Primitive tent camping opportunities near Greentown, Pennsylvania extend beyond the Delaware Water Gap area. Located in the Pocono Mountains at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, this region experiences seasonal temperature variations that impact camping conditions. The surrounding state forests and recreation areas provide both front-country and backcountry options for tent campers, with several sites accessible only by water craft.
What to do
Kayaking on local waterways: Namanock Island sites require paddling about 4 miles downstream from Milford Beach. A camper noted, "The sites are in excellent shape! I have only ever gone during the week so I have not had any issue securing one of the four available sites but would recommend getting their earlier if you intend to go during the weekend."
Hiking to waterfalls: The area surrounding Sandyston Boat In Campsites offers multiple waterfall destinations. According to a visitor, "Within minutes on the Pennsylvannia side of the river you can hike to Raymondskill Falls, (one of many in easy walking distance), as well as search for abandoned/forgotten homes and mills,(some of which date back to the 1700's), or try your luck at fossil and artifact hunting."
Wildlife observation: Many primitive campsites provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Bushkill Creek, tent sites sit near shallow water areas perfect for observing river wildlife. One review mentions, "The path up to the campsite from the river gets a little steep, but not bad. One downside - all the water directly off the campsite is pretty rocky and shallow."
What campers like
Private camping experiences: Rivers Bend Group Campground offers quiet group camping in a large field setting. A camper described it as having "multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding."
Island camping solitude: The sense of isolation on Namanock Island appeals to many tent campers. According to one review, "As always, camping on the island is such a treat. You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone. There are no public interactions, (beyond the neighboring sites), on the river for miles."
Riverside tent sites: Walter's Boat In Campsites features a two-level design helpful for river access. A reviewer explained, "We were able to leave the boats on the lower level,(yet more than high enough that the river is no issue), and camped on the upper level. There are railroad tie stairs from the river up to the site, making it nice weather muddy or dry."
What you should know
NPS regulations: Most primitive campsites in the Delaware Water Gap area have specific usage rules. One reviewer of Sandyston noted: "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."
Site accessibility limitations: Some of the best tent camping near Greentown involves difficult terrain. At Walter's Boat In Campsites, access issues exist despite official designations. A camper reported, "According to all the literature this is a site with no road or trail access. HOWEVER, as dusk fell, a small group of local fishermen came walking through the camp to access the river."
Seasonal site changes: The National Park Service occasionally rotates campsite availability. One Namanock Island visitor explained, "The NPS then informed me that they were starting to close off island camping on the river and going to 'rotate in' some new sites to help with land management. Almost like a farmer rotating crops."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers accessible tent platforms suitable for families. A visitor noted, "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
Shelter options: For families wanting more protection, some state forests offer cabin-like structures. A visitor to Jenny Jump State Forest described their experience: "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."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds provide lake access for family activities. A Camp Mohican visitor mentioned, "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries."
Tips for RVers
Electric hookups: Jenny Jump State Forest provides electric hookups for RVs while maintaining a natural setting. A camper reported, "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog."
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research sites before arrival. At Jenny Jump, a visitor observed: "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 facilities: When choosing RV sites, consider bathroom locations. A Jenny Jump camper advised, "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."
