Tent camping near Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania centers around the Delaware River valley, where forested ridges rise 1,200 feet above the water. Camping elevations range from 300 feet along riverbanks to 1,500 feet on mountain ridges, with seasonal temperature variations from 85°F summer days to 40°F nights in spring and fall. Most campgrounds close from November through March due to winter conditions.
What to do
Kayak rentals and river access: At Round Valley State Park Campground, the 2,350-acre reservoir offers excellent paddling opportunities. One visitor noted, "If you come with your own boat, you can access by water—and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir." Another camper highlighted that "the water is crystal clear, and the area is clean."
Mountain hiking: Explore Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. A camper described the location: "You can park on the side of Bangor mountain road where the app trail crossed the road, and then walk down kittany road (private road) all the way to the end where it turns into dirt." The trail offers various difficulty levels with connections to longer routes.
Wildlife viewing: Many riverside campsites provide opportunities to see native wildlife. At Alosa Boat In Campsites, the river setting attracts diverse wildlife. These primitive sites feature "multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access" according to a visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Jenny Jump State Forest, the layout provides excellent separation. One camper reported, "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." Another visitor appreciated that "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy."
Water access: Riverside camping along the Delaware River offers direct water access. A visitor to Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite described it as "the only site on the PA side at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side."
Night sky viewing: Mountaintop locations provide excellent stargazing. One camper at Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms shared, "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos." The elevated location offers minimal light pollution.
What you should know
Access difficulty: Many campsites require effort to reach. At Round Valley State Park Campground, "you will want to bring as little with you as possible—packing too much to come here just isn't worth the work." Another camper warned, "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. Walter's Boat In Campsites offers no drinking water, and one visitor explained, "This site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. There is no public road access to the campsite." Know that riverbank sites may flood during heavy rain.
Early office closings: At Jenny Jump State Forest, a camper noted "the main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!" Many campgrounds have limited staff hours, requiring advance planning for supplies and check-in.
Tips for camping with families
Group campsite options: Rivers Bend Group Campground provides spacious areas for family gatherings. A visitor described it as "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site." The open layout allows families to spread out while maintaining proximity.
Kid-friendly hiking: Jenny Jump State Forest features trails suitable for children. A parent recommended the campground because "they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground." Another visitor confirmed it's "close to other local hikes."
Swimming options: Round Valley Recreation Area offers swimming opportunities. One visitor mentioned "the beach is well-maintained and gradual for younger swimmers." However, note that swimming is prohibited at some riverside campsites despite proximity to water.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most primitive sites near Mount Bethel don't accommodate large RVs. Jenny Jump State Forest offers some RV options but with limitations. A camper noted "Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot."
Parking constraints: Many locations have restrictions on vehicle size. At Mohican Outdoor Center, RVs must use designated parking areas. The center is "about 10 miles from the Gap" and offers good access for smaller RVs and vans.
Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region prohibit generators. Alternative power sources are necessary for extended stays. Solar charging options work well during summer months when daylight hours extend from 5:30am to nearly 9pm.
