mills,(some of which date back to the 1700's), or try your luck at fossil and artifact hunting.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, there are times that I have the oppurtunity to test and review various products while camping.  This trip I was able to test TWO products from GCI Outdoor, their Quik-E-Seat and Pack Seat.  

    First, the Shipping took literally 3 days from order to door with standard shipping.  They were well packaged and arrived in perfect condition.

    The "Pack Seat" was an excellent choice,  I don't think it weighs even a full pound, and packed it is just over a foot in length.  This allows it to easily pack in a backpack, however it even has a carabiner attached for clipping virtually anywhere, including your belt.

    I have had other 3 legged stools, but this one is one of the only ones I've had with a lower section of fabric to keep the legs from over-extending. 

    The Quik-E-Seat is just as pleasing.  It is slightly larger while packed and transporting, but it has a back support, cup holder and carrying strap. Just unfold and your good to go..

    Both seats were very well made, fairly waterproof, padded and comfortable.  you never once worry about balance or feel like your perched awaiting disaster.  These seats are definitely well worth the investment and should be a part of everyone's base camp.

    ***Sidenote.....   The Pack Seat is the perfect height and sturdy enough to be a "temporary Table" for those that are tight on packing space or footprint room.

  • j
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Mountain Vista Campground

    Mt Vista Campground

    Beautiful Campground. Clean. Gravel sites. Fire ring and picnic table. All sites have ample room. Lots of pull through for bigger rigs. Wooded. Large dog park. 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. Pool, tennis. Sauna, pond for fishing ( catch & release ). Would definitely recommend.


Guide to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Tips for camping with dogs near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

  • Always keep your dog on a leash at Stokes State Forest to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet, especially when visiting Mountain Vista Campground, where you can enjoy long hikes and outdoor activities.
  • Make sure to clean up after your dog to maintain the beauty of the campgrounds, such as Driftstone Campground, which is known for its spacious sites and clean facilities.

Pet owners appreciate the amenities at these campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is Stokes State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?

TheDyrt.com has all 156 dog-friendly camping locations near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.