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Best Tent Camping near Delaware Water Gap, PA

1,037 Reviews

The Delaware Water Gap region offers several tent camping opportunities amid wooded terrain and scenic mountain vistas. Primitive tent sites can be found at Jenny Jump State Forest, where spacious tent pads are situated in secluded forest settings. Kirkridge Shelter along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail provides basic tent camping areas with fire rings and direct trail access. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area features tent platforms and ground sites near Catfish Pond.

Most tent campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Jenny Jump State Forest provides water spigots and pit toilets near the tent camping areas, with shower facilities available in centralized bathhouse locations. Trail access is often available directly from campsites, with hiking paths connecting to larger networks. Fire rings are standard at most sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry conditions. A camper noted, "Primitive site for multi-day river trips. There's usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy access."

Tent campers frequently mention the privacy between sites as a key benefit. In areas like Kirkridge Shelter, tent sites offer mountain views while providing shelter access. A recent review highlighted that "This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire." The Delaware River also provides unique opportunities for boat-in primitive tent camping at sites like Alosa Campsites and Bushkill Creek, accessible only by canoe or kayak. These remote tent camping locations typically feature basic amenities like fire rings with occasional portable toilets. Campers seeking solitude often prefer these walk-in or boat-in primitive tent setups over the more accessible drive-in options, as they offer greater seclusion and closer proximity to natural features.

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Best Tent Sites Near Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania (46)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Delaware Water Gap, PA

97 Photos of 46 Delaware Water Gap Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Delaware Water Gap, PA

1037 Reviews of 46 Delaware Water Gap Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • T
    May. 27, 2018

    Mountain Vista Campground

    Friendly Campground

    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. Facilities were neat & clean, and there was a covered verandah with string lights, chairs & picnic tables outside the bathroom area.

    Campground staff were friendly, and there was a store with firewood, ice and many other conveniences. Wifi was available, and connection was good the entire time I was there.

    The campground is convenient to many hikes in the Delaware Water Gap area.

    Be aware that the campground doesn't have credit card facilities, but does have an ATM in the store if absolutely necessary.

  • Susan M.
    May. 2, 2022

    Uncle Willie's

    Incredible Find

    Beautiful Family owned farm at the foot of Kittatinny mountain along the AT. Very easy drive to hiking in Delaware Water Gap. Owner was super nice and helpful - let us set up anywhere we wanted in the 20 Acre field. Porta-Potty was immaculate! Fire ring and bear hang provided at that site - could easily accommodate a large group. Incredible star gazing! He also has a TENTRR Signature on site for people who like more luxury!

  • Doug W.
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Valley View Group Campground

    Beautiful River Site

    This is a great campsite right on the river. There are 5 different sites all nicely marked out. Each has its own fire ring. There is also a central area with a big fire ring for everyone to get together. Bear boxes at each site for food storage.

  • Ra F.
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    OK, but camping gets a low rating.

    The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. I bike toured there. The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics. There was also a fair amount of road noise at night. Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road.

  • B
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Tohickon Valley County Park

    One stop shop for adventure!

    This place is amazing! everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100’ rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT, and when scheduled they open the dam up stream for som world class whitewater rafting.

    As for some things that aren’t listed. this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park, however that all depends on how open you are about it and the Park rangers. Cell phone service is limited last time I was up there in 2012 only people with Verizon Wireless had any reception. Also there is no WiFi. No hookups or camp store.

  • Dwight D.
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Jenny Jump State Forest

    Cute Comfortable Shelter

    This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The "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. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!

    There are eight shelters at Jenny Jump State Park. Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk? The dead end means there isn't too much traffic, though the road is right there so you can wave to the other campers heading to the restroom or for hikes. There is a trail head at one of the parking lots. During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road. We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us! Otherwise, this shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private.

    We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies. There was a picnic table and benches inside. We brought camping chairs for relaxing on the porch. We spent most of our time on the porch; cooking, chatting, and crafting while enjoying the sunshine and breeze.

    Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not.

  • R
    Jun. 18, 2016

    Stokes State Forest

    Gren Anderson Shelter

    I stayed at the Gren Anderson Shelter in Stokes State Forest while Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail from the Delaware Water Gap to the NY State Line in November. This shelter offers more amenities than many shelters on the AT including an actual privy. The shelter is your typical structure with three walls and a roof. The site has a bear box, a picnic table, a composting toilet ~100 yards uphill, and a water source ~150 yards downhill (this is a stream and needs to be treated). The shelter did not seem to have a rodent problem but I stayed there in the winter which may have limited their activity. Although the shelter is a couple of miles North of Culvers Gap, there is a road a little to the west and I heard cars drive by every 5 to 10 minutes. The one caution I can offer is that I hiked into camp late and the sun had already gone down. I walked past the shelter and turned around when the trail seemed to disappear. The shelter is to the right while hiking down the spur off of the AT.

  • D
    Jul. 5, 2020

    Tobyhanna State Park Campground

    Good campground for families.

    My dog and I stayed for 2 nights in the rustic tenting area. We were the only campers Wednesday & Thursday. The family camp area features spaces (small areas for either RV campers or tents and cars) with a picnic table and fire ring and water (some have electricity). They also have shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers. However, they seemed a little too cramped fir me and I wasn’t looking for opportunities to socialize, so the remote tent site was my choice. The tent sites do not have water or electric, but do have picnic tables, a fire ring and share one large outhouse with clean pit toilets. There are 5 sites and they can accommodate (shared) multiple tent set ups. Also you need to park your vehicle in a designated lot which is very close to the sites. There are multiple easy hiking and biking trails that are well marked. A lake for fishing and a small sandy beach with a picnic area for families (unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the beach). There are 2 boat launch areas (one for the campers, and another for gen. public) which also has a boat rental business (dogs are allowed). There are black bears in the park so do not leave food out and dispose of all trash in the appropriate dumpsters.

Guide to Delaware Water Gap

Tent camping near Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers should check out Jenny Jump State Forest

  • Experience the beauty of nature at Jenny Jump State Forest, where individual campsites are well-maintained and offer benches and fire pits.
  • The campground features clean bathrooms with showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for all campers.
  • Enjoy nearby hiking trails that provide breathtaking scenery and a chance to explore the great outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30

  • Tent camping at Shotwell is budget-friendly, with prices typically around $20 per night, making it an excellent choice for those seeking solitude.
  • The Wooded Campground offers a peaceful setting for about $25 per night, perfect for a quick getaway before hitting the Appalachian Trail.
  • For a more rustic experience, Sandyston Boat In Campsites provides primitive sites accessible only by canoe, with prices around $30 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Delaware Water Gap, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Delaware Water Gap, PA is Jenny Jump State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Delaware Water Gap, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Delaware Water Gap, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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