Tent camping near Skytop, Pennsylvania offers rustic wilderness sites within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and surrounding forests. The region sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, surrounded by the Pocono Mountains, with seasonal temperature variations that make spring and fall camping particularly comfortable. Most primitive sites require boaters to pull off along riverbanks with varying degrees of shore accessibility, with campsites typically 40-75 feet from the water.
What to do
Kayak to island sites: Namanock Island requires paddlers to launch from Milford Beach, about 4 miles upriver. "Namanock has never provided me a bad stay, regardless of storms, cold, hot, or what not, the campsite is always eager to provide you with a great night," notes John B., who also mentions that "the 2021 season has brought a few minor but very important changes to the island. There are now only 3 approved sites on the entire island."
Explore waterfalls: Several falls are accessible from riverbank camping with moderate hiking. "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here," shares one camper about Sandyston Boat In Campsites.
Night sky viewing: Due to minimal light pollution, campers can experience exceptional stargazing. "Tucked away on the New Jersey side of the river, about a 1/4 mile after the Nanamock Access, you will find the 6 sites that make up Sandyston Canoe Campground. It's a very quiet area, as there is no access to the general public," making it ideal for night sky observation.
What campers like
Sense of isolation: Many river sites offer complete seclusion. "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," reports a visitor to Namanock Island.
Wildlife encounters: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center provides opportunities to see local fauna. "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away," notes Shawn B., who adds that "the AT runs right through the camp."
Multi-day river options: Many paddlers appreciate the sequential campsite arrangement. "You are limited to one night on the island though as the expectation is that you will continue down river to other primitive sites," explains one camper, creating a natural river journey progression with different overnight options.
What you should know
Site availability variations: Most river sites operate first-come, first-served with one-night limits, but Alosa Boat In Campsites requires reservations. "Primitive site for multi day river trips. There's usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access," notes Stephanie S.
Seasonal maintenance issues: Some sites suffer from overgrowth in summer months. One camper described Ratcliff's River Campsites as "extremely over run, the grass was knee high or higher" in May, adding "Then you add in the amount of ticks and flying pests, and again, choose this site wisely."
Access challenges: Shore conditions can be challenging. "Due to fluctuating water levels all of the islands that are used for camping have a cut wall cliff style approach, but these sites have a very steep and above average height to the shoreline making unloading both more tiring and more of a hazard than I prefer," warns a reviewer about certain river campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Platform sites for easier setup: Jenny Jump State Forest offers both tent sites and more structured options. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows," reports Dwight D.
Sites with bathroom access: Choose locations with facilities when camping with children. "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves. The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean," shares Kelsey K.
Wildlife education opportunities: Bring field guides to identify local species. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground," writes Fransheska A., who noted that Jenny Jump State Forest provided excellent opportunities for nature observation.
Tips from RVers
Group camping options: Rivers Bend Group Campground accommodates larger gatherings with RVs. "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding," notes Christopher W., adding that "to your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large 'U' bend of the Delaware river."
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Skytop have minimal RV amenities. Tent camping is predominant, with only select sites offering electric or water connections. Sites with RV accommodations often require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when campgrounds reach capacity.
