Cabin camping options dot the forested valleys around Delaware Water Gap. Situated where Pennsylvania meets New Jersey along the Appalachian Trail, elevations range from 300 to 1,600 feet, creating varied temperatures throughout camping seasons. Summer highs typically reach 85°F, while spring and fall nights can drop below 45°F, making wood stoves essential for comfort in rustic accommodations.
What to Do
Lakeside recreation: At Otter Lake Camp Resort, cabin guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools plus water activities. "There is a big lake you can fish from, kayak, bring your own boat and even swim from when it's warm out," notes a visitor who appreciates the diverse water options.
Wolf watching: The Camp Taylor Campground offers a unique experience with its on-site wolf preserve. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," shares Julie F., while another camper mentions, "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite."
Hiking access: Multiple trails connect directly from campgrounds to longer routes. "Hiking to the Wolf Preserve, paddleboats, mini golf, swimming in the lake... There are so many things to do, and they keep all of the facilities updated and in great shape," reports a Camp Taylor visitor who returns annually.
What Campers Like
Natural privacy: Mountain Vista Campground provides secluded cabin sites. One camper mentions, "Set on a hillside, the campground has three levels. The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded."
Water proximity: Many visitors appreciate waterfront cabin options. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper," notes a guest at Pickerel Point Campground. Another adds, "I spent the night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet... Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset."
Store convenience: On-site provisions save trips to town. A Camp Taylor visitor shares, "The store is cute and has just about anything that you need," while noting the campground is "connected to the wolf preserve so you can hear them howl if you listen."
What You Should Know
Site selection matters: Not all cabins or sites are created equal. At Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA, one camper advises, "The campground had many different types of sites. Some were big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper."
Seasonal availability: Many cabin facilities close during winter months. The Pickerel Point visitor notes, "The museum and crafts were closed due to Covid so that was a bummer but we found other things to do."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by provider and location. "I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," reports one Pickerel Point camper, while another from Timothy Lake South adds, "Cell service for most providers is practically non-existent."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground proximity: At Cranberry Run Campground, sites near play areas benefit families. "The playground at the campground was small but left plenty of grassy space for our kids to play safely," reports one family, while another mentions being "right at the bottom of a trail that lead straight up the mountain."
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds offer organized events. A visitor to Mountain Vista explains, "This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It's a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities (pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more)."
Multiple accommodation options: Some families combine site types. A Camp Taylor visitor shares, "We stayed along the Creek which was nice and combined an RV and tent site to accommodate our family."
Tips from RVers
Electric concerns: While cabins typically include basic electric, RV sites vary in amperage. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by," notes a winter visitor to Pickerel Point, highlighting seasonal limitations even at year-round facilities.
Site surface conditions: Many report uneven terrain. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," explains a Jenny Jump State Forest visitor, a consideration when setting up outdoor gathering areas near cabins.
Noise factors: Highway proximity impacts some locations. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," reports a Jenny Jump State Forest camper, something to consider when selecting a cabin location.