Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Hike Appalachian ridges and camp beside the Delaware River where it cuts through forested mountains.

Arrival airport
ABE
Airport drive
1 h 1 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–3 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Standard vehicles are fine for main routes; check rental terms for driving on unpaved portions of Old Mine Road.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Know before you go

Trailhead Congestion

Popular lots like Mount Tammany frequently reach capacity by 9 AM; have a secondary destination ready.

Gorge Dead Zones

Cellular reception is extremely limited within the deep gorge and along river-level trails; download maps offline.

Gateway Supplies

Refuel in Stroudsburg or Blairstown; there are no gas stations within the Recreation Area boundaries.

Peak Foliage

Mid-October brings heavy traffic for leaf-peeping; mid-week visits offer a significantly quieter experience.

River Conditions

High water levels may close launch sites; always check the river stage via official USGS or NPS links.

Check current conditions:National Park Service

2RVs, campervans & cars near ABE

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Airbus A220-300.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to ABE

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at ABE
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at ABE

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at ABE
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at ABE
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at ABE

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at ABE
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

  1. 01

    New Jersey Ridges

    Suggested: 8 AM from Blairstown

    • Mount Tammany

      Ascend the Red Dot Trail for the signature view overlooking the Gap and the Delaware River.

    • Old Mine Road

      Drive sections of one of the oldest commercial roads in the US to see historic copper mine sites.

    Allow 60–90 minutes; mountain roads are narrow and seasonal closures are frequent.

    Parking at Dunnfield Creek fills very early on weekends.

    Pick up your vehicle at ABE →
  2. 02

    Pennsylvania Waterfalls

    Suggested: 9 AM from Stroudsburg

    • Dingmans Falls

      Walk the boardwalk trail to see the second highest waterfall in Pennsylvania.

    • Raymondskill Falls

      Visit the three-tiered cascade, which is the tallest waterfall in the state.

    Allow 60–80 minutes; local bridge crossings between NJ and PA may have weight limits.

    Check NPS alerts for seasonal boardwalk maintenance or ice closures.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    River Corridors

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Delaware Water Gap Borough

    • McDade Recreational Trail

      Hike or bike this multi-use path that parallels the river and passes through diverse habitats.

    • Smithfield Beach

      Utilize the river access for a designated swimming area or boat launch point.

    Allow 30–50 minutes; river levels can impact road access near the banks.

    Life jackets are required for all river activities; check current water quality advisories.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

River Access and Campground Reservation Guidelines

Camping within the National Recreation Area requires advance booking through official federal platforms; river primitive campsites have specific arrival rules. Daily amenity fees apply at certain expanded sites like Smithfield Beach; check the official NPS site for the current reservation status of trails and parking.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

ABEDelaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Lehigh Valley International Airport · 1 h 1 min drive

Find flights to ABE

Plan your road trip

From Lehigh Valley International Airport

1 h 1 min

about 43 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Delaware Water Gap on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Delaware Water Gap on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Delaware Water Gap

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Explore guided activities around Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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