National Park Service - Delaware River - Jerry Lees - Campsites # 33-34

For Pennsylvanians yearning for an authentic, unadulterated outdoor experience, the National Park Service - Delaware River - Jerry Lees - Campsites #33-34 offer a truly unique opportunity. Located in Lehman Township, PA, these primitive, boat-in campsites are nestled directly on the banks of the majestic Delaware River within the expansive Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA). This isn't your typical drive-up campground with all the modern amenities, but rather a secluded haven for those who appreciate simplicity, self-sufficiency, and direct access to the river's wild beauty.

Jerry Lees Campsites #33-34 are specifically designed for river trippers and adventurers who arrive by boat. They provide a rustic charm, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. While primitive, reviews highlight their spaciousness, proximity to the river, and the availability of firewood. It's a place where wildlife sightings are part of the experience, and the sounds of the flowing river and nearby creeks replace the noise of everyday life. For Pennsylvanians looking for an escape that combines the thrill of river recreation with the tranquility of secluded camping, Jerry Lees offers an unforgettable adventure right in their backyard.

National Park Service - Delaware River - Jerry Lees - Campsites #33-34 are located in Lehman Township, PA 18328, USA. This places them squarely within Pike County, Pennsylvania, a part of the picturesque Poconos region that forms a significant portion of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA). These campsites are situated directly on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River.

It is crucial for potential campers to understand that Jerry Lees Campsites #33-34 are primitive boat-in sites. This means they are not accessible by car directly to the campsite. Visitors must paddle (canoe, kayak, raft) or boat to these locations along the Delaware River. The nearest public boat launches would be within the DWGNRA, such as those at Dingmans Ferry, Bushkill Access, or other designated river access points in Pennsylvania. From these launch points, campers would navigate downriver (or upriver, depending on the current) to locate their specific reserved site.

The Lehman Township address serves as a general geographic indicator for the region, but direct vehicle access to the campsites is not available. This unique accessibility is part of what makes Jerry Lees so appealing to adventurers—it ensures a more secluded and truly natural camping experience, away from the typical roadside campground bustle. For Pennsylvanians, this means relatively convenient driving access to launch points within the DWGNRA, followed by a rewarding river journey to their temporary riverside home. The sites' riverside location also puts them in prime position for fishing, hiking along nearby creek trails, and enjoying the abundant wildlife of the area.

National Park Service - Delaware River - Jerry Lees - Campsites #33-34 are primitive campsites, meaning they offer very basic services designed for self-sufficient campers. These sites are managed by the National Park Service within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

• Designated Primitive Campsites: These are marked campsites specifically for overnight stays, identified by a brown symbolic sign and a fire grate. Sites #33 and #34 are specifically located in the Jerry Lees section.
• Fire Rings/Grates: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring or grate, allowing campers to have campfires for cooking and warmth. Campers are permitted to use "dead and down wood only" for fires; cutting standing trees is prohibited.
• Ample Firewood (Natural Supply): Reviews indicate that there is "ample firewood" available from fallen trees and branches around the site, reducing the need to transport wood.
• Proximity to River: A key feature is the "Close to the river" location, providing direct "primitive river access" for boaters and those wanting to enjoy the water.
• No Toilets/Restrooms: It is important to note that these primitive sites generally have "No toilets available" or may be very basic pit toilets. Campers should be prepared for Leave No Trace principles regarding human waste. Some sites in the DWGNRA use pit or composting toilets, but Jerry Lees specific reviews don't highlight well-maintained facilities.
• No Potable Water: There is "No water available" at these sites. Campers must bring all their own drinking water, or have reliable methods for filtering/purifying river water.
• No Reservations (First-Come, First-Served within Zone System): As of current NPS policy for many primitive river sites, these are generally "first come, first served" within a zonal permit system. Campers reserve a zone and then select an available site upon arrival. Camping is limited to one night per campsite.
• Overnight Parking Registration: If leaving a vehicle in an NPS parking lot overnight for a river trip, campers must register their information with the park emergency operations center.

These services emphasize a rustic, Leave No Trace camping philosophy, requiring campers to be prepared with their own supplies and to be responsible for minimizing their environmental impact.

National Park Service - Delaware River - Jerry Lees - Campsites #33-34, while primitive, offer several compelling features and highlights that make them an attractive destination for adventurous Pennsylvanians.

• Direct Riverfront Location: A standout feature is the campsites' direct proximity and "Close to the river" access. This is ideal for paddlers, anglers, and anyone who wants to wake up to the sounds and sights of the Delaware River.
• Spacious Campsites: Reviewers note that sites like JL2 (part of the Jerry Lees area) are "large enough for more than 4 people" and offer "a lot of space," allowing groups to spread out comfortably.
• Ample Natural Firewood: The presence of "ample firewood" in the vicinity means campers often don't need to transport wood, making fires easier to manage and enhancing the authentic camping experience. Fire pits are provided.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Delaware River is renowned for its fishing, and being right on its banks provides prime access. Reviews highlight that "Fishing" was enjoyed by campers, with the river "teaming with fish."
• Nearby Hiking Trails: The proximity of "2 creeks close by that were good for Hiking" offers additional recreational opportunities beyond river activities. These likely connect to broader trail networks like the McDade Recreational Trail (Jerry Lees is a trailhead on McDade).
• Wildlife Viewing: Campers have "enjoyed the wildlife," indicating a rich natural environment where encounters with local fauna are common, adding to the wilderness immersion.
• Secluded and Rustic Experience: Being boat-in primitive sites, Jerry Lees offers a truly "secluded" experience, away from the crowds and noise of more developed campgrounds. It's perfect for those seeking to "rough it" and appreciate nature in its raw form.
• Natural Beach Access: While sometimes "overgrown with grass," the sites can offer a "bigger beach" as river levels recede, providing a pleasant area for relaxation by the water.

