Primitive camping dominates the riverside areas near Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, with sites clustered along the Delaware River and nearby Stokes State Forest. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans 70,000 acres across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offering paddlers access to over 40 miles of river with boat-in campsites. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting landing conditions and accessibility.
What to do
Hiking the McDade Trail: Access this multi-use trail from Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites for day hikes between paddling adventures. "After pitching your tent, a short walk upriver on the trail will bring you to the Dingman's Campground, whose store has ice cream and cold drinks and to Hornbeck Creek waterfall trail."
Waterfall exploring: The area contains multiple cascades within short hiking distance of campsites. At Namanock Island, paddlers can access nearby falls. "There are waterfalls on the Pennsylvania shore within a quick walking distance of your location that are very much worth the time it takes to walk the trail."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the recreation area. "Lots of nature and animal sounds day and night, saw deer, doves, robins, woodpeckers, quail(?), chipmunks, squirrels, skunk(?), and heard frogs."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes this region exceptional for night sky viewing. "You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone... Once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river."
What campers like
Island privacy: The isolated nature of Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite provides a true wilderness experience. "Great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side... plenty of space for tents."
Natural landing spots: Many riverside campsites have natural rock features that create functional boat landings. "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."
Flat camping areas: Most tent sites provide level ground despite natural terrain. At Sandyston Boat In Campsites, "We were very happy to see the openness of the sites. They were very large and while covered by 40+ft trees were open enough to make you wish you brought more gear and people just because it would fit."
Fire rings: Established fire rings at most sites provide both cooking and warmth options. "These sites have the standard grated square metal fire pit most park sites have."
What you should know
Bear safety: Food storage practices are critical as bears inhabit the region. At Steam Mill Campground, "There are bears in this area, and while I've not seen one in the campground, I have seen them on the trails while staying here. I store my food in my car overnight and toss garbage bags in the dumpster nightly as well."
Water level changes: The Delaware River fluctuates seasonally, affecting campsite access. "Due to fluctuating water levels all of the islands that are used for camping have a cut wall cliff style approach, but these sites have a very steep and above average height to the shoreline making unloading both more tiring and more of a hazard."
Length-of-stay limits: National Park Service regulations limit camping duration at many river sites. "You are limited to one night on the island though as the expectation is that you will continue down river to other primitive sites."
Insect populations: Bugs can be significant, especially during warmer months. "Lots of flying bugs, gnats, moths, flies, mosquitoes, etc. especially at night."
Shuttle services: Weekend river shuttles provide transportation back to starting points. "We packed up and hiked back along the McDade Recreation Trail to Dingmans Ferry access where we caught the River Runner Shuttle (a free shuttle that runs along the river on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer free of charge) back to the car."
Tips for camping with families
Group accommodations: Choose sites that fit larger parties and offer space for activities. Rivers Bend Group Campground provides "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally located and a pump well."
Toilet considerations: Most boat-in sites lack restroom facilities. "My daughter was happy to have a chance to have walls for privacy for a change. However, you are in a secluded area, next to a river... after examination she decided another night of primitive camping sans walls was ok with her."
Camping permits: Ensure you have proper permissions for overnight stays. "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."
Supply planning: No facilities exist for purchasing forgotten items at river campsites. "Bring your solution for natures calling and remember that you are on an island in the middle of the river where history helped shape our country almost 300 years ago."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: The best tent camping near Dingmans Ferry for small travel trailers includes Jenny Jump State Forest. "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."
Proximity to restrooms: When camping with an RV or trailer, consider bathroom access. "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?"
Water access locations: Note water spigot locations when selecting sites. "The biggest negative was that the waters spouts were near the entrance so if you are staying deeper into the campground, I would consider this."
Weekend crowding: Arrive early on weekends to secure preferred sites. "I've read that if you are going on a weekend that it's advisable to go earlier in the day."
