Delaware Water Gap camping areas range between 300-1,600 feet in elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. The region receives moderate rainfall throughout camping season, with occasional thunderstorms from June through August. Most campgrounds operate from April through October when weather conditions are suitable for tent and RV camping.
What to Do
Wolf preserve tours: Camp Taylor Campground offers discounted wolf tours for campers. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," notes Dina S.
Water activities: Driftstone Campground provides direct river access. "The river is beautiful in this area and worth the stay. They have kayak and tube rentals if you want to float the river," explains Scott O. at Delaware River Family Campground.
Mountain hiking: Multiple trail networks connect across the region. "There are great trails to hike to right from the campground as well as the Wolf Preserve. We stayed along the Creek which was nice," reports Kathy G. from Camp Taylor Campground.
Ghost Lake exploration: "Nice big group site and fun walk to Ghost Lake," says Doug W. about Jenny Jump State Forest, which offers primitive camping sites and cabin rentals near this unique attraction.
What Campers Like
Spacious wooded sites: Many campsites offer privacy despite full occupancy. "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," shares Kathy G. about Driftstone Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse maintenance stands out at several locations. "Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot," reports Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Indoor recreation options: Rain alternatives exist at several parks. "Pools indoor and outdoor, great playgrounds, great biking even a trail around the lake, lots of activities planned, awesome store stocked well," notes Nicole S. from Otter Lake Camp Resort.
Pool and water features: Swimming options vary by campground. "A small lake for swimming and boating. And lots of trails linking you to the Delaware river water gap area," explains Denise D.
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate limited schedules. "We were in site A22 and loved it. It was their last weekend of the season-weekend before Halloween. They offered different activities and had socially distanced trick or treating for kids!" notes Angela from Mountain Vista Campground.
Firewood regulations: Local rules restrict outside wood. "You have to buy their wood you can't bring any in, they are trying to keep the lantern flies away. $5 bundle for 7 pieces," explains Karralee B.
Site selection importance: Terrain varies significantly within campgrounds. "Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel. We stayed along the Creek which was nice and combined an RV and tent site to accommodate our family," shares Kathy G.
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds have ambient traffic sounds. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," notes Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playgrounds and activities: Kid-focused amenities vary by location. "It's a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities (pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more)," shares Kylie R. from Mountain Vista Campground.
Cabin options: Alternative lodging suits various comfort levels. "This 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch," explains Dwight D. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Quiet hours enforcement: Family-friendly sleep conditions prioritized at some parks. "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," shares Dan B.
Swimming options: Kid-friendly water features available. "The small mini-golf course is a fun distraction for a bit. The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," notes Kathy G.
Tips from RVers
Access route considerations: RV approach planning essential. "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," warns Jim G. from Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA.
Site levelness: Terrain preparation needed at some locations. "Sites are pretty spacious with water and electric hookups. Nice trees are around the campground. The bathrooms are super clean and had the nicest showers I have ever seen at a campground," shares Elke P.
Dump station positioning: Tank management requires planning. "No sewer hookups and the dump station is difficult to get in and out with larger rigs," notes Jim G.
Water pressure awareness: RV regulator may be needed. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," cautions Don C.
Legend
