Canoe and Camp in the Delaware Water Gap

Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania

4.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Description

Added by Oliver Jevremov

Spend a couple of those long summer days leisurely canoing down the Delaware River. With the help of a local outfitter, everything is arranged in advance, leaving plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, and spot Bald Eagles.

This is one of those easy, simple and truly relaxing adventures you can embark on this summer. Thanks to outfitters such as Kittatinny Canoes you'll have everything ready for you when you arrive, minus of course your camping gear. They will pick you up at the destination of your choice along the river (see their website for options), drive you to their slipway 20 or so miles upstream, supply you with canoe, life jackets, paddles and instructions, then send you on your way.

You'll spend most of the day flowing with the current and enjoying the surroundings. Nesting Bald Eagles are aplenty. Along the way you'll notice landing zones designated for wilderness camping and, when you finally reach your stopping point, simply find an empty spot to camp out. Do keep in mind how far from your destination you are, as you'll have to reach it the next day within a certain amount of time to return the canoe and equipment. But this simply entails dropping the boat at the slip, checking in with the Kitatinny rep and hoping in your car.

Some things to consider:
This is wilderness camping, so pack in all the supplies you'll need including food. You'll have a canoe to transport gear so you can bring a cooler along for the ride if you like. It's time to feast! Water can be easily filtered from the river or streams.

Depending on when you decide to go, the river can get rather busy, not crowded, but you will probably encounter a fare few people. Keep this in mind when looking for a place to camp for the night. Get a good amount of your journey down river done during the day and find a spot earlier rather than later. Around the Bushkill area is a prime spot to find something secluded.

Make sure to bring fire starting tools or a camp stove for cooking. Only set fires in preexisting pits. Leave no trace and all.

Make sure to book your trip well in advance with the outfitter. They fill up fast and charge extra for walk-ins.

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Features

Photography
Camping
Chillin
Fishing
Kayaking
Swimming
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
River
Scenic
Wildlife

Canoe and Camp in the Delaware Water Gap Reviews

I grew up nearby and loved taking canoe trips all along the Delaware. I went hiking the AT through the area with a group and we swam some in the glacial (or atleast they seemed that way because they were so cold) pools just before the Gap parking lot. There is a really good canoe launching beach here too, with public bathrooms!

It's so much fun. Bring lots of beer

Bring your binoculars for this trip! I went with Chamberlain Canoe rental last weekend for a 2-day 1-night trip. We paddled for 26 beautiful miles and saw 2 bald eagles along the way. There were plenty of available primitive campsites to choose from. I definitely want to do this trip again in the spring when the current is stronger.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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