This could be a decent group of sites, however, as of  May 2021, I would only suggest these sites if you were extremely tired, its getting dark, or weather conditions drove you off the water. 

Access from the river is a Shale type outcropping that is rough on gear and humans both.  This has a small trail leading up through the weeds leading to a tight "clearing" for camping.  This was extremely over run, the grass was knee high or higher.

Then you add in the amount of ticks and flying pests, and again, choose this site wisely, and warned.  The biggest shame is that the views are great, its a quiet spot,…..  Could be a very nice site with a little maintenance.

Stayed once again on the shores of the river, in peaceful seclusion.  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.  It is almost always spotless, rarely will you even have to cross paths with other humans while staying here. 

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, eliminating 3 or 4 smaller sites that are regularly used by the public.  This will aid in the island not being ravished by man constantly for resources and allow vital flora to thrive and keep our camp the beautiful place it is for years to come. 

Otherwise, be sure to browse some of our other reviews of this site, the information included in them still pertains today,  Primitive, secluded, amazing camping in the wilds of the Delaware River,  Stunning waterfalls and local wildlife surround you with too many local points of interest to even try to list them all.

Camping here is a delight.  Its a secluded,  public campground that has been owned and ran by the same family for generations. 

They have almost 400 sites, ranging from tent sites, to pop ups, 5th wheels, rv's and even 5 rental cabins. You can stay a weekend, or a month…   Every site has a fire pit, picnic table and a trash can provided.  Back that up with every site has electric, water, as well as basic cable.  Every site means exactly that, even your tent site will have full amenities.

There is a pool with a smaller children's pool as well as a bath house. Clean, nice hot/cold showers, general store, coin laundry, private pond (occasionally stocked), badminton, horseshoes, golf cart friendly, A large pavilion with a large flatscreen display and community firepit is there for general use or for rental,  There is wifi by store and surrounding area, non denominational services.

Many campers are here"semi-permanently" and have landscaped their sites even including custom decks, some people I met have been coming here faithfully over 30 years. Its a a very friendly, know your neighbor type of camping. There has been structured entertainment,(bingo, shuffleboard, etc) in the past as well as dj's and bands on occasion.

Literally in the middle of nowhere, but 10 minutes from town, 15 from a Walmart and fast food, as well as 2 local hospitals. Local you can find multiple state parks, Historical sites, and other local attractions.

Open from the 2nd week of April until the 3rd week of October, weather permitting. All guests must be signed in,

First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or that are camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

As a result of the global issues, at the time of this review I wasn't really sure we would even be able to camp at all.  However, after a few phone calls and messages we were given the green light to go.  The NPS then informed me that they were starting to close off island camping on the river and going to "rotate in" some new sites to help with land management.  Almost like a farmer rotating crops.

With that, we set out to find a new night one campsite for our trip.  We were pleasantly surprised as we neared the island to see that what we had thought to be closed, actually had a new site number sign.  Immediately making shore we discovered that along with new site number signs, there also was new regulation signs and firepits. 

ONLY AT SITES 1 and 4……  Sites 2 and 3 no longer have any signage or firepits.

Returning home I contacted and updated the NPS, who said it should not have had any new site work.  With that said, if you use Nanamock Island during the 2020 season, do so at your own risk.

As always, camping on the island is such a treat.  You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone.  There are no public interactions, (beyond the neighboring sites), on the river for miles, if not days - other boaters varying… 

Its always in nice shape, if not pristine.  Group/family accommodating, pet friendly, PRIMITIVE camping that takes you back in time.  You have Raymondskill Falls about a half an hour above you on the river, and down river you will shortly come to Dingman's Crossing, (lots of history), and a short hike takes you to two more waterfalls.  This is only some of whats in the area…

Campground Review:

First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or that are camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

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.  Its a very quiet area, as there is no access to the general public.   It is primitive camping, so no facilities for waste, water, or anything that you did not pack in with you.

It is always a clean set of sites, a few of them are fairly large and accommodate large groups, however we camped at site 5 this trip, which was more than adequate for two of us.

This site is in the heart of the historic area of the river.  Within minutes on the Pennsylvannia 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), or try your luck at fossil and artifact hunting.

Product Review:

As a Ranger for the Dyrt, there are times that I have the oppurtunity to test and review various products while camping.  This trip I was able to test TWO products from GCI Outdoor, their Quik-E-Seat and Pack Seat.  

First, the Shipping took literally 3 days from order to door with standard shipping.  They were well packaged and arrived in perfect condition.

The "Pack Seat" was an excellent choice,  I don't think it weighs even a full pound, and packed it is just over a foot in length.  This allows it to easily pack in a backpack, however it even has a carabiner attached for clipping virtually anywhere, including your belt.

