The Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River region encompasses numerous campground options spanning both New York and Pennsylvania sides of the Delaware River. Established campgrounds like Skinners Falls Campground and Soaring Eagle Campground provide waterfront access directly on the Delaware River, while facilities such as Honesdale-Poconos KOA offer more developed camping experiences with modern amenities. Most locations accommodate tent camping, with several sites also supporting RVs. Cabin options exist at select campgrounds including Keen Lake Resort, Happy Days Campground, and Soaring Eagle. The area's mixed-use campgrounds typically operate seasonally from spring through mid-October.
Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when riverfront campsites fill quickly. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations with limited availability outside the peak period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "Beautiful, spacious, waterfront sites available. Lean-to sites also. Love it here, though the staff can be cantankerous and hard to deal with," noted one camper about Skinners Falls Campground. Water-based recreation represents a primary draw, with several facilities offering equipment rentals for tubing, kayaking, and rafting on the Delaware River. Road access varies between campgrounds, with most being accessible by standard vehicles, though visitors should check specific site requirements before arrival.
Riverfront camping consistently receives high ratings from visitors across multiple campgrounds. Areas like Narrowsburg Campground and Skinners Falls feature sites with direct river access, making them particularly appealing for fishing and water activities. According to one visitor, "This campground was nice they offered river activities (for purchase) tubing, kayaking, rafting. They had a small camp store and friendly staff." Most campgrounds maintain basic facilities including restrooms, showers, and trash disposal. Weekends during summer months can become crowded and potentially noisy at popular riverside locations. Some visitors note significant differences between weekday and weekend experiences, with weekdays offering considerably more solitude. Several campgrounds feature wooded sites providing natural shade, while others emphasize open riverfront locations with scenic views of the Delaware.
"I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. "
"We didn’t have a view of the lake, instead we were in someone’s back yard lol. It wasn’t a big deal. The site was well maintained and flat which were the most important."
"This camp site is conveniently located by the river. Which is really the only reason it gets 4 stars."
$20 - $160 / night
"great river based location(Delaware River) bathhouse was very clean, very rustic, sites are huge, plenty of room for 2+ family campers… I know this controversial, but having Wi-Fi would be great esp when"
"It is great family camp ground with amenities that are helpful to parents and new campers such as restrooms, showers, camp shop, canoe/kayak/tube rentals and designated drive in sites with fire ring and"
"Enjoyed walking the trails and wooded area but sprained my right ankle. So I was laid up for a few hours before I left."
"We liked this site and the one next to it the best out of all of the sites."
"The doors allow for someone to pop their head over from the outside which unfortunately happened during our stay. My kids were too afraid to shower in there after that.. Otherwise I’d give 5 stars"
$20 - $48 / night
"SO many weekenders from New York and New Jersey being so loud, littering, and highly disrespectful to others and the land. Quite a shame. If you’re reading this and offended, be the change!!"
"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."
"Great access to the beaverkill. It’s perfect for a quick getaway."
"We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!"
"As close to nature as possible with modern conveniences still nearby. Terri and her gang do a great job of running her Dad's adventure."
GuideWe were in campsite 20 with lots of room. The first night we were there we were near very loud groups which was difficult to sleep through. The next night everyone cleared out and we had a peaceful crowd. Bathrooms are nice, the park has great hiking trails and a nice day use area! There is also an area where we can rent canoes. I would definitely return, just wish there was a little more crowd control.
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
RangerWe booked a cabin at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised that the cabin had heat and electricity! It was very close to the awesome heated bathroom also! We were also able to catch a beautiful sunset! Great camp all around!
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
TravelerOnly 3 sites along this stretch of road, and they're spaced nicely. Lots of tree cover for a nice shady camping spot. Tons of wild life, expect the bear to wander through camp. By far one of my favorite camping spots!
No electric, no water, no dump site, no shower, Vault toilets in walking distance.
The Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River spans 73.4 miles between New York and Pennsylvania, with water temperatures averaging 50-70°F during the main camping season. Riverside campsites offer direct access to Class I-II rapids suitable for novice to intermediate paddlers, while forested sites provide natural shade during summer months when temperatures can reach the mid-80s.
River fishing: Try fly fishing at Soaring Eagle Campground, where the Delaware River is known for its trout and smallmouth bass. "Great river based location (Delaware River)... GREAT fishing river, though the riverfront the camp sits on isn't the best in terms of depth or activity. A short drive down the road in either direction will put you in much better locations for angling," notes one visitor.
Kayaking and canoeing: Bring your own or rent from Roscoe Campsites, where you'll have access to both calm waters and gentle rapids. A camper shares: "It appeared there were additional activities we could have partaken in - kayaks, paddle boards, canoes available for rent onsite - though with how shallow the river was, I would have been pretty nervous to take a tumble out of a kayak or paddle board."
Swimming: Cool off at Keen Lake Resort Campground which offers both lake swimming and a pool. According to one visitor: "Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome... The kids had fun riding bikes on the road, which was off the main road."
Spacious riverfront sites: Campers appreciate the generous sites at Narrowsburg Campground which offers prime Delaware River access. "Nice and clean, right on the water. Spread out just enough to feel like we had good privacy," notes a recent visitor.
Family-friendly amenities: Honesdale-Poconos KOA earns high marks for its diverse offerings. "Activities for the kids like movies (it was Moana), a pool, mini golf and a bounce area. We had a fantastic first camping experience for the kids (and dogs)," reports one family. "The bathrooms and showers, every time we went in, were spotless."
Natural surroundings: The wooded sites at Happy Days Campground provide a peaceful atmosphere with mature trees. A camper mentions: "Although a small rustic campground it is beautiful and shady. Also quiet even at night after seeing dead and co at the performing art center."
Weekday vs. weekend differences: Many Upper Delaware campgrounds transform on weekends. During peak summer season, some sites can become crowded and noisy. Consider planning for weekdays when possible for a more peaceful experience.
Varying site quality: Research specific site numbers before booking at Roscoe Campsites. "The 'tent sites' are VERY close together, and there is nothing separating them. If you're looking for quiet seclusion, don't even remotely consider this spot as an option," warns one visitor. "The ground is worn over and very rocky. If you visit, bring incredibly thick sleeping pads or air mattresses if you want to sleep semi-comfortably."
Weather considerations: River levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting water activities. Spring brings higher, faster water while late summer may see shallow sections, impacting paddling and tubing experiences.
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: "My kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake," notes a Keen Lake visitor. "There is a lot for younger kids to do and the grounds are pet friendly which was a huge plus for us."
Consider the bathroom facilities: Parents appreciate clean, accessible facilities. At Pickerel Point Campground, "bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers." Another visitor adds, "Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers."
Book ahead for lakeside sites: Waterfront sites fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. "We had site 100 and amazing views of the water from our camper. The trails were beautiful, recommend little falls trail," shares a Pickerel Point camper.
Site leveling: Check campground reviews for information about pad quality. At Happy Days Campground, a camper notes: "We stayed at Happy Days from Friday to Monday with our 21 foot travel trailer. Site P6. Pretty level site."
Hook-up availability: Pickerel Point Campground offers various options. "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," reports one RVer. "All of the sites were spacious."
Consider seasonal limitations: Some Upper Delaware campgrounds have reduced services outside summer. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by," notes a Pickerel Point visitor about off-season camping. "The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River?
According to TheDyrt.com, Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River offers a wide range of camping options, with 213 campgrounds and RV parks near Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River is Keen Lake Resort Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River.
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