Tent campsites near Hawley, Pennsylvania cluster primarily around the Upper Delaware River basin, sitting at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. The area falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season from May through September. Camping options typically include river access sites with minimal amenities and state forest locations offering more established facilities.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: At Steam Mill Campground, campers can access the Blue Loop trail directly from the camping area. A reviewer noted, "The campground is along the Blue Loop trail, providing either an easy walk along the stream or an easy/moderate hike that connects to the AT with views at Sunrise Mountain. I made a fairly easy 9-mile loop this time."
Waterfall exploration: Many tent camping areas provide access to multiple waterfalls within short hiking distance. When staying at Sandyston Boat In Campsites, you can reach several falls on foot. According to one camper, "Within minutes on the Pennsylvania 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)."
Kayaking and paddling: The camping areas along the Delaware River provide excellent opportunities for paddling. At Namanock Island, one visitor mentioned, "There are a few spots where you can launch a kayak and the lakes connecting rivers/streams are very cool and jungly." Paddlers should allow approximately 4 miles of paddling from Milford Beach to reach island campsites.
What campers like
Island seclusion: Sandyston Boat In Campsites provide a feeling of complete isolation that many campers prize. One reviewer described the experience: "We were the only one on our island, thankfully." Another camper at a nearby site explained the appeal: "You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone."
Spacious tent sites: Several campgrounds in the Hawley area feature unusually large camping areas. A visitor to Sandyston described, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report excellent wildlife sightings at tent sites near Hawley. At Steam Mill Campground, a visitor documented: "Lots of nature and animal sounds day and night, saw deer, doves, robins, woodpeckers, quail(?), chipmunks, squirrels, skunk(?), and heard frogs." River campsites also offer bird watching opportunities with multiple visitors reporting bald eagle sightings.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping options near Hawley are primitive with minimal amenities. At Alosa Boat In Campsites, a camper explained: "Primitive site for multi day river trips. There's usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access."
Boat-in requirements: Many of the most secluded camping areas require water access. A Sandyston visitor cautions: "This site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. There is no public road access to the campsite." Some boat-in sites impose strict rules, with one visitor warning: "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."
Varying water levels: River access can change dramatically with seasons. A reviewer noted: "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 than I prefer."
Wildlife precautions: Bears are present in camping areas near Hawley. A Steam Mill camper advised: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For camping with children, select sites with easier access. One reviewer at Steam Mill Campground recommended: "I requested the same site - T220 - as it is closest to the water spring as well as not too far from the primitive toilets (although I bring my own cassette toilet)."
Plan for insects: Tent sites throughout the Hawley area have significant insect activity in warmer months. A camper at Steam Mill noted: "Lots of flying bugs, gnats, moths, flies, mosquitoes, etc. especially at night." Bring appropriate repellents and netting, especially for evening hours.
Consider remote location logistics: When tent camping near Hawley with families, plan for distance to supplies. A Steam Mill visitor advised: "If you want to stay remote, be sure to pick up enough fire wood from the office when you check in. They sell the NYNJ Trail Conference Maps, too. It's a ~15 minute drive from the park office to the campground."
Research river difficulty: For families planning river camping near Hawley, understand current conditions and paddling requirements. One visitor at Namanock Island cautioned: "I also thought it would a good idea to paddle down stream and back up to Milford beach, Boy was I wrong! Took about 4.5 hours to paddle 3 miles then had to wave down a boat to tow me the rest of the mile. Was not fun!!!!"
Tips from RVers
Limited RV sites: Traditional RV camping options are restricted near Hawley, with most sites designed for tents. At Steam Mill Campground, a reviewer noted: "These sites are for people truly there to camp, either in a tent or small travel trailer." Most river sites prohibit RVs entirely.
Consider smaller trailers: For those wanting to bring a camper, small travel trailers work at select sites. Steam Mill Campground can accommodate compact trailers while still providing access to hiking trails and natural areas, though hookups are typically limited or nonexistent.
Water access planning: RV campers should note water availability. A Steam Mill visitor mentioned: "The waters spouts were near the entrance so if you are staying deeper into the campground, I would consider this." Plan accordingly for filling tanks or carrying water to your site.