I have had other 3 legged stools, but this one is one of the only ones I've had with a lower section of fabric to keep the legs from over-extending. 

The Quik-E-Seat is just as pleasing.  It is slightly larger while packed and transporting, but it has a back support, cup holder and carrying strap. Just unfold and your good to go..

Both seats were very well made, fairly waterproof, padded and comfortable.  you never once worry about balance or feel like your perched awaiting disaster.  These seats are definitely well worth the investment and should be a part of everyone's base camp.

***Sidenote…..   The Pack Seat is the perfect height and sturdy enough to be a "temporary Table" for those that are tight on packing space or footprint room.

The campsite in this review has two major points to express beyond the actual review.

First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

This site was actually an Eagle Scout project according to the signs. 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.

This is actually the second to last site on this section of river. After another 1/2 mile and there are no other campsites for more than 20 miles, and those are private or reserved sites.

There was quite a bit of room, and the site was very clean. According to all the literature this is a site with no road or trail access. HOWEVER, as dusk fell, a small group of local fishermen came walking through the camp to access the river. It turns out the locals know this place well and it is very popular with the anglers.

As soon as they seen the site was occupied they did change their path of travel, but still was a little bothersome when expecting total seclusion.

Upon leaving this site you will only travel down river about 30-45 minutes before you come upon Shawnee Golf Course. Its pretty neat to see, the last few holes of the course are on an island mid-river.

Beyond that another 20 minutes and you find yourself at the New Jersey Welcome Center and Mt. Tammany, a large mountain that forms the eastern side of the Delaware Water Gap. It has a moderate difficulty hike that takes about an hour an a half round trip to complete, but it has the most incredible view. You have to go to the top if you get here. If not it will always be one of those "I should have" memories. The Appalachian Trail also cuts across the top of this mountain.

All in all, a great campsite, just do not be surprised if in the middle of the night you have local fishermen visiting.

The campsite in this review has two major points to express beyond the actual review.

First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

This site is a primitive campsite. There is a fire ring suitable for cooking on as well as allowing you a small fire. You will also have access to a privy style toilet a short distance in the woods behind your site.

This site is a riverside site that will hold 2-3 smaller tents. It is well maintained by the NPS and had no litter or garbage on site. It is very secluded and tucked into the forest between the Delaware River and the McDade Trail.

To reach this site you can put boats in the water at two locations, Dingman's Ferry and Eshback Access. If you start at Dingman's Ferry, you really should go for a hike first. If you hike about 30 minutes each way you will be able to see two very impressive waterfalls. Silverthread Falls and Dingman's Falls are right up the road from the river access point and well worth the walk. There are also tons of hiking trails a matter of minutes from your camp leading to minor waterfalls, overlooks and historic cemeteries. The trails are all well marked and easy hiking.

Nightfall is great. Once the darkness sets in you easily forget your closeness to civilization. No traffic noise, usually there are no other campers close by, which allows you to just sit and enjoy the sounds of the river and the wildlife around you.

Morning sun comes right in on the tent sites making the morning start off on a great note as well. It is definitely worth the stop if your paddling down the river.

This review is of site #4 on Namanock Island. The campsite in this review has two major points to express beyond the actual review.

First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

This site is a primitive campsite. There is a fire ring suitable for cooking on as well as allowing you a small fire. You will also have access to a privy style toilet a short distance in the woods behind your site.

Let me say that of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else.

The campsites on this island are always very clean, if not pristine. In the 7 years I have camped here I do not think I have even wore shoes here once. Never any glass or trash anywhere.

There is tons of room to enjoy your camping trip, its an island that is at most shared by 3 other camping groups. Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness.

The fishing here is decent, but its a shallow part of the river so in the summer months the fish seek deeper waters. As for local wildlife, you can expect to be visited by a masked robber or two during the night, but a bear bag handing will eliminate any issues.

Stopping here is normally a very simple thing as most of the island has a 3-4 foot shore around it of river rock. This makes for an easy landing and unloading of boats. However, spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry.

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. The New Jersey side will require a longer hiking time, but will take you along Old Mine Road where there are more things to see than you can imagine.

This area is rich in history, folklore, legends and locations that anyone camping here would truly enjoy knowing/seeing.

The campsite in this review has two major points to express beyond the actual review.

First, this site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. 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). People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS.

This site is a primitive campsite. There is a fire ring suitable for cooking on as well as allowing you a small fire. You will also have access to a privy style toilet a short distance in the woods behind your site.

