The Mount Bethel camping landscape is positioned where Pennsylvania's northeastern tip meets the Delaware River, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet above sea level. The region experiences moderate rainfall throughout camping season, averaging 3-4 inches monthly from May through October. Most campgrounds in the area sit on terrain that transitions from riverfront flats to wooded hillsides, creating natural drainage that helps campsites recover quickly after rain.
What to do
Kayaking the Delaware River: Access the Delaware directly from Driftstone Campground where you can rent equipment onsite. "The sites are all large, and easy to get in and out of. There is a boat ramp that can accommodate small boats and kayaks for rent," notes a camper from Driftstone Campground.
Hiking to the Wolf Preserve: Camp Taylor Campground provides direct access to a unique wildlife experience. "You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," shares a visitor from Camp Taylor Campground.
Mountaintop hiking trails: The region offers varied terrain for hikers of all levels. "Hiking to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river" is recommended by a camper who stayed at Camp Taylor. Another notes that Jenny Jump State Forest has "miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Trail."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots with good tree coverage. At Mountain Vista Campground, "Our site was roomy and serene! Shady, lots to do, clean!" reports one visitor. The campground's multi-level layout creates natural divisions between camping areas.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the upkeep of bathrooms and shower areas. "The bathrooms/showers are clean and well maintained," notes a visitor to Camp Taylor. At Worthington State Forest Campground, "The facilities are modern, basic, and clean," with another mentioning "Clean Bathrooms. We walked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river."
Easy river access: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. "Private. Beautiful. Go swimming at turtle beach! Nice space between the sites. They also have river front sites!" explains a Worthington State Forest visitor. At Driftstone, one camper appreciates that "River Road on which it is located is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during summer weekends. "We got site A22 and loved it... Already booked the site for next year!!" reports a Mountain Vista camper, highlighting the need to plan ahead.
Site variations: Campground layouts can vary significantly. At 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." A visitor noted the campground is "high up on a mountain and affords lovely views."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads. At Jenny Jump, one camper mentions "my only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night." Worthington State Forest has had issues with "noisy neighbors who ignored the quiet hours by playing loud music into the night."
Firewood restrictions: Many campgrounds restrict outside firewood. At Cranberry Run Campground, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pool and water activities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options beyond the river. Otter Lake Camp Resort stands out with "Pools indoor and outdoor, Great playgrounds, Great biking even a trail around the lake," making it versatile for different weather conditions.
Activity schedules: Check campground event calendars when booking. Camp Taylor "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."
Site location strategy: For families with young children, consider proximity to facilities. At Driftstone, "the sites along the river would be my first choice, but if you have children, being near the playground might be a good selection as well."
Multiple bathroom locations: Note that some larger campgrounds have limited facilities. At Cranberry Run, one camper mentioned "The shower house is quite a hike from the end of the grounds we stayed on."
Tips from RVers
Route selection: The mountainous terrain requires careful navigation. "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 a visitor to Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Delaware Water Gap KOA, sites were "grassy and a bit uneven and it seemed to be like this across the board. No sewer hookups and the dump station is difficult to get in and out with larger rigs."
Electric hookup variations: Check amperage before booking. Driftstone offers "Sites include water, electric and cable. There is an inexpensive pump out service available daily," while other campgrounds may only offer 30-amp service which limits appliance use.
