
The Middle Delaware National Scenic River encompasses over 40 miles of the Delaware River in northeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The river runs through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, providing a picturesque landscape with its rolling mountains, lush forests, and sparkling water.
The historical background of the Middle Delaware National Scenic River is rich and dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Lenape, inhabited the region for centuries, utilizing the river for transportation, fishing, and trade. European settlers arrived in the 17th century and built various communities along the river, taking advantage of its fertile lands and abundant natural resources.
Visitors to the Middle Delaware National Scenic River can engage in a range of activities. The river offers excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing, allowing visitors to explore the stunning waterway and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the river's clear waters, which are home to a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish.
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the numerous trails within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. These trails take visitors through pristine forests, to stunning overlooks, and alongside the river's edge, providing breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Birdwatchers will be delighted with the diverse birdlife that can be observed throughout the area.
Notable attractions near the Middle Delaware National Scenic River include the Delaware Water Gap, a majestic natural formation where the river cuts through the Appalachian Mountains. The Gap offers several viewpoints that showcase its stunning beauty. Additionally, the Dingmans Falls, located nearby, is a magnificent waterfall that is worth a visit for nature lovers.
In conclusion, the Middle Delaware National Scenic River offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and history of the region. With its scenic landscapes, recreational activities, and nearby attractions, it is a destination that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful and memorable experience.
The Middle Delaware National Scenic River is situated within the picturesque state of Pennsylvania. Flowing approximately 40 miles through the eastern part of the state, this pristine river enhances the natural beauty of the region. With its headwaters in the Poconos Mountains and its mouth at the Delaware Water Gap, the Middle Delaware River winds its way through lush forests, rolling hills, and charming small towns along the way. Its geographical location offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a serene atmosphere as they explore the magnificent scenery of the Middle Delaware National Scenic River.
1978 River RoadBushkill, PA 18324Driving DirectionsPhone: 5704262452Web: Link
The best time to visit Middle Delaware National Scenic River would be in September or October. During these months, the average maximum temperature is around 75°F, with the minimum temperature around 42°F. The average monthly precipitation is about 4.5 inches, offering a comfortable environment for outdoor activities. Additionally, visitor counts during this time are relatively lower compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
Some of the activities you can do in Middle Delaware National Scenic River 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
Learn about these topics at Middle Delaware National Scenic River: 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
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.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Bushkill Meeting Center.
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$): NULL
Total Campsites: 136
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal
Primitive group campsites in a wooded setting adjacent to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in New Jersey; Drinking water available; Call 603-466-2727 for additional information regarding lodge or cabin rentals.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 16
Toilets: Portable Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round
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$): 16.00 (River Campsite Reservation Fee)
Total Campsites: 62
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
Primitive group campsites for parties of 5 to 15 people per site in an open area with some trees next to and above the river. Drinking water available. Parking available for up to six vehicles per site.
Fees (US$): 70.00 (Rivers Bend Group Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal
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$): NULL
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
The park has 78 tent and trailer sites along two miles of river frontage. Each site contains a picnic table and a fire ring. Showers, modern toilet facilities and drinking water are available. Sites 1-23 are available for tent camping only and sites 29 -82 are available for tents, travel trailers and motorhomes.
Fees (US$): NULL
Toilets: NULL
Showers: NULL
Potable Water: NULL
A stay at Quality Inn near Mountain Creek places you in the heart of Vernon, within a 5-minute drive of Mountain Creek Ski Resort and Kittatinny Valley State Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 15 Route 94, Vernon, New Jersey 07462
Web: Link
With a stay at Alpine Haus Bed & Breakfast Inn in Vernon, you'll be a 3-minute walk from Mountain Creek Ski Resort and 12 minutes by foot from Mountain Creek Waterpark. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), multilingual staff, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 217 Route 94, 217 McAfee Vernon Road, Vernon, New Jersey 7462
Web: Link
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
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
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
With a stay at Mountain Creek in Vernon, you'll be next to a golf course, just a 1-minute walk from Mountain Creek Ski Resort and 14 minutes by foot from Mountain Creek Waterpark. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, ATM/banking services, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 200 Route 94, Vernon, New Jersey 07462
Web: Link
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
With a stay at Condos within Appalachian Hotel by GTL Properties in Vernon, you'll be next to a golf course, just a 1-minute walk from Mountain Creek Ski Resort and 12 minutes by foot from Mountain Creek Waterpark. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and an elevator. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 200 Route 94, Vernon, New Jersey 07462
Web: Link
When you stay at Condos within The Black Creek Sanctuary by GTL Properties in Vernon, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 15-minute walk of Mountain Creek Ski Resort and Mountain Creek Waterpark. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1 Pine Crescent, Vernon, New Jersey 07462
Web: Link
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
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-22 | Old Mine Road North Construction Closure Begins April 6, 2026 Old Mine Road between Jager Road and Route 206 will close to all traffic beginning on April 6, 2026. Contractors will work to rehabilitate a 3.5-mile stretch of road. The construction area will be closed to all traffic for the safety of park visitors and contractors. More |
| 2026-04-03 | Old Mine Road construction project to begin April 6 The Old Mine Road, a scenic and historic 375-year-old route on the New Jersey side of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, will undergo significant repairs starting on April 6. More |
| 2025-12-09 | NPS Announces Implementation of Winter Service Levels, Plowing Priorities Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will implement typical winter service levels. During annual low staff seasons, the park takes this action to ensure visitor safety. Information on sites that will remain open, receive no winter maintenance, or close until spring outlined. More |
| 2025-09-29 | Tourism to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area contributes $211 million to local economy A new National Park Service report shows that 4.1 million visitors to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in 2024 spent $164 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $211 million. More |
| 2025-09-17 | Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement Dingmans Falls site is closed for a bridge replacement project and trail rehabilitation. All traffic, including pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic, is prohibited on the road and trail during construction. More |
| 2025-09-03 | NJ man, 30, Drowns in Delaware River while Swimming National Park Service rangers and emergency responders recovered a body of a NJ man near Kittatinny Point on Tuesday, September 3rd. More |