Best Campgrounds near Portland, PA

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area dominates camping options near Portland, Pennsylvania, with Worthington State Forest Campground providing riverfront sites along the Delaware River. Within a 30-minute drive, campers find diverse accommodations ranging from primitive boat-in sites on Namanock Island to full-hookup RV parks like Driftstone Campground with its 190 sites. Camp Taylor Campground in nearby Columbia, New Jersey offers a mix of tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options with amenities including a lake and proximity to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. The Pocono Mountains region east of Portland features additional options including the Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA, which remains open year-round, and Mountain Vista Campground with its wooded settings.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. The National Park Service maintains strict regulations for river campsites, with one reviewer noting, "This site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines." Weather patterns bring humid summers with occasional thunderstorms and cold winters that close many facilities. Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region, particularly in state forests and the Delaware Water Gap area. Cell service remains spotty in valleys and remote areas, with most coverage limited to campgrounds near major highways like I-80 and Route 209.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those along the Delaware River. One camper at Worthington State Forest described their experience: "The tent camping area was right along the river, some sites with direct access. Our site was level, huge, had a good table and lantern hook. Plenty of places for tent and shelter, plus tons more space." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting deer, various birds, and occasional bear sightings. Primitive island camping on Namanock Island offers exceptional stargazing, with a reviewer noting, "Once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river." Some developed campgrounds receive criticism for prioritizing RVs over tent campers, with one visitor to Mountain Vista Campground reporting, "Tent campers were placed at the far end of the campground, far from bathrooms."

Best Camping Sites Near Portland, Pennsylvania (193)

    1. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    6 miles
    Website

    "The tent camping area was right along the river, some sites with direct access, some you'd have to walk a little more to the larger access areas."

    "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

    2. Camp Taylor Campground

    24 Reviews
    Pahaquarry, NJ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 496-4333

    $33 - $42 / night

    "Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you.  "

    "They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."

    3. Driftstone Campground

    15 Reviews
    Mount Bethel, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 897-6859

    $62 - $70 / night

    "Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."

    "Driftstone is a gem of a campground at a great location on the Delaware. Easy access to Delaware Gap Recreation Area. Sites are pretty spacious with water and electric hookups."

    4. Mountain Vista Campground

    20 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 223-0111

    "Love the Campground except our site is near a fairly busy road which takes away from that beautiful tranquility. They have camouflaged it as best they could. Friendly staff. Lots to do."

    "Close to Bushkill Falls which we hiked. 👍"

    5. Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Johnsonburg, NJ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 459-4366

    "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."

    "All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."

    6. Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA

    14 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    9 miles
    Website

    $45 - $250 / night

    "We wish there was easier access to bike and hike trails so we didn't have to drive to a location but overall a comfortable and positive experience."

    "- We were very into socially distancing, and said so when we made our reservation. We were assigned a perfect site for this."

    7. Delaware River Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mount Bethel, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 475-1006

    "Only complaint is we got a site next to a seasonal camper who did no maintenance at all. Other than that it was pretty cool."

    8. Cranberry Run Campground

    11 Reviews
    Stroudsburg, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 421-1462

    $32 - $66 / night

    "A shady spot with a creek nearby and good cell service. They have a pool. The surrounding area/town is really nice."

    "With my sister in-law leading this adventure I buckled up and made the 500+ mile drive as prepared asi thought i could be."

    9. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-4026

    "All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"

    "Very scenic with a small lake, a pond & surrounded by woods. This is also the most expensive campground on our trip at $96.11 a night.

         "

    10. Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South

    10 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."

    "This is a first-come, first-serve park in the Thousand Trails system so we had to drive around looking for a spot."

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Recent Reviews near Portland, PA

1060 Reviews of 193 Portland Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stonybrook RV Resort

    This is a great place!

    We spent four nights at Stonybrook RV Resort in Lehighton, PA, for a quiet wedding anniversary getaway— and so glad we did. We paid$150 per night total for a FHU 50 Amp Premium Back-in site (#F20). This campground makes a great home-base while hanging out in the Pocono Mountains. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • This place is in super condition— everything works as it’s supposed to and is clean and maintained 
    • The concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table and chairs made a great setup 
    • Our site(F20) is level and beautiful— spacious and beautifully landscaped 
    • We interacted with 5 members of their staff and all were welcoming and friendly to talk with 
    • There’s a heated pool behind the office/store so it’s not noisy for campers at their sites 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Just one thing— the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn’t easy in a 45’ motorhome towing a Jeep. This may be nitpicky— and I’m not complaining about it— just letting you know to expect it on arrival. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a great campground(I’ve already recommended it to my Newmar Kountry Klub chapter president as a possible site for a future rally).
  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) 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, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. 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, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.


