River Camping

Camping along the Delaware

The Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River Primitive Campsites offer 62 campsites located along the Delaware River running through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This part of the Delaware River is relatively unspoiled as it travels through the rural landscape. A stay at one of these campsites will give you your fill of nature; you will be able to sleep under the stars, hear the birds chirping, listen to tree frogs, hear the river flowing by, and hopefully see some wildlife along the way.
 

River Campsite Zones

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is instituting a zonal reservation system for primitive river campsites within the park. The zone reservation system will allow visitors to purchase a permit within a designated zone and then select a campsite within that zone upon arrival. This maintains the freedom and spontaneity of choosing a site while on the river that some visitors enjoy, while also offering the predictability that others are seeking. More information, along with reservations can be found here at recreation.gov.

We recommend finding the campsite of your choice within your designated zone sooner rather than later. Although we will only sell permits according to the number of sites in a specific zone, there is no guarantee the site you want will be available when you boat there. Make sure to plan alternatives if you pass open campsites and choose to keep going.
 
Map depicting the boundaries of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The area of the park is separated into five zones for camping.
A map representing the extent of each river zone within the park.

NPS Photo


 

Zones are segmented into the following areas:

Zone 1

The Northern Park Boundary to Milford Breach

Zone 2

Milford Beach to Dingmans Boat Launch

Zone 3
Dingmans Boat Launch to Bushkill Boat Launch

Zone 4

Bushkill Boat Launch to Smithfield Beach

Zone 5

Smithfield Beach to Kittatinny Point

Specific maps for each zone including campsite numbers can be found here under "Additional Information".

 

Important Details

Below are some important things to know about camping at river campsites within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

  • Camping is limited to one night in each location
  • To use a river campsite, the total river miles traveled must be at least 14 miles for a one-night trip, at least 26 miles for a two-night trip, and at least 34 miles for a three-night trip.
  • If you are leaving a vehicle in a National Park Service parking lot overnight, you must register your information with the park emergency operations center here. If you are unable to use our registration system, please call the park Emergency Operations office at: 570-426-2457. (Note: This line is monitored 24/7 and should only be used when unable to register online or for emergencies)
  • Site-specific reservations are required for Alosa River Campsites, Rivers Bend Group Campsites, and Valley View Group Campsites.

  • Small fires are only permitted in existing fire grates. Use dead and down wood only. Cutting standing trees is not permitted.

  • Pack out all trash to include all food and food waste.
  • Please use soaps sparingly. Soap should be dumped on well-drained soil away from water sources.
  • Do not urinate or defecate within 100 feet of any river or stream. Fecal material, including pet waste, must be buried at least 6 inches deep and at least 300 feet away from water.
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Loud audio devices and fireworks are prohibited.


 

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River Information

Current River Conditions in the Park

Want to know more about the current river conditions in the park? Click the River Information link to the right for details.

Last updated: May 25, 2022

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 2
Bushkill, PA 18324

Phone:

570 426-2452

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