Namanock Island

For the adventurous New Jersey resident seeking a unique and truly primitive escape, Namanock Island offers an unparalleled wilderness experience right in your backyard. Located within the breathtaking Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area near Sandyston, NJ, this destination is not a typical drive-up campground, but a coveted boat-in campsite managed by the National Park Service (NPS). It is one of more than a dozen unspoiled islands on the Middle Delaware River and is specifically designated for those completing multi-day river trips.

Namanock Island provides a powerful experience of seclusion. The island features four designated, well-maintained campsites within the River Campsite Zone 2. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning access and use are entirely dependent on getting there early and meeting the required minimum paddling distance. The sites offer a genuine back-to-nature atmosphere, complete with the relaxing sound of the flowing river and incredible night sky views due to the minimal light pollution. The primitive nature of the camping—without running water or electricity—is what makes this location so appealing to experienced New Jersey campers looking to disconnect.

Historically, Namanock Island holds significance, having been used by the Lenape Indians for fishing and possibly tool-making. Today, it serves as a critical midpoint for canoeists and kayakers paddling the middle section of the Delaware River. Campers who make the effort to paddle to the island are rewarded with clean, spacious sites that include basic essentials for a safe, overnight stay. For New Jersey paddlers, this spot is an absolute gem, offering a rare opportunity for secluded island camping just a short distance from major metropolitan areas.

It is crucial for potential visitors to understand that access is strictly by watercraft (canoe, kayak, or raft). There is no road access, and the campsites are part of a larger system designed to support overnight travelers whose journey distance is too great to be completed in one day. This requirement ensures that the campsites are reserved for true river adventurers.

Namanock Island is situated in the middle of the Delaware River, right on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, within the boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Address (Approximate Location): Sandyston, NJ 07851, USA (Island access is closest to Sandyston, NJ, but paddling is often initiated from launch points in Pennsylvania).

Accessibility is entirely dependent on paddling:

• Water Access Only: The island is exclusively reachable by canoe, kayak, or raft.
• Common Put-In: Many New Jersey paddlers put in at the Milford Beach Access (PA side) and paddle approximately 4 miles downstream to reach the island.
• Distance Requirement: Camping is only authorized for boaters whose total river miles traveled meet a minimum requirement: at least 14 miles for a one-night trip (total river miles traveled), ensuring campsites are reserved for multi-day trips.
• On-site Parking: The required On-site parking for accessing the river is available at public launch points like Milford Beach, which typically requires a fee (e.g., a ten-dollar fee per day, bring cash).
• River Mile Marker: Namanock Island is located near River Mile 242.

The services on Namanock Island are intentionally minimal to maintain the primitive wilderness experience, aligning with National Park Service regulations for river camping:

• Primitive Camping: Offers four designated, primitive campsites (part of the Zone 2 system).
• Sanitation: Each site is typically equipped with a primitive toilet (often a composting or vault toilet) or is near a dedicated outhouse.
• Fire Rings: Small fires are only permitted in the existing fire grates provided at each site. Campers must use dead and down wood only; cutting standing trees is strictly prohibited.
• Tent Sites: Level, cleared areas are available for setting up tents.
• Water: No running water or potable drinking water is supplied on the island. Campers must pack in all necessary water or bring appropriate filters/boiling equipment.
• Trash Policy: Strict Pack In, Pack Out policy is enforced. Campers must carry out all trash, including food waste.
• Pet Policy: Pets are permitted but must be on a 6-foot leash at all times, not left unattended, and all pet waste must be properly buried 6 inches deep and 300 feet from water.

Namanock Island's highlights are its natural beauty, isolation, and adherence to genuine primitive camping principles:

• True Primitive Island Camping: Provides a rare, secluded camping experience in New Jersey, accessible only by watercraft, guaranteeing peace and quiet.
• Delaware River Access: Offers direct access to the Middle Delaware River for paddling, swimming (with caution), and the renowned fishing opportunities of the river.
• National Park Service Maintenance: The campsites are actively maintained by the NPS, ensuring site integrity and cleanliness, with sites often reported to be in "excellent shape."
• Single-Night Limit: Camping is limited to one night in each location, ensuring the sites remain available and rotated among river travelers.
• Stargazing and Wildlife: The remoteness provides an "incredible view of the night sky" and excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird watching (e.g., eagles, heron, deer).
• Historic Context: The island and nearby mainland (Fort Nomanock) are rich in Lenape Indian and French-Indian War history.
• Uncommon Seclusion: Campers report that once darkness falls, there are often "no lights to be seen in either direction," offering an unmatched sense of isolation.

Since Namanock Island is a primitive, first-come, first-served site within a National Park, there is no direct reservation line for the island itself. All administration and general inquiries go through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area administration:

Address: Sandyston, NJ 07851, USA (General area reference)

General Park Phone (for information on river conditions/regulations): (570) 426-2452

Important Note: The campsite itself is free and cannot be reserved. However, separate reservations and expanded amenity fees may be required for the main access points (like Milford Beach) used to launch watercraft. Always check NPS regulations before embarking on a river trip.

For the adventurous New Jersey outdoor enthusiast, choosing Namanock Island is choosing an authentic wilderness challenge over campground convenience. It is worth selecting because it offers one of the only true boat-in, primitive island camping experiences available in the region, all within a National Park setting.

The value lies in the seclusion and the immersive river experience. This is the perfect option for those who already own or plan to rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy the self-sufficiency of packing in all necessities. You escape the noise and crowds of drive-up parks and are rewarded with unique waterfront views, excellent fishing opportunities, and a deep connection to the history and natural beauty of the Delaware Water Gap. For the paddler focused on a true multi-day river journey, Namanock Island provides a pristine, unforgettable overnight stop managed to the highest federal standards.

Namanock Island

Sandyston, NJ 07851, USA