3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers multiple primitive tent campsites near Unity House, Pennsylvania, with several sites accessible only by water. Boat-in tent camping is available at locations such as Alosa, Bushkill Creek, Walter's, and Sandyston campsites along the Delaware River. Jenny Jump State Forest, approximately 15 miles east, provides established tent sites with more amenities for those seeking a less remote camping experience. Most tent camping in this region follows National Park Service regulations for primitive camping with specific restrictions on length of stay.
Access to riverfront tent campsites requires paddling equipment, as many sites are reachable only by canoe or kayak. Tent pads vary from flat riverside clearings to slightly elevated sites with railroad tie stairs for easier boat-to-camp transitions. Fire rings are standard at most locations, but facilities are minimal. A review mentioned that "this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. There is no public road access to the campsite." Most river campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some require reservations. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply, with campers responsible for carrying out all waste.
The walk-in tent sites throughout the region offer varying levels of solitude and natural features. Sites along the Delaware River provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and wildlife observation. One camper noted that Sandyston sites are "very large and while covered by 40+ foot trees were open enough to make you wish you brought more gear and people just because it would fit." Primitive tent camping areas typically feature open fire pits, though fire regulations may change seasonally. Some campgrounds, like Camp Mohican Outdoor Center, provide hiking access to the Appalachian Trail directly from tent sites. During summer months, riverside tent campsites fill quickly, especially on weekends, making midweek or off-season visits ideal for those seeking quieter experiences. Tent campers should be prepared for varying terrain conditions and potentially steep approaches from water to campsites.
"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."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
from $5 - $75 / night
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"They are a first come, first camped, set up, but I have not once in 6 years, (multiple trips per year), ever found anyone in the site ahead of me."
"Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding. To your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large “U” bend of the Delaware river."
Available this weekend
from $100 / night
"The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options."
from $30 - $40 / night
"The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side. "
from $16 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $16 / night
"This camping site is a set of 6 sites on the New Jersey border maintained by the National Park Service."
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS,(National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
"Perfect land for an overnight before hitting the trail. There’s open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn’t have been more accommodating."
from $59 - $60 / night
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
from $16 / night
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
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.
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.
RangerWe stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Tent campsites near Unity House, Pennsylvania offer varied options for nature enthusiasts seeking river-based camping experiences. The Delaware River corridor features several primitive boat-in sites with access at multiple points along a 40-mile stretch. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting accessibility and landing conditions at riverfront campsites from spring through fall.
Paddle to hidden waterfalls: From Sandyston Boat In Campsites, you can explore multiple waterfalls within walking distance. "Within minutes on the Pennsylvania side of the river you can hike to Raymondskill Falls, (one of many in easy walking distance), as well as search for abandoned/forgotten homes and mills, (some of which date back to the 1700's)," notes a camper who visited Sandyston.
Blueberry picking in summer: Take advantage of seasonal wild berries at Camp Mohican Outdoor Center. "If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries," shares a frequent visitor. The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the camp, providing additional hiking options.
Night sky observation: Darkness at river campsites allows for exceptional stargazing. A camper at Namanock Island notes, "Once darkness falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." This makes primitive sites ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Multi-level campsites: Walter's Boat In Campsites features thoughtful terrain modifications. "There are two different levels to the campsite, which is nice for boaters. We were able to leave the boats on the lower level, (yet more than high enough that the river is no issue), and camped on the upper level. There are railroad tie stairs from the river up to the site, making it nice weather muddy or dry," explains a visitor.
Island privacy: Camping on islands creates a unique sense of solitude. "Of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else," writes one Namanock Island camper, highlighting the exceptional seclusion available at boat-in sites.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. A paddler at Namanock Island reported, "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!" Early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities along the river corridor.
Steep approaches: Many sites have challenging riverbanks. At Namanock Island, a camper warns, "All 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." Plan accordingly with lightweight gear or multiple people to help with loading/unloading.
Limited supplies: Prepare to be self-sufficient. A camper at Jenny Jump State Forest noted, "The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials, although the main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!"
Varying site quality: Campground conditions vary significantly. One camper at Jenny Jump observed, "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks." Research specific site numbers when possible.
Scout-friendly projects: Some sites have educational value. At Walter's River Campsite, "This site was actually an Eagle Scout project according to the signs," making it an excellent teaching opportunity for young scouts or children interested in conservation.
Beginner-friendly options: For families new to camping, Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground provides an accessible introduction. A visitor with children shared, "I was looking forward to a Worthington State Park campgrounds visit but that day they were all packed and I was suggested to Jenny Jump State. I enjoyed the overnight camp out with my kids and they had a blast. Nice size primitive tent site we had and was nice for beginner camping."
Wildlife education: Use animal encounters as teaching moments. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views," reports a camper at Kittatinny Valley, where deer and rabbit sightings are common.
Platform alternatives: For RVers seeking more structure than tent sites but not needing full hookups, Jenny Jump State Forest offers shelters. A visitor describes, "The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!"
Site selection by vehicle access: At primitive sites like Alosa Boat In Campsites, emergency access exists if needed. One camper notes, "There is an emergency pick up/access road available as well with contact from the park." This information is crucial for those with larger vehicles or accessibility requirements.
Facility realities: Even at more developed campgrounds, facilities are basic. A Jenny Jump visitor shared, "Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot." Manage expectations accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Unity House, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Unity House, PA is Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Unity House, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Unity House, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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