Despite some sites being "a bit overgrown" or requiring a scramble over a "fallen tree," these minor challenges contribute to the adventurous spirit of primitive camping and are often easily "rectified" by prepared campers.

As National Park Service (NPS) primitive campsites within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Jerry Lees - Campsites #33-34 do not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Their primary "cost" is typically a permit fee, and any "offers" relate to how the park manages access and provides value.

• No Fees (Historically, check current policy): Older information and some current sources suggest that many primitive river campsites in the DWGNRA, including Jerry Lees, historically had "no fees and no reservations" on a first-come, first-served basis within designated zones. This makes them highly affordable. However, NPS policy can change. Always confirm the current fee structure.
• Zonal Permit System (Current): The NPS has implemented a "zonal reservation system for primitive river campsites." This system allows visitors to "purchase a permit within a designated zone" and then select an available campsite within that zone upon arrival. While there might be a fee for the zone permit, this system helps manage usage and ensures availability within a designated area, offering predictability.
• Limited to One Night Per Site/Zone: To ensure equitable access and maintain the primitive nature, camping is generally "limited to one night per campsite (zone)." For longer trips, campers must move to another zone. This policy ensures more people get to experience these unique sites.
• America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series: While these passes primarily cover entrance fees at other national parks, they are worth mentioning for frequent visitors to federal lands. They do not directly discount primitive river campsite permits in the DWGNRA, but they enhance the overall value of visiting national recreation areas.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees and the permit process for Jerry Lees Campsites #33-34, it is essential to consult the official National Park Service website for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or recreation.gov. Changes in fees and reservation policies are common for federal lands.

For information regarding National Park Service - Delaware River - Jerry Lees - Campsites #33-34, the primary contact would be the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area headquarters, as these are primitive sites managed by the NPS.

• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Main Information Line: (570) 426-2452
  • This is the main general information line for the entire recreation area, which can provide details on camping regulations, river conditions, and other park-related questions.
• Park Emergency Operations Center (for Overnight Parking Registration): 570-426-2457 (Monitored 24/7, for unable to register online or emergencies)
  • If you plan to leave a vehicle in an NPS parking lot overnight while camping at Jerry Lees, you must register your information, and this number can be used if online registration is not possible.
• Address: Lehman Township, PA 18328, USA
  • This is the general geographic address for the region where the campsites are located. Remember that these are boat-in sites, not directly accessible by vehicle at this address.
• Official Park Website: For the most current and comprehensive information, including river camping regulations, permit details, maps, and safety alerts, visit the National Park Service website for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: nps.gov/dewa.
• Reservations/Permits: While some sources indicate first-come, first-served within a zone, the most recent NPS information points to a zonal reservation system. Check recreation.gov for the ability to secure a permit for river camping zones within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. You would typically search for "Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River Primitive Campsites."

Always refer to the official NPS website and recreation.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information on accessing and utilizing these primitive campsites.

For Pennsylvanians, particularly those in the eastern and central regions, the National Park Service - Delaware River - Jerry Lees - Campsites #33-34 offer an exceptionally suitable and authentic primitive camping experience right in their backyard. This location provides a unique blend of adventure and serene escape that appeals to a specific kind of outdoor enthusiast.

The primary reason for its suitability is its direct river access and boat-in nature. This makes it an ideal destination for "river trippers" from Pennsylvania who enjoy paddling (canoeing, kayaking, rafting) or motorboating the Delaware. It integrates seamlessly with multi-day river excursions, providing convenient and scenic overnight stops. The sense of accomplishment that comes from paddling to your campsite and setting up in a truly natural, vehicle-free environment is incredibly rewarding.

Furthermore, the seclusion and rustic charm of Jerry Lees are significant draws. These sites are far from crowded developed campgrounds, offering a genuine escape into the wilderness. Reviews consistently highlight the "large enough" space for groups and the "ample firewood" from the natural surroundings, enhancing the authentic camping experience. The opportunity to "enjoy the wildlife" and the peace that comes from being directly by the river, with only the sounds of nature, is a powerful antidote to urban life.

Its location within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides access to a wealth of surrounding activities, including excellent fishing opportunities directly from the campsite and nearby hiking trails along creeks that connect to the broader McDade Recreational Trail. This allows for a diverse outdoor itinerary beyond just camping. While the sites are primitive and require self-sufficiency (especially regarding water and waste management), this is precisely what appeals to adventurous Pennsylvanians looking for a less commercialized, more immersive connection with nature. Jerry Lees Campsites #33-34 represent a true gem for those seeking an unadorned, unforgettable riverside camping adventure in Pennsylvania.

National Park Service - Delaware River - Jerry Lees - Campsites # 33-34

Lehman Township, PA 18328, USA