Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in northeastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey, encompassing a vast area of over 70,000 acres. It is situated along the Delaware River and offers visitors a diverse range of recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping to boating and fishing.

The area has a rich historical background. Native American tribes, including the Lenape, inhabited the region for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The Delaware Water Gap itself served as a crucial transportation route during the colonial era and early American history. It became an important thoroughfare for traders and settlers moving westward.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Delaware Water Gap experienced a surge in tourism. Resorts sprouted up along the river, attracting visitors who sought relaxation and outdoor activities in the picturesque surroundings. The area's popularity as a recreational destination soon caught the attention of conservationists, leading to its establishment as a national recreation area in 1965.

Today, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 100 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore breathtaking vistas, rugged mountains, and dense forests. The famous Appalachian Trail passes through the area, offering hikers a chance to experience a small part of this iconic long-distance trail.

Water activities are also popular within the recreation area. The Delaware River affords opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, with various rental and guide services available. Anglers can cast their lines for trout, bass, and other fish species, while boaters can explore the calm waters and hidden coves.

Aside from the natural beauty and outdoor activities, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is also home to historical sites and cultural attractions. Millbrook Village, a well-preserved 19th-century rural community, provides visitors with a glimpse into the past, showcasing historic buildings and demonstrating traditional trades and crafts.

Furthermore, the recreation area is within a short driving distance from several other attractions. Just north of the gap lies Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The nearby town of Stroudsburg offers charming shops, restaurants, and galleries, while the scenic Delaware Water Gap itself provides a stunning backdrop for photography and exploration.

All in all, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Its location along the Delaware River, coupled with its historical significance and abundance of recreational opportunities, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor pursuits.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in the northeastern part of the state of Pennsylvania, bordering the southwestern region of New Jersey. Situated along the middle section of the Delaware River, it spans approximately 70,000 acres of diverse landscape. The vast area is characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning river valleys, creating a breathtaking natural environment. The location of the recreation area allows for easy access to major cities, with New York City being approximately 70 miles to the east and Philadelphia approximately 80 miles to the southwest. Its strategic geographical position offers visitors a perfect retreat from urban life while being conveniently close to metropolitan areas, making it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Address & Contact

1978 River Road
Bushkill, PA 18324
Driving Directions
Phone: 5704262452
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area would be in either May or September. Both months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures of 72°F and 76°F respectively. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months is relatively low at 4.3 inches and 4.2 inches respectively. These periods would allow visitors to enjoy the park without experiencing large crowds, as the visitor count during May and September is below the average of other months.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Hiking Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Snowshoeing Swimming Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Freshwater Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Geology Freshwater Springs Architecture and Building Arts River and Riparian Trails Foothills, Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Lakes Scenic Views Waterfalls Wetlands Conservation Movement Dams

Visitor Centers

Bushkill Meeting Center

A visitor center with restrooms, a bookstore, and passport stamps. The building and bathrooms are accessible. America the Beautiful passes and park season passes are available by appointment only. Visit our Fees & Passes page for more information.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Bushkill Meeting Center.

Campsites within or near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Dingmans Campground

Dingmans Campground is a 136-site rustic campground located in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. Dingmans Campground offers a variety of settings with campsites along the river, forest campsites, as well as RV, water, and electric campsites. Group campsites for 20 to 40 people available. Camping is available from April until October most years. Telephone 570-828-1551 for details.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 136
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Mohican Outdoor Center

Primitive group campsites in a wooded setting adjacent to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in New Jersey; Drinking water available; Call 603-466-2727 for additional information regarding lodge or cabin rentals.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 16
Toilets: Portable Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

River Camping

The Middle Delaware Scenic and Recreational River offers 62 primitive campsites along the water. These sites are available for overnight paddling trips along the Delaware River. Reservations for these boat-in only sites can be made on Recreation.gov. For overnight vehicle parking, please visit https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/index.htm to register your vehicle.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (River Campsite Reservation Fee)
Total Campsites: 62
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Rivers Bend Group Campground

Primitive group campsites for parties of 5 to 15 people per site in an open area with some trees next to and above the river. Drinking water available. Parking available for up to six vehicles per site.
Fees (US$): 70.00 (Rivers Bend Group Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Valley View Group Campground

Primitive group campsites in an open area with some trees next to the river. Drinking water available at the nearby Bushkill Access. Groups of 5 to 15 people can reserve these sites. Only Site One is handicap accessible.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Worthington State Forest Campground

The park has 78 tent and trailer sites along two miles of river frontage.  Each site contains a picnic table and a fire ring. Showers, modern toilet facilities and drinking water are available. Sites 1-23 are available for tent camping only and sites 29 -82 are available for tents, travel trailers and motorhomes.
Fees (US$): NULL
Toilets: NULL
Showers: NULL
Potable Water: NULL

Hotels within or near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Quality Inn East Stroudsburg - Poconos

When you stay at Quality Inn East Stroudsburg - Poconos in East Stroudsburg, you'll be in the mountains, within a 15-minute walk of Pocono Medical Center and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in East Stroudsburg? This hotel has facilities measuring 495 square feet (46 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 320 Greentree Dr, Interstate 80 at Exit 308, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham East Stroudsburg

When you stay at Days Inn by Wyndham East Stroudsburg in East Stroudsburg, you'll be near ski lifts, within a 5-minute drive of Pocono Medical Center and Terra Greens Golf Club. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 838 Seven Bridge Rd, US 209 / I 80 Exit 309, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301
Web: Link

Shawnee Village Resort

Located in Shawnee On Delaware, Shawnee Village Resort is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and ShawneeCraft Brewing Company. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5242-5255 Buttermilk Falls Road, Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania 18301
Web: Link

Staybridge Suites East Stroudsburg - Poconos, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Staybridge Suites East Stroudsburg - Poconos, an IHG Hotel in East Stroudsburg, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Terra Greens Golf Club and Pocono Medical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 561 Independence Rd, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301
Web: Link

Scottish Inns Milford

With a stay at Scottish Inns Milford in Milford, you'll be steps from Delaware River and a 4-minute drive from Neversink River. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 274 Route 6 & 209, Milford, Pennsylvania 18337
Web: Link

Eagle Village Resort

Located in Tamiment, this villa is on a lake, a 4-minute drive from Mt. Laurel Pocono Mountains Performing Arts Center and 7 minutes from Bushkill Falls. Featured amenities include express check-in and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 113 Bald Eagle Court, Tamiment, Pennsylvania 18324
Web: Link

Private house in Pocono, PA

With a stay at this vacation home in Bushkill (Saw Creek), you'll be a 3-minute drive from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and 8 minutes from Bushkill Falls. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3314 Windermere Drive, Bushkill, Pennsylvania 18324
Web: Link

Pocono Mountain Villas

When you stay at Pocono Mountain Villas in East Stroudsburg, you'll be in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Pocono Indian Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2157 River Road, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18302
Web: Link

Rainbow Mountain Resort

Located in East Stroudsburg, Rainbow Mountain Resort is in the mountains, within a 10-minute drive of Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and Pocono Indian Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 210 Mt Nebo Rd, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301
Web: Link

Rolling Hills Motel

Located in Sussex, Rolling Hills Motel is in the suburbs, a 3-minute drive from Kittatinny Valley State Park and 8 minutes from Mountain Creek Ski Resort. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 127 NJ-23, Sussex, New Jersey 07419
Web: Link