Bushkill Recreation Area

For Pennsylvanians seeking a genuine, unplugged outdoor adventure in one of the state’s most celebrated natural treasures, the **Bushkill Recreation Area Campground** provides an unparalleled opportunity. Located in the magnificent **Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA)**, this is not a commercial resort, but a specific designated section offering rustic, primitive camping that immerses visitors directly into the Poconos wilderness. This area, often associated with the local Bushkill community and Lehman Township, PA, is managed by the National Park Service and is a fantastic base for river-based activities and large-group excursions.

Known locally, primarily as the site of the **Valley View Group Campsite**, the Bushkill Recreation Area Campground caters specifically to groups who want to experience the tranquil beauty of the Delaware River banks. It stands apart from typical private campgrounds by offering a true back-to-nature setting without excessive commercial development. While amenities are intentionally limited to preserve the natural environment, the rewards are immense: immediate access to hiking trails, stunning river views, and a quiet, wooded setting perfect for disconnecting from the stresses of daily life in Pennsylvania.

The surrounding region, part of the legendary Pocono Mountains, is a haven for outdoor lovers. Just a short distance away is **Bushkill Falls**, often heralded as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," providing a breathtaking network of eight waterfalls accessible via scenic hiking trails. The entire area invites fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, making the Bushkill Recreation Area Campground a strategic location for Pennsylvanians looking to explore the natural and historical richness of the Delaware River corridor. This site embodies the spirit of traditional group camping, encouraging community, self-sufficiency, and deep appreciation for the Keystone State’s natural heritage.

The Bushkill Recreation Area Campground is perfectly situated within the Pennsylvania portion of the **Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area**. The location is officially identified within **Lehman Township, PA 18324**. Its placement on the west (Pennsylvania) shore of the Delaware River is its primary feature, granting direct river access.

Accessibility is straightforward for residents of Eastern Pennsylvania. It is conveniently positioned mid-way between the towns of Delaware Water Gap and Milford, deep in the Pocono Mountains. For navigation and park information, the main headquarters for the DWGNRA is located nearby in Bushkill. While the campsites themselves are primitive and require specific reservations, the general area is easily reached via River Road (Route 209). Visitors must be mindful that the primitive nature of these sites often means limited vehicle access, prioritizing a secluded experience. The remote setting ensures minimal light pollution and noise, offering a peaceful escape that is highly sought after by local Pennsylvanians.

The services at this National Park Service-managed campground are focused on providing essential facilities for primitive group camping, adhering to regulations designed to protect the natural river environment. The primary offering is the **Valley View Group Campsite**, structured to accommodate larger parties.

• **Group Site Capacity:** The area features **5 primitive group campsites**, suitable for parties of **5 to 15 people** per site.
• **Water Access:** Potable drinking water is available through a **well and water pump** located centrally in the campground.
• **Sanitation:** Centralized **Vault Toilets** are provided to ensure environmental protection in this sensitive area.
• **Food Storage:** Each group site is equipped with a **Bear Box** for secure food storage, a critical requirement in the Pocono Mountains wilderness.
• **Cooking Facilities:** Sites include a **fire ring and picnic table** for cooking and group gatherings, with a central, larger fire ring available for the entire camping area.
• **Reservations:** Reservations are mandatory and must be made well in advance—a minimum of **two weeks prior** to arrival—due to the controlled nature of National Park Service sites.
• **Accessibility:** One of the group sites is designed to be **handicap accessible**.

The area also provides designated **River Camping** (such as the Alosa Campsites) for legitimate multi-day river trip participants, which are boat-in only sites on the riverbank, further emphasizing the focus on water-based recreation.

Choosing the Bushkill Recreation Area Campground allows Pennsylvanians to capitalize on some of the region's most outstanding natural and recreational features:

• **Direct Delaware River Access:** The campsites are situated in a wooded area right on the banks of the **Delaware River**, ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and scenic relaxation.
• **Gateway to Bushkill Falls:** Located in close proximity to the world-famous **Bushkill Falls**, known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," which offers extensive hiking trails and breathtaking waterfall views.
• **National Park Experience:** Offers an authentic, rustic camping experience within the protected and pristine environment of the **Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA)**.
• **Group-Friendly:** Purpose-built to cater to group reservations, making it perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or large friend gatherings who value a collective wilderness experience.
• **Primitive and Secluded:** The sites are wooded, level, and well-spaced, providing a genuine sense of solitude and immersion in nature, with intentionally minimal development.
• **Nearby Recreation:** The entire region is rich with opportunities for outdoor sports, including miles of hiking on the **McDade Recreational Trail** and extensive water sports on the Delaware River.

Since the Bushkill Recreation Area and its campsites are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) within the DWGNRA, inquiries and reservations should be directed to the main park office.

• **Mailing Address (DWGNRA Headquarters):** P.O. Box 2, Bushkill, PA 18324
• **Phone (Visitor Information/Reservations):** (570) 426-2452
• **Emergency Dispatch (DWGNRA):** (800) 543-4295

Please note that reservations for the Valley View Group Campsite and River Camping must typically be made through the official federal reservation system, and local park staff can assist with related questions during business hours.

The Bushkill Recreation Area Campground is worth choosing for the discerning Pennsylvanian camper who seeks an **authentic, primitive group experience** centered on the majesty of the Delaware River. Unlike private resorts that offer pools and planned activities, this location provides the true reward of wilderness: tranquility, natural beauty, and direct access to high-impact outdoor recreation. It is the premier choice for organizations, large families, and friends with a shared commitment to unplugging and spending time in a National Park Service-protected environment.

The site’s proximity to **Bushkill Falls** gives campers a world-class attraction nearby, while the riverside location makes kayaking, canoeing, and fishing immediately accessible. The amenities, while basic—potable water, vault toilets, bear boxes, and fire rings—are precisely what a camper needs to be self-sufficient and focused on the natural surroundings. By choosing the Bushkill Recreation Area, you are opting for a quiet retreat in the heart of the Poconos, securing a uniquely spacious and secluded spot that is perfect for fostering group bonds amidst the unparalleled natural beauty of the Delaware Water Gap. It is the perfect Pennsylvania escape for those who define "luxury" as a private, starlit campfire under a canopy of trees.

Bushkill Recreation Area

Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA