Tent camping near Lords Valley, Pennsylvania centers on the Delaware River watershed at elevations ranging from 400-900 feet. Summer temperatures typically range between 65-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall bring 40-70°F temperatures with crisp nights. Most primitive campsites feature natural clearings on islands or riverbanks with limited facilities requiring campers to be self-sufficient.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Several waterfalls are within hiking distance of Delaware River campsites. From Namanock Island, "you can hike to Raymondskill Falls, a must-see if you're stopping here," notes camper John B. The island offers access to trails on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides.
Night sky observation: The absence of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. At Namanock Island, "once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river... No lights means an incredible view of the night sky," according to a camper who frequently visits the area.
Paddle the river system: The Delaware River offers varied paddling conditions. "It's always in nice shape, if not pristine. Group/family accommodating, pet friendly, PRIMITIVE camping that takes you back in time," reports a regular visitor to the river campsites.
Wildlife viewing: The river corridor supports diverse wildlife. "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!" reports Sean M. about his experience at Namanock Island.
What campers like
Island solitude: Camping on river islands creates a unique sense of isolation. "You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river," notes a review of Sandyston Boat In Campsites. Another camper reports, "We were the only one on our island, thankfully."
Historical exploration: The area contains significant historical sites. "This area is rich in history, folklore, legends and locations that anyone camping here would truly enjoy knowing/seeing," explains a camper who notes the area contains structures "some of which date back to the 1700's."
Trail access: The proximity to hiking trails enhances the camping experience. At Steam Mill Campground, "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," reports Kristan V.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature large campsites. At River's Bend Group Campground, a camper notes it has a "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site."
What you should know
Water access challenges: Accessing some campsites from the water requires careful planning. At Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite, "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, so not great for swimming."
First-come basis: Most river campsites operate without reservations. As Ross R. explains about Hornbeck's River Campsites, "All river sites are paddle-in only, first-come first serve, FREE, and include a fire pit... During the summer, it is often a challenge to find an open site on a Saturday night."
Bear safety protocols: Bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. "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," advises a camper at Steam Mill Campground.
Seasonal challenges: Weather conditions vary significantly by season. One camper advises about spring conditions: "spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, consider campsites with easier access. Alosa Boat In Campsites offers "multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access. There is an emergency pick up/access road available as well with contact from the park."
Explore Stokes State Forest: For families seeking more amenities, Steam Mill Campground provides "a fairly nice and well maintained bathroom facility. Each of the camping spots were big and outfitted with picnic benches and fire rings for cooking," according to Ethan K.
Plan for water transport: When camping with children on river sites, prepare for the loading/unloading process. Campers note that accessing some sites requires managing steep shorelines with gear and children.
Wildlife education opportunities: The river corridor provides educational wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper reports seeing "deer, doves, robins, woodpeckers, quail(?), chipmunks, squirrels" during their stay, making for natural science lessons.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large RVs aren't suitable for most campgrounds near Lords Valley. At Elks Brox Memorial Park, "I would not drive an RV in here except maybe a small type trailer," warns Gregg T. who successfully navigated the access road with a Nissan Rogue.
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Lords Valley offer primitive camping without RV hookups. Small travel trailers can access some sites at Steam Mill Campground, where the sites are described as "for people truly there to camp, either in a tent or small travel trailer."
Road access considerations: Access roads to many campgrounds can be challenging for larger vehicles. One camper notes about Elks Brox Memorial Park: "It's .8 miles in on the right... I'm right across from the lake in amongst a copse of trees."
