The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area stretches along the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border near Matamoras, encompassing 70,000 acres of forests, valleys, and riverfront camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F while spring and fall bring cooler conditions that many campers with pets prefer. The region's river access points and established campgrounds allow for various pet-friendly camping experiences within a 20-mile radius of Matamoras.
What to do
River recreation access: The Delaware River corridor near Kittatinny Campground provides multiple water activities for campers and their pets. "The most beautiful campsite ever. Don't cheap out. Get the tubing package as well. Also love their camp store!" shares Kendra P. Visitors can explore rafting, tubing, and kayaking excursions that launch from designated river access points.
Waterfall exploration: Several accessible waterfalls dot the region within short driving distance from campgrounds. A visitor at Dingmans Campground noted, "Waterfall in pic was a 5 min drive from the campground and then a 40 min hike. Worth it!" These natural features make great destinations for day hikes with leashed pets.
Hiking trail networks: The region offers extensive trail systems ranging from easy to challenging. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," explains a ranger at Stokes. Many trails allow leashed pets, with morning hours providing better wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Riverside camping sites: The prime riverside locations rank consistently high with pet owners. "Dingman's Campground was by far the best...Campsite are nicely separated overall. Picnic table and fire ring at every site," notes Rob M., highlighting the spacing that gives pets more room to settle without constant interaction with neighbors.
Natural swimming areas: Stokes State Forest campers appreciate the water features for cooling off with pets. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk...Site was located on a small hill next to the lake with the road directly in front and water about 50 yards away," shares Josh S., describing the natural water access that many pet owners utilize for dog exercise.
Wildlife viewing: The riverside camping areas provide opportunities to observe native species. At Namanock Island, one camper reported, "Saw about 6 bald eagles!" These wildlife encounters require careful management of pets, especially during morning and evening hours when animals are most active.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience varying noise levels that may affect sensitive pets. Jim D. from Kittatinny Campground reports, "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." Sites further from main activity areas typically provide quieter environments for anxious animals.
Varied bathroom facilities: Facilities range widely across area campgrounds. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites." These limitations may impact longer stays with pets.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate on limited seasonal schedules. "Stokes is such a peaceful campground! We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family," explains Amy B., referencing facilities that operate primarily from April through October. Winter camping options for pet owners are significantly limited in the immediate area.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique farm animal experiences. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," says Faith D., describing interactions that children and well-behaved pets can enjoy together under supervision.
Playground facilities: Families should research playground availability when booking sites. "So Fun. 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," Jill R. explains about Kittatinny's family facilities.
Swimming options: Many sites offer swimming areas that can accommodate both children and pets. "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall. Lake Ocquittunk campground had showers, flush toilets and was popular with families," notes Stephanie T., highlighting the combined recreation options that work well for family groups with pets.
Tips from RVers
Highway proximity noise: Tri-State RV Park sits near major roadways, creating noise considerations for pets. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot. Restrooms are clean," reports Michael H., addressing the constant background sounds that some animals may find stressful.
RV size constraints: Many area campgrounds have limited spaces for larger rigs. "The RV sites for a bigger camper are tight squeezes. If you are not comfortable with lots of tight turns I would not recommend for you!" cautions Jackie at Dingmans Campground, noting the navigation challenges that can complicate arrival and setup with pets.
Year-round availability: Limited options exist for winter RV camping with pets. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners," explains BENdejo at Tri-State RV Park, highlighting one of the few year-round facilities in the area.
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