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

River Camping

Open — Open for reservations through Recreation.gov. Toilet facilities operate seasonally. Parking fees of $10 per day are in effect at river access points from April 15 through Columbus Day.

About

The River Camping sites at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provide a unique boat-in only camping experience along the unspoiled Middle Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. The 62 primitive campsites are distributed across five designated zones stretching from the north park boundary to Kittatinny Point. The innovative zone reservation system allows paddlers to reserve a camping permit within a specific river zone, then select any available site within that zone upon arrival, offering both predictability and spontaneity for multi-day river trips. Each campsite is identified by a brown symbolic sign and features a fire ring with grate, with space for up to five tents and ten people. Toilet facilities vary by site and include vault toilets, composting toilets, and porta johns, all operating seasonally. The campsites are situated under tall hardwood trees along the riverbank, providing shade and a peaceful setting to experience the natural landscape. No potable water is available at the sites, so campers must bring their own supply. Camping is limited to one night per zone, requiring paddlers on multi-day trips to move to a different zone each night. Ground fires are prohibited, and all fires must be contained in the provided fire rings. Glass containers are not permitted on the river or at campsites. Boats must be fully removed from the water and secured on the bank to prevent loss during water level changes. The river corridor closes when water levels reach 15 feet for safety. Parking fees of $10 per day apply at launch points from mid-April through Columbus Day.

Directions

Boat-in access only from multiple launch points along the Delaware River including Milford Beach, Dingmans Boat Launch, Bushkill Boat Launch, Smithfield Beach, and Kittatinny Point. Consult the zone map to ensure you enter upriver of your designated camping zone. Park headquarters is located 8.5 miles north of I-80 on River Road in Bushkill, PA for information.

Nearby Campgrounds