Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Overview

The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream. This section of the river offers unspoiled views, excellent boating, fishing, and birding opportunities within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River. These reservation-only campsites are available to boaters who are on a multi-day river trip. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area also offers other boat in only campsites that are $16 and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on the first-come, first-served campsites and river campsite regulations in general, visit: http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/river-camping.htm

Recreation

Facilities

The Alosa Campsites are composed of six individual reservation-only campsites. Five of the campsites hold a maximum capacity of six people per site (AL4,6,8,10,12), and one campsite holds a max capacity of 10 people (AL2). The site has three boat take-outs. Each take-out serves two campsites: the upstream most serving sites AL2 & AL4, middle serving AL6 & AL8, and the furthest downstream serving AL10 & AL12. There is a steep, 10-foot bank between the water's edge and the campsite locations; boats will need to be pulled out of the water. There is a large sign at the first boat take-out that states "Alosa Campsites". Each take-out has signs indicating their location and each campsite is clearly numbered. Porta Johns are located on site for campers to utilize. Or dig 6-8-inch-deep cat holes 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites Each individual campsite is outfitted with a fire ring with grate and has enough space for a several small to mid-size tents. There is no potable water (for drinking or cooking) available onsite. No vehicles are allowed at these sites. They are designated for boat-in only river trips.

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

The campsites are located approximately 2.5 miles downriver of the Bushkill Access and approximately 6 miles upriver from Smithfield Beach. PLEASE NOTE: Only campers on legitimate multi-day river trips may stay overnight at the Alosa Campsites. No vechicles are permitted at Alosa Campsites.

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time the night before your stay will incur a non refundable $10 cancellation fee. 

Refunds will only be issued for park implemented closures.

Overview

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:

• Zone 1- North Park boundary to Milford Beach
• Zone 2- Milford Beach to Dingmans Boat Launch
• Zone 3- Dingmans Boat Launch to Bushkill Boat Launch
• Zone 4- Bushkill Boat Launch to Smithfield Beach
• Zone 5-Smithfield Beach to Kittatinny Point 

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.

• ALOSA campsite, within zone 4, requires it's own permit also found on recreation.gov. ALOSA is not available for zone 4 camping.

Recreation

A Lifejacket Can't Save Anyone If All People Onboard Don't Wear One

• Children aged 12 and under MUST wear Coast Guard-approved lifejackets at all times when on the river.
• Jackets must fit appropriately, and be fully fastened to be effective. Wearing a life jacket is not just common sense, it is THE LAW.
• Lifejackets aren't just for kids. Any person paddling or boating MUST have their own US Coast Guard approved lifejacket or PFD onboard and readily accessible in case of emergency.
• All boaters must wear lifejackets on boats less than 16 feet in length and on canoes and on kayaks, from November 1 through April 30, to protect boaters from cold water shock if they fall into the water.
• Always wear your lifejacket on and in the water.

Some helpful tips when it comes to any incident on the Delaware river during your visit:

• Stay Calm and remove yourself to a safe area; Help will come to you
• Contact 911, or the park Emergency Operations Center at 570-426-2457 if you have an emergency
• Know your surroundings; Keep an eye out for important landmarks to describe where you are located in an emergency
• Download the NPS app to your phone prior to your visit and download the maps for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Keep your phone and identification in a waterproof bag for safety.

Facilities

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. 

Natural Features

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. 

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time the night before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee.

Refunds will only be issued for park implemented closures.

Overview

Rivers Bend Group Campground is located on Old Mine Road on the New Jersey side of the park. Its close proximity to the Big Flatbrook Creek and the Delaware River allows campers to enjoy the peacefulness of nature with easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities. There are five campsites that include afire ring, picnic table, bear proof trash containers, and food lockers. Each site can host 5 to 15 people. Facilities are Accessible. Potable water is available, and there are vault toilets centrally located at the site. Pets are not permitted at River's Bend Campground. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. 

There are two ways to access River's Bend Campground. You can access the group campground via a vehicle on the compacted gravel entrance road. Or you can access the campground from the Delaware River if you are paddling. There is a crushed gravel trail leading up to the campsites from the river. You have two choices to enter the sites. Either a meandering gravel path from the river or steps leading to the upper grassy camping area. From the river to the camp sites it is approximately 1/10 of mile hike 

Recreation

If you are not paddling down the Delaware River on a canoe or kayak, but decide that driving to your reserved campsite at River's Bend works best for your camping group there are multiple other recreational activities to take advantage of located in the area. 

