Primitive Camping at Buckhorn Natural Area

White markers on the trees indicate the Buckhorn camping area

NPS

Camp overnight right along the Delaware River at Buckhorn Natural Area. This is a primitive camping area only accessible by boat with no facilities or amenities. It is an excellent campsite for paddlers interested in multi-day paddling trips down the Delaware.  

Buckhorn Natural Area is located within Delaware State Forest, near Pond Eddy, NY. The land is under the Pennsylvania State Forest system.

Campsite Rules: 

• This site is Pack It In, Pack It Out. There are no facilities including bathrooms and trash cans. Please take any trash with you when you leave the campsite. 

• Campfires are permitted but only within existing fire rings and they must but must be attended at all times. No fires are permitted between March 1 – May 25 or between October 1 – December 1.

• Buckhorn Natural Area and the Upper Delaware River is surrounded by private property. Please respect landowners and do not stop, get off, or walk on private property. 

• Please review the camping regulations and policies on your permit prior to your trip. 

Safety: 

• Call phone reception is limited. Please let someone know when you leave and when you expect to return. 

• If you do have reception, you can call the river hotline at 845-252-7100 for daily river information between April 1st – October 31st. 

• Wearing a life jacket is the #1 thing you can do to stay safe on the river. Make sure your life jacket fits snugly and is the correct size for you. Familiarize yourself with the life jacket rules of the river. 

• Glass is prohibited on the river. Closed toed shoes are recommended to protect your feet.

• This region is home to bears. Be mindful of how you store your food. Do not store food in your tent and wash any dirty dishes immediately. Consider hanging your food in a tree in a food bag or using bear-resistant containers. Learn more about food and bear safety.

Other camping options:  

Buckhorn Camping Area is the only public camping location within Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s boundaries. However, there are a variety of private campground options along the river. 

Details

Duration

1-3 Days

Camping permits are valid for a maximum of three days. When applying for a camping permit, please tell the ranger how long you plan to camp at Buckhorn.

Activity

Canoe or Kayak Camping

Buckhorn Camping area is open to tent and hammock camping. There are no designated camping spots and no cabins, yurts, platforms, or electrical hookups. This is a primitive camping area with no electricity, potable water, restrooms, or other amenities. This campsite is only accessible by boat.

Pets Allowed

Yes

You are welcome to enjoy the river with your pet. Dogs make great boat buddies, but there are some things to take into consideration before you get on the water.  

• Know your dog and their abilities, temperament, and stamina. A hot summer day on the river can be draining on people and pets. Know your limits. 

• A life jacket can save your pet if you capsize. Even though dogs can swim, river currents can be very swift and a life jacket will ensure peace of mind that your pet makes it back to shore. Do not tie your pet to your boat.  

• Respect wildlife and other visitors. Remember that when you get out onto a river access, your dog needs to be leashed in order to protect your pet, other visitors, and wildlife. 

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no trash receptacles at the campsite or river accesses. Help keep the park clean by picking up after your pooch and taking back with you any pet waste.  

• Ticks and snakes are both present in the park. Reduce the risk to your pet by keeping them out of tall grass and vegetation. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Buckhorn Natural Area, Delaware State Forest, Pond Eddy, PA

Buckhorn Camping Area is located on the Pennsylvania side of the river, in-between Pond Eddy, NY and Sparrowbush, NY. It is only accessible by boat. After crossing under the Pond Eddy Bridge, look for white square markers on trees on the right side of the river (when facing downstream). Buckhorn Camping Area is located roughly 0.8 miles south of the bridge, in the area by Staircase Rapids.

Reservations

Yes

Camping permits are issued by the National Park Service and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. To receive a permit, please email park staff at [e-mail]. To ensure timely processing of your permit, please email the park at least a week in advance of your camping trip. 

You must have either or a physical or digital copy of the signed permit with you when camping at Buckhorn Natural Area. 

Season

Year Round

This camping area is open year-round. However, due to weather conditions and that it is only accessible by boat, we strongly recommend campers utilize these campsites between late spring and early fall, when air and water temperatures are warmer. 

A water temperature between 70°F and 80°F is recommended for swimming, paddling, tubing, and other river activities. Please be aware hypothermia is possible, even during the summer, while on the river. Always bring extra layers with you. 

Time of Day

Any Time

Paddling in daylight is recommended in order to avoid any river hazards. 

Accessibility Information

This is a primitive campground with no facilities or amenities. The campground is located in a forested area with unpaved, uneven terrain. There are no ADA compliant campsites.