Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River Primitive Campsites
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Riverside primitive camping is seasonal; check Recreation.gov for current availability beginning spring.
Dingmans Falls Visitor Center is Closed to RVs, Buses, and Trailers on Weekends and Holidays.
Due to the heavy volume of traffic and long wait times, the access road to Dingmans Falls Visitor Center is closed to recreational vehicles, buses, and trailers on both weekends and holidays.
Dingmans Falls Trail, Visitor Center, and Access Roads Closed for Bridge Replacement - Summer 2025
Dingmans Falls site is closed for Summer 2025 for a bridge replacement project and trail rehabilitation. All traffic, including pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic, is prohibited on the road and trail during construction.
High Water Advisory - Lifejackets Mandatory
Lifejackets are mandatory when the river reaches 8 feet or above as measured by the Montague gauge. The river accesses will be closed when the water level reaches 15 feet or above. Visit the River Conditions page for more information.
Route 611 Overlooks Closed During Construction
Route 611 south of Delaware Water Gap borough has been closed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for repair stemming from a rockfall incident along the highway. This closure includes the scenic overlooks and parking areas.
Temporary Closure of Park Headquarters Visitor Center and Information Desk
The Park Headquarters visitor center and information desk will be closed from 9:45 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday, May 29th. For information, please explore this website or call (570) 426 - 2452 during open business hours.
Park Visitor Center and Offices Closed
The park visitor center and administrative offices are closed November 22 due to inclement weather. For visitor information, please email or message the park, or check this website. Call 570 426 2452 for a response when offices reopen.
Winter High Water Warning - Lifejackets Mandatory
The Delaware River is measuring above 8 feet at the Montague Gauge. Lifejackets are mandatory for boaters from November 1st until April 30th due to risk of cold-water shock. River accesses will be closed if the river reaches 15 feet or hazards arise.
High Water, Roadway Flooding and Hazards
Roads and areas in the park are closed due to the heavy rain and high winds experienced overnight into today, causing flooding and hazards such as downed trees in the roadways. If you are traveling to or within the park, please exercise caution.
River Road Closed Overnight for Amphibian Migration
River Road will be closed between the Hialeah Recreation Site and Park Headquarters to allow for the safe migration of breeding amphibians on the evenings of April 5th and April 6th. The road will be closed from 7pm until 6:30am.
Main Street Walpack Bridge Closed Until Further Notice
Main Street in Walpack Center is closed at the Flatbrook Bridge due to structural damage to the bridge.
River Road Closed Due to Winter Conditions
River Road is closed from Hialeah Recreation Site to Park Headquarters due to winter conditions and debris and downed trees from high wind incidents.
Reduced Winter Services in Effect
The winter maintenance plan is in effect for the season beginning January 2, 2024. Certain roads and areas may be closed or may not receive winter maintenance. Visit the Current Conditions page for more information.
River Accesses Closed Due to Hazardous Conditions
Due to excessive rainfall, snow melt, freezing temperatures, and rising water levels, the river accesses have been closed. For more information, email the park or call (570) 426-2452.
Park Headquarters Visitor Center Closed
The Park Headquarters visitor center and information desk will be closed Monday, April 8th. For information, please explore this website. For questions, send an email or message, or call (570) 426 - 2457 for a return call during open business hours.
Old Mine Road South Closed for Rehabilitation Project
Old Mine Road between Millbrook Village and Worthington State Forest is closed for a pavement rehabilitation project. No pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle traffic is permitted in the closed area. Please see news releases for more information.
River Road Closed from 8 am to 3:30 pm - May 20 - May 24, 2024
River Road will be closed from Smithfield Beach to Park Headquarters for shoulder mowing, culvert cleaning, and hazard tree removal. Smithfield Beach will be accessible from the south end of River Road through Shawnee.
No Potable Water Available at Rivers Bend Group Campground
Anyone with reservations for the campground should bring their own water or stop at Millbrook Village up the road to fill their reserves. The water spigot is in the picnic area near the bathroom building.
Dingmans Bridge Closed for Routine Maintenance - 9/8/24 to 9/19/24
The Dingmans Bridge will be closed for routine maintenance from September 8th to September 19th.
Fire Danger High - Restrictions and Bans Effect Portions of the Park
Burn bans are in effect in the New Jersey according to NJDEP. All fires in wooded areas will be prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity. No charcoal or wood fires are allowed.
Portion of River Road is Closed Due to Active Brush Fire
River Road is closed between Shawnee on Delaware and Smithfield Beach due to an active brush fire. NPS, DCNR, and local volunteer fire crews are working to extinguish the blaze. Check your local township/county for fire restrictions or bans.
Possible Delays on Old Mine Road due to Van Campens bridge repairs
Due to a bridge repair project over the Van Campens Brook, visitors on Old Mine Road may encounter delays over Summer 2025. The road will remain open, with single-lane traffic during working hours.
Do Not Approach Wildlife - Rabies
A raccoon found near the Smithfield Beach commercial launch tested positive for rabies. Out of an abundance of caution, all visitors should keep a safe distance from and avoid approaching any wildlife. Call 1-800-543-4295 if you need immediate assistance.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 1:21PM EST until December 30 at 5:00PM EST by NWS Mount Holly NJ
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * WHERE...Carbon and Monroe Counties. * WHEN...Until 5 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Dense Fog Advisory issued December 29 at 11:43AM EST until December 29 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Mount Holly NJ
* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, northern, and northwest New Jersey and east central, northeast, and southeast Pennsylvania. * WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
About
The Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River Primitive Campsites offer a unique wilderness camping experience along 40 miles of the Delaware River. These 62 primitive sites are accessible only by watercraft and are organized into five designated zones stretching from the north park boundary to Kittatinny Point. The zone-based reservation system allows paddlers to reserve a zone rather than a specific campsite, providing flexibility to choose from available sites within that zone upon arrival while ensuring space is available. All campsites are situated under hardwood trees along the riverbanks, providing natural shade during warmer months. The primitive nature of these sites means no facilities are provided - campers must be self-sufficient with all gear, water, and waste management. Camping is limited to one night per zone; multi-night river trips require moving to different zones each night. The ALOSA campsite in Zone 4 requires a separate permit and is not included in general Zone 4 reservations. This section of the Delaware River flows through relatively unspoiled rural landscape, offering opportunities to observe wildlife, birds, and experience the natural environment. Paddlers should be prepared with proper safety equipment including Coast Guard-approved lifejackets, which are required by law for children 12 and under at all times on the river. Sites are typically reserved by canoeists and kayakers undertaking multi-day river trips down the Delaware.
Directions
Sites are accessible only by watercraft via multiple boat launches along the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Paddlers must enter upriver of their reserved camping zone. Launch points include Milford Beach, Dingmans Boat Launch, Bushkill Boat Launch, and Smithfield Beach.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (570) 426-2452 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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