Guide to Portland

Camping spots near Portland, Pennsylvania range from mountain woodland to riverside settings across the Delaware Water Gap region. The area lies at elevations between 300-1,600 feet with heavy tree cover providing natural shade at most campsites. Summer nights typically cool to the 50s even after hot days, making sleeping conditions comfortable for tent campers without air conditioning.

What to do

Hiking to wolf preserves: Camp Taylor Campground connects directly to mountain trails and the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," notes Julie F.

Kayaking and river access: Driftstone Campground offers direct river entry points. "Accept the Delaware River from campground and kayak trips offered. Plenty of things to do," shares George. The campground maintains boat ramps suitable for small watercraft with rental options for those without equipment.

Stargazing opportunities: The region's limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. When camping at Jenny Jump State Forest, visitors gain access to an astronomical observatory operated on weekends by the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground," says Fransheska A.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the woodland separation between sites as a major benefit. At Mountain Vista Campground, "The sites are all large, and easy to get in and out of. Sites include water, electric and cable," according to Kathy G. Many campgrounds maintain natural barriers of trees and undergrowth between sites.

Clean facilities: Reviews frequently highlight facility maintenance as a standout feature. "The bathrooms are super clean and had the nicest showers I have ever seen at a campground," notes Elke P. about Driftstone Campground. Many campgrounds offer private shower facilities rather than communal shower rooms.

Level terrain at riverside sites: Riverside campsites often feature the most level terrain in the region. "Our particular camp site was huge! There was plenty of room for us to spread out," explains Carol N. about her Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA experience. Riverside sites typically require earlier reservations due to their popularity.

What you should know

Site selection considerations: Tent campers should research specific site layouts before booking. "Tent campers were placed at the far end of the campground, far from bathrooms," reports one visitor to Mountain Vista Campground, while another notes, "The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded."

Noise levels vary significantly: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. At Delaware River Family Campground, a reviewer cautions, "This campground is between a highway and the Delaware River. The highway is a trucking highway so it is not a good spot if you are trying to get away to peace and quiet."

Cell service limitations: Mobile coverage varies dramatically by carrier and location. At Timothy Lake South, "The cell service for most providers is practically non-existent... try telling that to the two millennials that were staying with us," shares Jim G. Verizon typically provides the most reliable coverage in the region, with T-Mobile offering minimal service in many camping areas.

Tips for camping with families

Water activities for kids: Great Divide Campground offers multiple water recreation options. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," advises Jojo P. Many campgrounds maintain dedicated children's swimming areas separate from adult sections.

Weekend programming: Scheduled activities provide built-in entertainment for families. "The staff is friendly and helpful and they have a ton of great activities from kids carnival, craft beer tastings, farmers market, bingo...the list goes on!" notes J K. about Mountain Vista Campground. Activity schedules typically intensify during summer weekends and holiday periods.

Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. At Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA, "Our camp site was great (52), backed onto a wooded area and a big playground was directly in front of us, which worked out perfectly since we have school age kids," shares Penny C. Sites nearest playgrounds tend to experience more daytime foot traffic and noise.

Tips from RVers

Navigating steep access roads: Several campgrounds feature challenging approach roads. At Cranberry Run Campground, "Careful on the roads to the campsite, they're a bit on the bumpy side. Defo smaller roads than your usual ones. We have a minivan so we had to take our time on all the pot holes," advises Christine N. RVers should research specific approach route grades before booking.

Water pressure variations: Water systems in the region often deliver inconsistent pressure. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," notes Don C. about Timothy Lake South. RVers should use pressure regulators to protect their systems from potential damage.

Dump station access: Many campgrounds limit dumping to specific hours. "No sewer hookups and the dump station is difficult to get in and out with larger rigs," notes Jim G. about Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA. Some campgrounds offer mobile pump-out service for an additional fee, typically requiring advance scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Portland, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Portland, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 193 campgrounds and RV parks near Portland, PA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Portland, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Portland, PA is Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 39 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Portland, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Portland, PA.