The site itself is very nice. It is spacious enough for a medium to large group to camp at without feeling like you are on top of each other. There are 9 other sites in this group and they are all within shouting distance of one another, but have enough wooded growth between them to allow you to forget the other sites are there.

The sites are all kept clean and the NPS will come through from time to time and do repairs and/or upkeep as needed.

A short hike, approximately 10 minutes or so, will take you to the Decker Ferry House. A house that dates back more than 200 years and is rich in history. Walking 5 minutes more will find you on Old Mine Road. Old Mine Road has many amazing places that help found this country. From cemeteries, churches, houses, and military forts to abandoned towns.

Warning, this site is frequented nightly by the local wildlife. Black bear and raccoons are not shy and a hanging "bear bag" is seriously recommended. Once night falls you will also be treated to the sounds of an owl from the ledges across the river that I have yet to see, but have heard for 7 years running.

Also this year I had the pleasure of opening my eyes just after daylight and from the comfort of my hammock watching a Bald Eagle working on its nest and feeding riverside.

The section of river this site is on is well known for its catfish population and your a mere 1/2 mile up river from Big Flatbrook, a "trout stream of no mean reputation" which is full of native brook, brown, and rainbow trout.

All in all an amazing time to be had by everyone lucky enough to stop here.

This is a series of 10 sites maintained by the NPS, located on the N.J. side of the river. Like the majority of the NPS sites on the Delaware, its a first come/first camp situation.

These sites tend to fill up fairly regular. They are between 2 access points that make for a short to/from camp trip which draws more people than other places on the river. Also, listening to the "Old-Timers" in the area the S channel we are camping on is a great place to get catfish at night,(my daughter has proven this to me) and you are within shouting distance of Big Flatbrook, a "trout stream of no mean reputation" which has native brook, brown, and rainbow trout and is heavily populated in April.

These sites all have metal fire grates and are separated from one another enough to allow privacy, yet letting you hear your neighbors on the wind at night. The sites are all primitive and even though it has been said that each site has a primitive toilet, I would say its more like one area for every 2 sites,

A few of the sites are even "stepped" so to speak with a upper and lower area. The shore area is rocky and flat in the first half of the sites and dark murky mud the second half of sites. The sites also are connected to one another through a worn set of trails that makes this feel like the local campground from your childhood.

Once the crowds of the day are gone and its you and your fellow campers, you get to fully enjoy the location. Many forms of wildlife have been seen here regularly, Bald Eagles, deer, black bear, and raccoons all make appearances from time to time, the raccoons here have NO fear. If no place else on the river does, this site should require "bear-bag" packing at night. I would also like to say, for the last 5 years, many trips a year, I have been serenaded to sleep by the local owls when I stay here.

After a day of hiking and exploring historical locations and back, then paddling the river, this site was a blessing.
Unloading was a very short and easy walk from the water. The site was more than spacious enough. Even though it is listed as one site, (the NPS does not reserve or confirm your spot, first come/ first camped), a group came in right behind us and after realizing we beat them were going off in search of another site right before nightfall. We showed them our space and offered to share vs them getting hurt in the river in the dark. There was enough room for our boats and theirs in our camp and they were able to tent out a group of 8 paddlers without us feeling crowded what so ever. In truth we only even saw them in passing on the trail to the primitive toilet.

The site is clean and has a steel framed fire pit available. Not much of a view here, but the dense-ness of the greenery made you feel even more secluded from the world and provided a very welcome 10 degree cooler camp on a hot day.

This camping site is a set of 6 sites on the New Jersey border maintained by the National Park Service. There were some definite pros and cons to these sites, I guess it would all depend on what you actually prefer in your camp experience.

We were very happy to see the openness of the sites. They were very large and while covered by 40+ft trees were open enough to make you wish you brought more gear and people just because it would fit. These sites have the standard grated square metal fire pit most park sites have. There was also evidence that the park service maintains the area with chainsaws to clear debri and dead-fall.

Very nice views of the river from all of the sites, as well as being a short morning paddle away from Dingman's Ferry Access, waterfalls, and historical locations worthy of the exploration make this an ideal location to start the days journey.

Also this is one of the rare primitive sites along the river to feature an outhouse. My daughter was happy to have a chance to have walls for privacy for a change. However, you are in a secluded area, next to a river… after examination she decided another night of primitive camping sans walls was ok with her.

The other downside to these sites is the river to camp journey. 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.

I would recommend these sites to the camper that is staging their following days adventures, the younger crowd, or the minimalist even though there is alot of space.

