Campgrounds along the Delaware River define the camping landscape around Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, with several established facilities catering to a range of camping styles. Driftstone Campground offers 190 sites with electric hookups and water access directly on the Delaware River, while nearby Camp Taylor Campground provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options. The region includes multiple family-friendly campgrounds with mixed-use sites accommodating everything from primitive tent camping to full-hookup RV spots, with several properties featuring cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically opening from April or May through October, though a few remain open year-round.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area influences the camping experience throughout the region, with many campgrounds offering river access for water activities. "It was a beautiful drive to the campsite," noted one visitor describing the approach to a local camping area. Campground layouts often feature spacious sites, with riverfront locations being particularly sought after. Road access varies by location, with some campgrounds recommending specific approach routes for RVs to avoid steep hills and tight turns. Weather conditions can change quickly in the area, with cooler temperatures common in spring and fall, requiring appropriate gear for comfort. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months.
Riverfront camping opportunities receive consistently positive feedback from visitors to the Mount Bethel area. According to one camper, "Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on." Many campgrounds in the region emphasize family-friendly amenities including pools, playgrounds, camp stores, and organized activities during summer weekends. Several visitors highlighted the clean facilities and bathhouses at area campgrounds as noteworthy features. Water activities form a central part of the camping experience, with many campgrounds offering kayak and tube rentals, river access points, and swimming areas. The Mount Bethel camping areas typically provide a balance of natural scenery with convenient amenities, making them suitable for both experienced campers and newcomers to outdoor recreation.
"The tent camping area was right along the river, some sites with direct access, some you'd have to walk a little more to the larger access areas."
"Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."
$33 - $42 / night
"Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you. "
"They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."
$64 - $74 / night
"Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."
"Driftstone is a gem of a campground at a great location on the Delaware. Easy access to Delaware Gap Recreation Area. Sites are pretty spacious with water and electric hookups."
"Love the Campground except our site is near a fairly busy road which takes away from that beautiful tranquility. They have camouflaged it as best they could. Friendly staff. Lots to do."
"Close to Bushkill Falls which we hiked. 👍"
"The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."
"All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."
$45 - $250 / night
"We wish there was easier access to bike and hike trails so we didn't have to drive to a location but overall a comfortable and positive experience."
"We were very into socially distancing, and said so when we made our reservation. We were assigned a perfect site for this."
"Only complaint is we got a site next to a seasonal camper who did no maintenance at all. Other than that it was pretty cool."
$32 - $66 / night
"A shady spot with a creek nearby and good cell service. They have a pool. The surrounding area/town is really nice."
"With my sister in-law leading this adventure I buckled up and made the 500+ mile drive as prepared asi thought i could be."
"The campsite is beautiful and lovely to walk around, the outside campground cats are the best part though ❣️"
"Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."
ScoutThought it was super cool that the owner of the campsite came through to see if anyone needed anything and make sure everything was going okay, I also thought the 5 gallon jug of water was a nice touch. The site was nicely laid out and had a great view of the gorge. Loved that we were back in the trees for a little more privacy. My dogs had a great time as well.
Travelerwe loved both of our stays here! it was mine and my partner’s first time camping and we had a great experience. the layout was really nice, and easy to get to. the bathrooms were really close to walk to and VERY clean! the only issue we faced was the closeness of the other campsites. we went during off season and during the week, so it didn’t really affect us but i can see how this place can get crowded and a little noisy during peak season. with all the being said, it was WONDERFUL!! we LOVED the late checkout (3pm) and loved the peaceful atmosphere! i would definitely recommend this place for beginner campers!
GuidePulling into Site 11 at Edgemere Flag Ridge feels like discovering a hidden campsite that most people pass right by. The site sits comfortably off the beaten path, giving it a secluded feel without being difficult to reach. Access was easy and any standard vehicle should have no trouble getting in. Traffic on the adjoining road was minimal, which added to the quiet atmosphere.
Amenities are basic, consisting of a picnic table and fire ring, so do not expect much beyond the essentials. That said, the surrounding woods made up for it with plenty of easy to gather firewood nearby, which was a refreshing change from some other public sites.
At night, the sky opened up nicely for stargazing and made for a peaceful camping experience. Cell service was intermittent, enough to occasionally check in if needed but spotty enough to still feel disconnected. If you are looking for a quiet, simple campsite with a sense of seclusion and easy access, this one is worth considering.
ScoutThe campsite is beautiful and lovely to walk around, the outside campground cats are the best part though ❣️
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
GuideStayed at Silver Lake for a two night camping trip and overall had a solid experience, with a few drawbacks.
The campsite itself is decent in size and easy to set up on, but it’s located along a fairly active road. Expect a couple vehicles per hour, including louder trucks, which takes away from the secluded feel. There are also signs the area may have been used for roadwork dumping in the past, with some leftover blacktop visible.
That said, the site works well for a functional camp. Plenty of nearby downed wood for fires, and the area has a good “working camp” feel if you don’t mind putting in a little effort. We had no issue gathering firewood and keeping a fire going, even after rain.
Weather was rainy for most of the trip, but a simple canopy setup made it manageable. The site drains reasonably well and didn’t turn into a mess.
Wildlife wise, ticks were present, so plan accordingly with repellent and checks.
We also had a brief visit from a forest ranger checking on smoke in the area. Interaction was professional and quick.
Overall, this is a good spot if you’re looking for a straightforward, no frills campsite and don’t mind some road noise. If you’re prioritizing privacy and a true backwoods feel, you may want to explore other sites in Delaware State Forest.
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
RangerWe enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!
LegendTucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available at Driftstone Campground in Mount Bethel?
Driftstone Campground offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences. The campground features both riverside and non-riverside sites for tents and RVs, with many sites offering water, electric, and sewer hookups for big rigs. Full-service cabins are also available for those seeking more comfort. The campground is drive-in accessible with reservable sites, and provides clean facilities including toilets and water access. Located directly on the Delaware River, Driftstone also offers convenient boat-in access, making it popular for water activities like kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. For comparison, nearby Kittatinny Campground also offers riverside camping with similar amenities but in a different setting.
Where is Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania located and how do I get there?
Mount Bethel is located in northeastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region, situated along the Delaware River in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County. It's approximately 15 miles northeast of Easton and about 85 miles west of New York City. The area is easily accessible via Interstate 80, which runs east-west through the nearby Delaware Water Gap. If coming from the south, you can take Routes 611 or 33. The region is known for its proximity to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Many visitors use Mount Bethel as a base for exploring both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the Delaware River.
What camping is available near Mount Bethel, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Bethel, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 199 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Bethel, PA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Bethel, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Bethel, PA is Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 39 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Bethel, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Bethel, PA.
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