The Delaware River corridor surrounding Shohola, Pennsylvania offers diverse camping options within the forested hills of the Poconos. Elevations range from 400-1,300 feet throughout the region, creating varied terrain for campers. Summer overnight temperatures typically drop into the 50s-60s°F even when daytime temps reach the 80s, making sleeping conditions comfortable for tent campers.
What to do
Explore waterfalls within hiking distance: Promised Land State Park's Pickerel Point Campground provides access to impressive cascades. "The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail. The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," notes a camper who stayed at site 100 with "amazing views of the water."
Paddle the Delaware River: Slumberland at the River's Edge offers direct water access for kayaking. One visitor explains: "We were traveling between Narrowsburg, NY and Port Jervis, NY... The host put out a orange cone that made finding our campsite easy and a nice beach made unloading and loading kayaks pretty easy."
Astronomy and stargazing: Namanock Island in the Delaware Water Gap provides exceptional night sky viewing. According to a camper: "Once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river. Now, no lights means an incredible view of the night sky."
What campers like
Waterfront camping sites: Many Dingmans Campground visitors appreciate the riverside locations. "We had a really awesome site(#3). There was no one in this area and the site was huge. There was a picnic table and a small fire ring. The river was right near by, which was great."
Island camping experience: Namanock Island offers a unique overnight option only accessible by water. "How can you go wrong, camping on an island... The camp site is VERY spacious, we have used 5 tents at one time here, 6 or more boats, and when you add the main campfire as well as the couple minor fires through-out the camp that were burning, there was no feel of crowding at all."
Secluded wooded sites: Stokes State Forest provides more forest-focused camping. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night. It was a fair sized site with room for a couple large tents."
What you should know
Reservation realities: During peak season at popular campgrounds, advance planning is essential. At High Point State Park, "Drive in but ours had a drive in to a mini trail so it was a pain to load/unload. Camping right along the lake was nice, small trail to walk around river and trails to hike into the mt."
Primitive camping limitations: Some dispersed sites like Hickok Brook have minimal facilities. "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
Shower availability varies: Many campgrounds near Shohola have limited shower facilities. At High Point State Park, "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers."
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity options: Kittatinny Campground offers organized recreation. "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!"
Consider cabin alternatives: Some families prefer cabins for comfort. "We stayed in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," writes a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Pick quieter campgrounds: Noise levels vary significantly between camping spots near Shohola. "Secluded sites, at least when the leaves are still on the trees. Huge difference between this weekend and two weeks ago," notes a Dingmans Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Consider site access limitations: At Pickerel Point Campground, RV sites have specific amenities. "We stayed in the Pickerel Point of the park. We had full hookups (20/30/50 amp, water & sewer). There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna."
Year-round options exist: Some camping spots near Shohola remain open through winter. "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," explains a Pickerel Point visitor.
Consider highway noise levels: At Tri-State RV Park, road noise is significant. "While the staff is very friendly and polite you are basically in a old parking lot right below the freeway. Very easy to get on & off the highway but loud highway noise almost all night."
Guide