I use the camping on this island as much as I physically can. There are 4 primitive sites located on the west banks of this island that are maintained by the National Park Service. The map I uploaded has them listed 1-4. These are not the NPS registered numbers, I honestly do not know them, nor honestly is it a concern. Neither for us or the NPS rangers that we may or may not even see. I always seem to be lucky enough to get site 1 and its one of the best sites I have ever stayed in. Always Clean, very spacious, great views… If you have neighbors, the island is large enough for all. Sites 2 and 3 are much better suited for 2-3 people and hammock camping, but can handle tents. Site 4 is the second largest on the island and is situated at the end of the island and a little more secluded from the others, in my opinion 4 is a great site for a family or group of 3-6. All the sites have primitive fire pits with natural rock rings and its no facilities. Bring your solution for natures calling and remember that you are on an island in the middle of the river where history helped shape our country almost 300 years ago and you will have an amazing night. Study up on the history of the area prior and share it fireside no need to make up a ghost story here..

First, how can you go wrong, camping on an island. I have used this site for camping for 6 seasons now, and have never been disappointed with any aspect of the camp. This is one of the free sites on the Middle Delaware River Trail that is maintained by the NPS, ( National Park Service). 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.
The island is situated in a way that once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river. You are camped on the side of the island that views Pennsylvania's shore. Now, no lights means an incredible view of the night sky. 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. The Island was once a part of the Lenape Indian's territory, and granted it may be dated back to late 1700's/ early 1800's, it almost seems like there were people here as of the day before. Beautiful trails criss-cross the island and not a rock to be tripped over. I do not think I have worn shoes there even once.
This site is PRIMITIVE camping…. No bathrooms, no facilities of any sort.. Everything must be packed in and out, or you wont have it. There are waterfalls on the Pennsylvania shore within a quick walking distance of your location that are very much worth the time it takes to walk the trail.
There usually will be a patrol or two early in the mornings that goes by the island, but not once have I had a Ranger step foot on the island. Upon leaving the camp, the water is fairly shallow for about the first third of the river, but once you get out to the deeper water its a very easy paddle of maybe an hour and you are at the Dingman's Ferry area. Here you will find facilities, (no showers), trash receptacles, a picnic area, as well as a very historic site on the river. There are also trails that lead to Dingman's Falls as well once you get to the boat access. Make sure to meet the older couple that work the tolls on the bridge at Dingman's, they actually know 90% of their traffic on sight and by name. They enjoy sharing tons of history with those interested, and its a very interesting area that has a history of over 300 years. Tons of fishing, hiking, wildlife and nature everywhere to be found and enjoyed. If you are able to, I suggest at least visiting the island if not camping on it.

Locust Lake is a State Park campground that is tucked away in the mountains of Schuylkill County. The lake provides many forms of entertainment, from fishing to swimming, as well as two large boat ramps, (No gas engines) and a boat rental. The southern side of the lake is set aside for mainly tent-only camping, while across the water the northern shore is host to a fairly large amount of sites geared towards RV's and tents both. Each side of the lake has a season long resident ambassador that has always been friendly and helpful.
There are many bathroom buildings through-out the campground and they all seem to be located in such a way that regardless of site location, the bathrooms are always just a short trip. These facilities are maintained very well, I would say a minimum of twice daily. They are clean, well lit units that all include 3-4 showers with hot and cold running water, benches are available both inside the shower stall as well as along the wall in the "public" portions of the building. Each unit also has a public drinking fountain and a community events/emergency information board. These are very well lit and located in a way that while allowing a certain level of privacy from your neighboring campers never leave you feeling like you are in anyway unsafe. The sites vary in price of course in relation to the amenities you request/require, but I find the prices to be competitive if not a bargain in comparison to similar sites at other campgrounds. The park is pet-friendly, and offers sites with power and water connections, as well as a decently large sized grated fire ring on every site.
The camp store, an easy walk from virtually an location within the park, has all the staples and souvenirs one would expect as well as soft serve ice cream, fire wood, and boat rentals,(canoe, kayak, and 12-14 ft aluminum rowboats). You will be pleased to know there is a public beach that allows swimming, many well blazed nature trails of varying difficulty, amphitheaters with scheduled events and classes, guided educational hikes, multiple very nice playgrounds, and an exercise trail. They accept both reservations and walk-ins, and have extra parking for vehicle overflow keeping the sites from getting "cluttered". A large mix of Pa's native wildlife resides in the woods surrounding the camp making for some nice photo opportunities. There are many off-property hiking trails within minutes of your camp, these can lead you to a fire tower from the 1920's, waterfalls, or even an adjoining state park. Outside the park's main gates you are a very short trip to a local tavern, residential homes and farms selling wood and produce, private boat rentals, an impressive golf course, and even a RC airport. I highly suggest packing the family up and spending some time at Locust Lake to enjoy some family oriented, fun, educational, and safe camping.