The Delaware Water Gap region has distinct camping seasons, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Winter camping options are limited, though Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park remains open year-round with electric sites available in cold months. The area sits at elevations between 450-1,400 feet, creating temperature variations between riverside and higher elevation campsites.
What to do
Kayaking the Delaware River: Launch from Namanock Island for a peaceful paddle with wildlife viewing opportunities. "I saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!" reports camper Sean M., who enjoyed the secluded riverside location.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several trails lead to impressive cascades within short drives of most campgrounds. At Stokes State Forest, one camper recommends "the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)." The trail offers moderate difficulty with rewarding views.
Winter camping options: Unlike most seasonal campgrounds, Pickerel Point stays open through cold months. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing," notes Mara S., though cell reception with Verizon is limited.
What campers like
Private island camping: Namanock Island provides a truly unique experience with primitive campsites only accessible by kayak or canoe. "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," writes John B., who's been returning for over seven years.
Lake access for fishing: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites for easy fishing access. At Pickerel Point Campground, Nancy L. notes, "My favorite site does [allow pets], plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" The campground offers both lakeside tent sites and full-hookup RV options.
Secluded woodland sites: For those seeking privacy, certain campgrounds offer more isolated options. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents," shares E.M.V., appreciating the comfortable layout with convenient bathroom access at Stokes State Forest.
What you should know
Variable bathroom conditions: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed" at Lake Ocquittunk according to Catherine S., while other campgrounds may have more rustic options. At Dingmans Campground, "bathrooms / showers are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless."
Wildlife considerations: Black bears are active throughout the region. Camper Rob M. notes the presence of federal park rangers at Dingmans: "By day they cruise around in their SUVs and by night on foot. They are no joke so it helped keep the noise down from the larger groups as well as offering some security."
Crowding patterns: Many campgrounds experience significant seasonal variation in visitor numbers. Weekends in summer months see the highest occupancy, particularly at waterfront sites. One camper advises Dingmans Campground is "Average at best but better during the week. Can get really overcrowded on summer weekends sometimes. On holiday weekends it looks like a refugee camp."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: High Point State Park offers family-friendly amenities beyond just camping. Justin P. reports, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake."
Kid-friendly water access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with gentle entry points. At Pickerel Point Campground, Paula R. shares, "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. Kids had a great time! The road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc... We will definitely be back."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Dingmans Ferry: Families camping with pets should note varying pet policies. Rob M. explains that at Dingmans Campground, "Dogs allowed. Fire pits at each site but no grates to cook on." While some campgrounds restrict pets to specific loops, others like Namanock Island welcome dogs throughout.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "The RV sites for a bigger camper are tight squeezes. If you are not comfortable with lots of tight turns I would not recommend for you!" advises Jackie about Kittatinny Campground. Advance research on specific site characteristics is essential.
Limited winter options: Most pet-friendly campgrounds with RV hookups close seasonally. One exception is Pickerel Point, where Kelly F. found "site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail. The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. Debbie W. notes Pickerel Point offers comprehensive options: "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."
