Effective Thursday, November 3, 2022: All designated state forest campsites will be reserved through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservations website.

To learn about the reservation system and why this change was made, please see the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources​ Bureau of Forestry Camping Reservation System Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

Camping in Delaware State Forest

The Delaware State Forest is an ideal location to spend a night outdoors. These campsites in remote portions of the Pocono region allow for memorable trips dominated by dark night skies and solitude.

Trails and other points of interest with scenic streams, lakes, and forests also offer daytime adventure.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable natural resources and recreation opportunities, be sure to practice Leave No Trace Principles.

Camping is not permitted in the Dixon Miller Recreation Area, Promised Land Tract, or any of the state forest natural areas in Delaware State Forest.

Motorized, Roadside Camping at Designated Sites

Motorized camping or roadside camping is defined as overnight camping in or near a vehicle where the vehicle is used for storage or transportation. This type of camping may only be done at designated campsites and always requires a permit.

There are no developed facilities, modern conveniences, or other improvements at state forest campsites. Visitors must take trash with them upon departure.

There are two types of motorized, roadside campsite opportunities in Delaware State Forest:

• Roadside campsites are singular, remote sites located along dirt and gravel state forest roads. They may be pull offs or have a short driveway. These sites allow for overnight camping in or very near a vehicle. Depending on layout, the sites may accommodate different types of equipment such as tents, small RVs, or trailers.

• Roadside hike-in campsites are singular, remote, and tent-only sites with designated parking along a dirt and gravel state forest road and a defined trail or gated road that is followed to the campsite. These campsites offer more solitude than most roadside campsites, but still allow easy access to a vehicle for storage and transportation. Hike-in distances vary, so be sure to check campsite attributes in the reservation system.
  

Delaware State Forest has 29 established sites for motorized camping where campers will find a:

• Fire ring
• Picnic table
• Sign board

The sites also vary in location and ease of access -- many are accessible by sedan/car while others are better accessed by four-wheel drive vehicles.

Check campsite details to determine the suitability for your equipment and desired experience.

There are no electric hookups, dump stations, or trash disposal facilities on state forest land.

Permits and Reservations for Motorized, Roadside Campsites

Camping permits and reservations are required to stay at motorized, roadside campsites.

Reservations can be made online at the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website at any time, or by calling 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday through Saturday, 7:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. 

Motorized, roadside campsites may be reserved up to eleven months in advance.

Use the Interactive Pennsylvania State Forest Camping Sites GIS Map to view locations and visit the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website to see pictures and additional detailed information on each campsite.

Stays are limited to seven nights at a motorized, roadside campsite.

Check in and check out time is 3:00 P.M. Campers must vacate for at least 48 hours before returning. Please be considerate of other visitors’ opportunities to use this valued resource.

Please review your permit for additional rules and conditions.

Primitive Backpack Camping

Backpack campers are permitted to camp in most areas of the forest without a permit if staying no more than one night in any location.

Backpackers may camp overnight anywhere except:

• In designated Natural Areas
• Within 200 feet of a forest road
• Within 25 feet of a trail
• Within 100 feet of a stream or any open water

Backpack camping is typically done at trailside campsites and does not allow for access to motorized vehicles during overnight stays.

Primitive, trailside camping is part of an overall backcountry travel experience.

It involves hiking from campsite to campsite, far from your vehicle and nearby buildings, roads, and trailheads where you will find no modern conveniences or campsite improvements.

The Thunder Swamp Trail, which loops through Delaware State Forest, offers some of the best opportunities for backpacking; however, Delaware State Forest hiking and shared-use trails can be used to form short loops or out-and-back overnight trips.

Remember, if you are camping close enough to your vehicle to access it to store gear and supplies, you are not primitive camping -- you are roadside, or motorized, camping.

A permit and reservation is always required for motorized, roadside camping, and it is only permitted at designated sites. Please plan appropriately.

Primitive Backpack Camping Permits

A free primitive camping permit is required if a backpacker desires an emergency point-of-contact or if a campfire is requested during the annual spring wildfire season (March, April, and May). 

Camping permits are also required for primitive backpack camping at the same site for more than one night.

To request a primitive backpacking permit in Delaware State Forest, please contact the district office at 570-895-4000.

Upper Delaware Primitive River Camping

Delaware State Forest has one established primitive camping area along the Upper Delaware River. Access to this parcel is ONLY by boat.

There is no running water, electric, garbage removal, or toilets. The site is pack it in, pack it out. 

The campsite is administered by the National Park Service and a permit is required.

Permits can be obtained by contacting the National Park Service, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, at 570-685-4871; and entering extension 6608 (there is no voice prompt to enter extension number).

Callers can dial option “2” at any time during the message to speak with a park ranger for a permit.

Group Camping

Backpacking or motorized, roadside camping groups of more than 10 people must obtain a Letter of Authorization from the state forest.

These are processed through the Delaware State Forest district office and may take up to two to three weeks to obtain. Please plan accordingly.

Campfires

Campfires are not permitted when the fire danger is high, very high, or extreme; and from March 1 through May 25, unless authorized by Delaware State Forest.

Additionally, if the camping date is several days away or more, campfire permission may not be determined until closer to the dates of the camping trip.

Winter Camping

State forest roads do not receive winter maintenance and are not plowed --motorized, roadside camping access is not guaranteed. Travel at your own risk.

General Information

Contact the Delaware State Forest district office at 570-895-4000 for additional information. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., closed state holidays. 

Enjoy your stay in Delaware State Forest!