Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
When it comes to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, we have many options for a great outdoor experience. The Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River Primitive Campsites offer 62 campsites located along the Delaware River running through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Camping is limited to one night per campsite (zone). After one night all campers must move to another camping zone if they plan to camp along the river additional nights.
This part of the Delaware River is relatively unspoiled as it travels through the rural landscape. A stay at one of these campsites located along the Delaware River will give you your fill of nature. You will be able to sleep under the stars, hear the birds chirping, listen to the tree frogs, listen to the river running by, and hopefully see some wildlife along the way.
Delaware Water Gap NRA's zoned approach to the primitive river campsites are as follows:
The zone reservation system allows visitors to reserve camping permits within 5 designated river zones. Upon arrival boaters may pick any one of the available sites within the river zone they have reserved an overnight camping permit for. This allows boaters the freedom and spontaneity of choosing a site while on the river while also offering the predictability that a campsite will be available upon arrival. We recommend finding the campsite of your choice, within your designated zone, sooner rather than later in the day. 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.
Each of the campsites located at the Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River Primitive Campsites offer a campfire ring but different amenities as far as toilets. Some of the sites have pit toilets, some sites utilize clivus composting toilets, and a few others have porta johns.
Camping is limited to one night per campsite (zone). After one night all campers must move to another camping zone if they plan to camp along the river additional nights.
Along the Delaware River authorized overnight camping trips are subject to the following conditions:
• Camping is permitted in designated sites only
• Sites are identified by a brown symbolic sign and a fire grate
• Camping is limited to one night per campsite
• Campers must vacate sites by 11:00 AM
• Camping is limited to ten (10) persons per campsite
• Campsites are limited to five (5) tents per campsites • Tents must be erected within 50 feet of the campsite fire grate
Authorized overnight camping trips on the Delaware River are defined as follows:
• One Night Trip:
• Milford Beach to Eshback Access and points South
• Dingmans Access to Smithfield Beach and points South
• Eshback Access to Smithfield Beach and points South
• Bushkill Access to Kittatinny Point and points South
• Two Night Trips:
• Milford Beach to Smithfield Beach and points South
• Dingmans Access to Kittatinny Point and points South
• Three Night Trips:
• Milford Beach to Kittatinny Point and points South
Use this Zone Map to make sure you are camping in the correct location each night.
Absolutely no glass containers are allowed on the Delaware River or withing the campsites.
If significant rainfall is received in the Delaware River Valley or points to the north, and the Delaware River reached a height of 15 feet the river corridor will be closed to public use for the safety of our visitors. Please check the park website if further guidance is needed NPS DEWA page .
Make sure to secure your boats on the bank of the river not the shoreline. In the event the river rises your boat may be swept downstream.
If parking at Milford Beach, Dingmans Boat Launch, Bushkill Boat Launch, or Smithfield Beach there is a $10 a day parking fee in effect from April 18, 2022 - October 10, 2022. If there is not an attendant on site when you arrive there is a red iron ranger honor system box located at each site. Take am envelope, fill out the appropriate information, perforate the stub portion for placement on your dashboard of your vehicle, and drop the envelope into the slot on the iron ranger.
Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:
• Designated river campsites in the park are open to the collection of dead wood on the ground for use as fuel in campfires within those campgrounds and sites
• Firewood from outside the park area may not be brought in for use, nor transported through the park or across state lines, except heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agricultural or a State Department of Agriculture.
The Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River Primitive Campsites are located along the banks of the Delaware River. At each of these sites you will find many different forms of natural features. Some of the natural features you may see are trees, plants, bugs, and animals. All of the primitive campsites are situated under tall hardwood trees providing shade for the warm summer months of camping.
A Lifejacket Can't Save Anyone If All People Onboard Don't Wear One
Some helpful tips when it comes to any incident on the Delaware river during your visit:
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
For campground inquiries, please call: 570-426-2452
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Throughout Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area there are different launch points along the river. Please make sure that you consult the zone map to ensure that you are entering upriver of your camping zone.