By:
Submission
Most river campsites are available for free, on a first come/first serve basis for boaters on trips where the distance is too great to be travelled in one day
To use a river campsite, the total river miles traveled must be at least 14 miles for a one-night trip, at least 26 miles for a two-night trip, and at least 34 miles for a three-night trip.
Below are some important things to know about camping at river campsites within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Camping is limited to one night in each location
There are no fees for river campsites except for the Alosa River Campsites
Small fires are only permitted in existing fire grates. Use dead and down wood only. Cutting standing trees is not permitted.
Pack out all trash to include all food and food waste.
Please use soaps sparingly. Soap should be dumped on well-drained soil away from water sources.
Do not urinate or defecate within 100 feet of any river or stream. Fecal material, including pet waste, must be buried at least 6 inches deep and at least 300 feet away from water.
Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Loud audio devices and fireworks are prohibited.
RA 1 camp site. Not much favorite. A bit small and rough.
The sites were very overgrown as of June 2021. The first site you come across coming down the river you have to climb up a large sandy cliff to get to the top of and the grass is waist high, even the fire pit has grass growing in it. The 3 other sites would be most suitable for camping, but be sure to bring a machete to clear out your site. You might also need to clear out some of the overgrown paths to collect firewood, for it was difficult to find much of anything in the tall and thick grass. There was not many suitable trees to hang hammocks, so plan on bringing some other type of shelter. Insect repellent is also a must have at these sites, I had 6 ticks on myself and 30 mosquito bites on my ankles and my girlfriend had 50+ mosquito bites on her leg. In my opinion, these sites would be a last resort if all the other sites are taken along the river. Although not a terrible spot, there are much nicer sites through the National Park that are not so overgrown.
If you are kayak camping and looking for a no stress site. I would pass up #53? #54?. It was completely over grown in July 2020. The whole area where you pitch your tent was overgrown. It wouldn't have been as enjoyable as some of the other sites. We decided to pass this up and check at the bend.
Also - the swimming area at the river is mud. Mud you just sink into. Not enjoyable at all.
I'm sure after a few people camp here and take the time to clear it out it would be fine to camp but the swimming area would not be ideal.
September 2021: Ratcliffs 51 and 52 were completely overgrown, no access. 53 had a visible path to the site, but was covered waist-high with weeds.
We stayed at 54, featuring a steep muddy incline to access the site some 30 odd feet above the water. We had to hack stairs to make this passable to move gear up the hill. If there has been any rain, this site will be inaccessible due to the mudslide of an access trail.
Barely enough room to situate a 4 person tent far enough from the fire. There is next to no wood accessible here unless you want to cut a trail through waist high tick infested grasses. Mosquitoes were as bad as I've ever experienced (30 bites on my lower arm / elbow bitten through a coat and shirt!)
Stayed at RA-3. Campsites have all been relabeled now that permits are required for stays. River was high so the landing was easily accessible. Site had more than enough room for 3 tents and 2 hammock set ups.
