Campers near Matamoras, Pennsylvania find diverse terrain across the Pocono Mountains and Delaware River Valley, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. The area's glacial lakes and hardwood forests create distinctive camping microclimates where summer temperatures typically range 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby urban areas. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October due to the region's snowy winters that average 45 inches annually.
What to do
Water recreation on the Delaware River: Multiple campgrounds offer direct river access for swimming and paddling. Kittatinny Campground features organized river activities within walking distance of campsites. According to one visitor: "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!"
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: High Point State Park Campground maintains trail access points within walking distance of several campsites. A camper reports: "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake." The park features over 50 miles of marked trails including 12 miles of the AT.
Farm experiences for kids: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort incorporates agricultural activities alongside camping. A visitor notes: "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool." Children can feed animals and learn about farm operations throughout their stay.
What campers like
Private riverside camping: Oakland Valley Campground offers secluded sites directly adjacent to water. A camper shares: "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this one was of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around."
Elevated tent platforms: Stokes State Forest features wooden platforms at many sites to keep tents dry during wet conditions. According to a visitor: "Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform." This practical feature proves especially valuable during the region's frequent summer thunderstorms.
Monument views: High Point State Park Campground lets visitors experience New Jersey's highest elevation point. One camper notes: "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely." The monument stands at 1,803 feet above sea level and provides panoramic views across three states.
What you should know
Site variability: Campground quality often varies dramatically between loops and specific sites. At Shotwell, a camper reports: "Campsites nice and private. Only one other camper on the other loop. Rustic. Perfect for me. Spacious campsites." Research individual site characteristics before booking.
Weekend noise considerations: Several campgrounds near Matamoras experience significant noise level changes between weekdays and weekends. At Kittatinny Campground, one visitor warns: "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around."
Limited shower access: Many state forest campgrounds have restricted shower facilities. At Stokes State Forest, a visitor notes: "If you wanted to shower, you would have to head to the group campsite not too far but you need to drive." Plan accordingly, especially for extended stays.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water safety: The Delaware River has variable conditions throughout the season. Kittatinny Campground staff can provide water level information. A family camper shares: "This place was so fun for the entire family, it wasn't that busy, so we didn't really have to worry all the time about the kids getting ran over! The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters."
Multiple lake options: Slumberland at the River's Edge provides glamping close to Matamoras, Pennsylvania with water access for various age groups. A visitor explains: "The campground's family-friendly atmosphere and waterfront location added an extra layer of beauty to our stay. We enjoyed swimming, tubing, and even fishing."
Entertainment for rainy days: Pack indoor activities as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months. At Mountain Top RV Park, a family notes: "There's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Oakland Valley Campground, a visitor reports: "Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel."
Seasonal hookup variations: Some campgrounds reduce water access during shoulder seasons. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, check current status as a visitor notes: "The water and electric sites and tent sites were tucked away in a more wooded environment."
Limited big rig access: Narrow roads restrict access for larger RVs at several state forest campgrounds. A Stokes State Forest camper reports: "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level."
