Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area features multiple camping spots near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,500 feet above sea level. Campgrounds in this region typically open mid-April through late October, with limited accessibility during winter months due to snow accumulation on park roads. Weekend reservations often fill 2-3 months in advance during peak foliage season.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Hickory Run State Park Campground offers access to Hawk Falls via a moderately difficult trail. "We hiked to the waterfall, it is beautiful," notes one camper who enjoyed the trail system within the 15,990-acre park.
Wolf watching experiences: At Camp Taylor Campground, visitors can take guided tours of the Lakota Wolf Preserve located on the campground property. A camper shares, "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."
Lake activities: Otter Lake Camp Resort features multiple water recreation options. "There is a big lake you can fish from, kayak, bring your own boat and even swim from when it's warm out. There are some sites right against the lake where you can fish right there," reports a visitor who appreciated the variety of water activities.
Boulder field exploration: Accessible from Hickory Run State Park, this unique geological formation draws many visitors. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," advises one camper.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: At Driftstone Campground, sites along the Delaware River receive high praise. "The sites along the river would be my first choice, but if you have children, being near the playground might be a good selection as well," suggests one camper. "River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."
Spacious, private sites: Mountain Vista Campground offers well-spaced sites according to reviews. "Our site was a good size and the facilities were clean," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "Sites were small so not a ton of privacy," showing that experiences can vary by specific site selection.
Wooded camping environments: Many campers appreciate the forest setting at Camp Taylor Campground. "Very wooded. Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel," reports a visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Clean facilities: Tobyhanna State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities according to visitors. "Bathrooms were immaculate even had a family bathroom," states one camper, while another notes, "Scenic and spacious. Large camping areas that can fit two cars onsite and include picnic tables."
What you should know
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds report bear sightings, particularly at Tobyhanna State Park. "We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area but never really thought that we would see one. As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent," cautions a visitor. Store all food securely in vehicles.
Site selection considerations: At Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA, site quality varies significantly. "The campground had many different types of sites. Some were big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper," explains one reviewer.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues. At Cranberry Run Campground, a visitor noted, "The driveway is a little hairy - steep with crushed stone on top of pavement. Which led to some tire slippage on the way up with our setup."
Weather variability: The Pocono region experiences significant seasonal changes. "It was May and an extremely cool, rainy weekend, so we didn't get to do much in the area," reports a Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South visitor, highlighting the importance of weather preparation.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Otter Lake Camp Resort offers extensive recreation options. "Otter lake has every amenity imaginable super clean swimming beach beautiful lake with boat rentals available. Tons of activities for kids and adults. Indoor pool with 2 hot tubs even a dry sauna," shares an enthusiastic family camper.
Kid-friendly events: Worthington State Forest Campground hosts regular family programming. "The park was clean, quiet, and spacious. I can't say enough nice things about the staff. The view was great. We did Mt Tammany hike one day. Another day we did Bushkill Falls (40 mins away)," relates a family who enjoyed their stay.
Playground access: For families with young children, Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA offers strategic sites. "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."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature water recreation that appeals to families. At Tobyhanna State Park, "The lake is nearby and doesn't get crowded. There's a separate shore for kayaks and canoes to enter the lake," notes a visitor who appreciated the water access.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Cranberry Run Campground offers varying levels of service. "They have tent and RV sites, some with and some without water and electric," explains a visitor, adding that the campground has "nice and level" sites throughout the wooded property.
Cell service considerations: Reception varies significantly across the region. At Timothy Lake South, an RVer reports, "Cell service for most providers is practically non-existent. I understand this is not the park's fault and some would say that this is 'real' camping-- try telling that to the two millennials that were staying with us."
RV site spacing: At Driftstone Campground, RVers praise the accommodating sites. "The sites are all large, and easy to get in and out of. Sites include water, electric and cable. There is an inexpensive pump out service available daily," shares a satisfied RVer.
Access route warnings: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. For Driftstone, one RVer cautions, "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill."
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