Pennsylvania / Monroe County / Middle Smithfield Township / Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Alosa Campsites

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates May through October, weather and river conditions permitting. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Limited to one-night stays for paddlers on multi-day river trips only.

About

The Alosa Campsites are reservation-only, boat-in sites located on the Pennsylvania shore of the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Named after the American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) that populate this section of river, these six individual campsites serve paddlers and boaters on multi-day river trips. Five sites accommodate up to six people, while one larger site holds up to ten. Situated on a bench above the Delaware River beneath a hardwood forest grove, the campsites are positioned approximately 2.5 miles downstream from Bushkill Access and 2,000 feet downstream of Turtle Island. Three boat take-outs serve the sites, though boaters must navigate a steep 10-foot bank to reach the camping areas. Each site features a fire ring with grate and space for multiple small to mid-size tents. Two portable toilet facilities are located onsite with marked trails, but no potable water is available. This section of the Delaware River offers flat water and a few riffles, making it ideal for beginning paddlers seeking a relaxing trip through unspoiled rural landscape. The hardwood forest is home to white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrel, and American black bear, with occasional bald eagle sightings. Fishing is permitted during appropriate seasons with valid Pennsylvania or New Jersey licenses. Camping is limited to one night only for legitimate multi-day river trips, with no vehicle access permitted.

Directions

Boat-in access only. From the Delaware River, proceed 2.5 miles downstream from Bushkill Access. The sites are located on the right (west) shore, 2,000 feet downstream of Turtle Island. Pass Turtle Island on the left (east) side in the main channel, then move to the right shoreline. Watch for the large Alosa Campsite sign approximately 1,000 feet from the downstream end of the island. Three take-outs serve the six campsites along a 415-foot stretch of shoreline.

Nearby Campgrounds