13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area dominates the camping landscape around Unity House, Pennsylvania, with numerous boat-in and riverside sites along the Delaware River. Notable options include Worthington State Forest Campground, Dingmans Campground, and Mountain Vista Campground offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin camping experiences. The Timothy Lake North and South campgrounds, part of the Thousand Trails system, provide additional developed campgrounds with varying amenities. Primitive river campsites like Peters River, Alosa, and Tom's Creek require watercraft access and are managed by the National Park Service for overnight river travelers.
Most primitive riverside campsites within Delaware Water Gap NRA are accessible only by canoe or kayak with strict regulations for overnight stays. "This site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. There is no public road access to the campsite," notes one camper about the Peters River sites. Camping in this region requires understanding specific land management rules—many NPS river sites limit stays to one night and are intended exclusively for through-paddlers. The camping season generally runs April through October, with most campgrounds and river sites closed during winter. Cell service varies dramatically, with many reviewers noting poor connectivity at Timothy Lake South, where "cell service for most providers is practically non-existent."
Delaware River camping receives consistent praise for wildlife viewing opportunities and natural settings. Campers highlight regular sightings of black bears, bald eagles, and various aquatic wildlife. River sites like Peters feature established fire rings and primitive toilets while offering considerable privacy. "Once the crowds of the day are gone and it's you and your fellow campers, you get to fully enjoy the location," explains one reviewer of the riverside experience. The more developed campgrounds around Unity House present a tradeoff between amenities and seclusion—Timothy Lake South offers full hookups but reviewers note that sites are "long but narrow" and closely positioned. Winter visitors should expect minimal services, with many campground amenities closed for the season and river camping generally unavailable.
"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."
"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)."
from $33 - $42 / night
"We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
"* Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash
- There are outhouses scattered around, or if"
from $7 - $55 / night
"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. 👍"
"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."
from $45 - $250 / night
"The campsite is beautiful and lovely to walk around, the outside campground cats are the best part though ❣️"
"Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"Some sites are right on the lake, just put the kayak on the shore, and you're ready for an early morning paddle."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $44 / night
"We are lucky enough to have a lakefront site at Otter Lake for the Winter season, and feel like we have gone to heaven!"
"There is a steam and some wet areas behind the row of sites we were in. I would probably avoid this section in the summer as the bugs will be bad."
"We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."
"The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."
"The 2 young staffers at the desk hooked me up with site 94 which was far away from everyone, grabbed a bag of ice for “sodas” and cup of noodles and had a great night."
"Easy access to Delaware River.
- Large field for kids to run around.
- Dogs allowed.
- Fire pits at each site but no grates to cook on."
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
ScoutWhat a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
LegendThis is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
GuideThis is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
LegendThere's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
GuideStayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
Travelersolid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Camping sites near Unity House, Pennsylvania feature elevations ranging from 400-1,500 feet with varied terrain along the Pocono Mountain foothills. The region experiences distinct seasons with camping opportunities extending from early April through late October. Most campgrounds close during winter months when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
Hiking to viewpoints: At Stokes State Forest, trails connect to the Appalachian Trail within a short drive. "We went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet! It was certainly an adventure," notes one camper who enjoyed the varied trail system.
Wolf preserve visits: Camp Taylor Campground provides unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares a visitor who also "hiked to Mt. Tammany from the campsite for the best view in NJ (9 miles round trip)."
Lake activities: Multiple lakes offer fishing and paddling options throughout the region. "The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," reports a Camp Taylor reviewer, while another mentions the "nice swimming pond with paddleboat and kayak rentals."
Waterfalls exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to waterfall hikes within short driving distances. "Waterfall in pic was a 5 min drive from the campground and then a 40 min hike. Worth it!" notes a visitor to Delaware Water Gap KOA, highlighting the accessibility of natural features.
Privacy levels: Campground settings range from open fields to densely wooded sites. At Mountain Vista Campground, "our site was roomy and serene!" according to one camper. Another visitor notes that sites are "shady, lots to do, clean!"
Wildlife encounters: The region offers frequent wildlife viewing opportunities beyond the river corridor. Stokes State Forest campers report, "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!"
Campground amenities: Many campgrounds offer facilities beyond basic camping. "The bathrooms / showers are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless," reports a visitor to Dingmans Campground, which also features "a picnic table and a small fire ring" with "the river right near by."
Recreation options: Family-oriented activities complement natural features. At Worthington State Forest, "the sites are huge, and mostly private. When we go camping we don't want to be right up against our neighbors and at worthington we pretty much had our own little island."
Bear safety requirements: This is active bear country, requiring proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a Stokes State Forest camper, who also notes the area "has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Campground regulations: Rules vary significantly between public and private lands. "Security was so annoying about riding bikes after a certain time... we were actually told we couldn't play bingo because we wouldn't be done before it started to get dark," reports an Otter Lake Camp Resort visitor, highlighting the importance of understanding individual campground policies.
Noise considerations: Sound travels easily in many camping areas. "The park was incredibly noisy at night and there is little to no privacy between campsites. Everything could be seen by your neighbors. We were kept up all night because we could hear other campers snoring and talking," shares a Swartswood State Park camper.
Site variations: Within single campgrounds, site quality and privacy can differ dramatically. At Delaware Water Gap KOA, "our particular camp site was huge! There was plenty of room for us to spread out," notes one visitor, while another cautions that "some were big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer structured programs for children. At Pickerel Point Campground, "was pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids. Can never go wrong here," according to one family camper.
Swimming options: Multiple water features provide swimming opportunities during summer months. "The lake is crystal clear and the beach is spotless. You absolutely have to bring a kayak/inflatable boat, but if you don't own one, don't worry, you can rent one," shares a Pickerel Point visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. At Delaware Water Gap KOA, one family noted their site "was at the end of a road" and "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."
Space considerations: Family camping requires adequate site room. "Our campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents," reports a Stokes State Forest camper, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriately sized sites.
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds offer tight quarters for larger rigs. At Timothy Lake South, "sites are long but narrow," according to a recent visitor, while another notes that "the camp is nice, sites are long but narrow. Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi."
Winter utilities: Services may be limited in colder months. Pickerel Point visitors note that "sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by," during winter camping sessions.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies throughout the region. At Timothy Lake South, "cell service for Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable," reports one RVer, while another mentions they "had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in many public campgrounds. A visitor to Swartswood State Park notes "NO FULL HOOKS" despite welcoming RVs, indicating the need to plan accordingly for water and waste management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Unity House, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Unity House, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 216 campgrounds and RV parks near Unity House, PA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Unity House, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Unity House, PA is Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Unity House, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Unity House, PA.
What parks are near Unity House, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Unity House, PA that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River.
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