If you drove a vehicle to River's Bend Campgrounf we have numerous hiking trails on the New Jersey side of the Park. You can drive to and hike a few miles on the Appalachian Trail located just up the road on Blue Mountain Lakes Rd. You can drive to the southern end of Delaware Water Gap NRA and hike Mount Minsi(Pennsylvania side) or Mount Tammany (New Jersey side) and look down onto the Delaware River.  

You can drive to and walk through Millbrook. https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/discover-history.htm

Swimming is a popular activity at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Three beaches provide easy access to swim in the river. Be aware that there are no lifeguards at any of the beaches - swim at your own risk. 

Picnic and restroom facilities are also available at the beaches. https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/swim.htm

Feel free to plan your visit to Delaware Water Gap NRA by visiting our website. https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/index.htm

Or learn more about what the park has to offer in our Guide to the Gap Publication. https://www.nps.gov/dewa/learn/news/upload/Guide-to-Gap-Semi-Perm_2021_RevisedWebCopy.pdf

Facilities

A PDF campground map is available on the park website 

https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/upload/Rivers-Bend-Campground-Map.pdf

Natural Features

Located along the banks of the Delaware River, River's Bend Group Campground has a large grassy field area surrounded by sprawling pines and hardwood trees.

Contact Info

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attrations include Millbrook Village, Worthington State Forest, Stokes State Forest, and multiple hiking trailing located on the New Jersey side of the park. 

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time the night before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee.

Refunds will only be issued for park implemented closures.

Overview

Valley View Group Campground comprises five primitive group campsites nestled along the Delaware River located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Its close proximity to the Delaware River allows campers to enjoy the peacefulness of nature with easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities. Each of the five 5 campsites include a fire ring, picnic tables, bear proof trash containers, bear proof storage lockers, and vault toilets. Each site can host a minimum group size of five and up to 25 people.   

Campers can access Valley View Campground in two ways: by vehicle down a short gravel roadway from Route 209 or by paddling in by boat on the Delaware River. Once you reach the shore line for Valley View Campground there is short path that will lead you from the riverbank up to the campsite area. Along with the seclusion of your campsite there is a common area centrally located with benches and a flag pole. This area is great to mingle or conduct group activities.  

Pets are not permitted at Valley View Campground. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. 

Recreation

An approximately 2/10 of a mile (.3 km) stroll up the gravel driveway from the campsites you will find the McDade Recreation Trail. The McDade Trail is a hiking and biking trail. The McDade Recreational Trail (MRT) is a packed gravel path that parallels the Delaware River on the Pennsylvania side of the park for 32 miles (51 km). 

A Lifejacket Can't Save Anyone If All People Onboard Don't Wear One

• Children aged 12 and under MUST wear Coast Guard-approved lifejackets at all times when on the river.
• Jackets must fit appropriately, and be fully fastened to be effective. Wearing a life jacket is not just common sense, it is THE LAW.
• Lifejackets aren't just for kids. Any person paddling or boating MUST have their own US Coast Guard approved lifejacket or PFD onboard and readily accessible in case of emergency.
• All boaters must wear lifejackets on boats less than 16 feet (5 m) in length and on canoes and on kayaks, from November 1 through April 30, to protect boaters from cold water shock if they fall into the water.
• Always wear your lifejacket on and in the water. 

Some helpful tips when it comes to any incident on the Delaware river during your visit:

• Stay calm and remove yourself to a safe area; Help will come to you
• Contact 911, or the park Emergency Operations Center at 570-426-2457 if you have an emergency
• Know your surroundings; Keep an eye out for important landmarks to describe where you are located in an emergency
• Download the NPS App to your phone prior to your visit and download the maps for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Keep your phone and identification in a waterproof bag for safety.

Natural Features

Located along the Delaware River, Valley View Campground is a flat camping area sprawled out beneath the shaded canopy of the hardwood trees. 

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include:

• The McDade Trail 

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time the night before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee.

Refunds will only be issued for park implemented closures.