Alosa Campsites
4.0712 reviewsDelaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324, USA
Alosa Campsites
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Tent-only sites are $16 per night during the peak season (April 18 - November 12). A $10 non-refundable service fee applies for modifications or cancellations. Late cancellations incur an additional $10 fee and loss of the first night's use fee.
About this campground
Escape to the exclusive Alosa Campsites, where your adventure begins with a boat journey across the Delaware River. Tucked away on the river's western shore within the pristine Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, these secluded, reservation-only sites offer the ultimate riverside retreat. Perfect for paddlers embarking on multi-day river expeditions, Alosa provides a tranquil basecamp accessible only by water, ensuring an intimate connection with nature far from the crowds.
The Alosa Campsites cater to primitive camping for boaters on multi-day river trips. The campsites are specifically designed for tent camping and do not accommodate RVs or vehicles.
Historical SignificanceThe campground takes its evocative name from the American Shad (Alosa sapidissima), the silvery fish that has sustained communities along the Delaware for centuries. Each spring, these remarkable fish return from the Atlantic Ocean to spawn in these very waters, continuing an ancient migration pattern that has shaped both the river's ecology and the cultural heritage of the Delaware Valley.
Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens the campground with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, creating ideal conditions for wildlife watching and comfortable camping. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for river activities and evening campfires under the stars. Fall transforms the surrounding hardwood forest into a spectacular canvas of amber and crimson, with crisp air that makes for exceptional hiking weather. The campground closes during winter months when cold conditions make river access challenging.
ElevationPerched on a natural river terrace, the campsites occupy a gently elevated bench that provides both proximity to the water and protection from seasonal flooding, offering campers the best of riverside camping.
Natural Features and ScenerySet beneath a magnificent canopy of mature hardwood trees, Alosa Campsites blend seamlessly into the forest landscape. The towering oaks, maples, and hickories create a natural cathedral that shelters campers while providing habitat for playful eastern gray squirrels and graceful white-tailed deer. Black bears occasionally wander through, reminding visitors of the wild heart of this protected area. Above, the piercing cry of bald eagles echoes across the water as these majestic birds patrol the river corridor, offering lucky campers unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Geological RegionNestled within two of America's most treasured landscapes—the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River—Alosa sits at the intersection of dramatic geology and pristine wilderness. The surrounding hardwood forests cloak ancient ridges carved by millennia of river flow, while the Delaware itself winds through a landscape shaped by geological forces that created one of the East Coast's most scenic river valleys.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessed exclusively via boat and features steep, 10-foot banks that may make accessibility challenging for those with mobility concerns.
Sites SizeThe campsites are spacious, capable of accommodating several small to mid-size tents. R1 is a group site that holds up to 10 people, while other sites can hold up to six people each.
Sites PrivacySome user reviews noted that campsites are close together, which affects privacy. 'I wish they were a little more spread out,' commented one user.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose R5 for a peaceful experience and proximity to rapids. R1 is ideal for larger groups.
Best CampsitesR1 is spacious and can hold up to 10 people. Sites R5 and R6 are praised for peacefulness and proximity to wildlife.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to one night only, and only on legitimate multi-day river trips.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Reservation-only campsites have a maximum capacity of six people per site, except R1, which accommodates up to 10.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged near three boat take-outs serving two sites each. The steep, 10-foot bank requires boats to be pulled out manually. Sites are clearly numbered.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen and peak season: April 18 - November 12.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled check-in date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's use fee. Refunds are not issued for park closures.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
The Alosa Campsites offer a wide array of outdoor recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and birding, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as bald eagles. The surrounding Delaware River features calm waters with occasional riffles, making it suitable for beginner paddlers and relaxed river trips. Swimming is not advised at this location.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed on the Delaware River, but anglers must have a valid Pennsylvania or New Jersey fishing license. The area is known for its American Shad fisheries.Boating
The campsites are accessible only by boat. The Delaware River in this area is ideal for canoeing and kayaking, as it combines flat water with mild riffles suitable for various skill levels.Wildlife viewing
Campers have the chance to see wildlife such as eastern gray squirrels, white-tailed deer, black bears, and bald eagles.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing and kayaking are key activities at this site, given its boat-in access.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted only within designated steel fire rings. Only dead and downed wood may be used.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include unreliable cell phone coverage, black bears attracted by food, and fallen trees blocking some campsite entrances.
Active alertsNone listed.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
For emergencies, call the park's Communications Center at 1-800-543-4295. Cell phone coverage is unreliable in park boundaries.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 18 - November 12.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash facilities. Campers are required to pack out all trash, including food waste, as part of the park's Leave No Trace policy.
Proximity to water featuresCampsites are directly adjacent to the Delaware River, offering excellent boat-in access and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight challenges with navigating to campsites due to poor signage and fallen trees blocking some entrances. Porta-potties are reported as occasionally unclean.
HostNo host information available.
Campground Map
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324, USA
Driving directionsThe Alosa Campsites are located on the right-hand (west) shore of the Delaware River approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Bushkill Access, 1.2 miles downstream of the Rivers Bend Group Campground (left/east shore of river), and 2,000 feet downstream of Turtle Island, formerly called 'Sambo Island.' Stay to the left/east side of Turtle Island in the main channel of the river, then move to the right/west shoreline after passing the downstream end of the island. Watch for the large Alosa Campsite sign approximately 1,000 feet from the downstream end of Turtle Island.
Only accessible by boat; roads leading to the Delaware River access points are not described. Campers must travel via river for multi-day trips.Nearby places
Bushkill: approximately 2.5 miles upriver
Smithfield Beach: approximately 6 miles downriver.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are not explicitly stated in the source materials
estimated to be in Bushkill or Smithfield Beach area.
Camper Reviews
4.1
12 reviews
Alosa Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Alosa Campsites are mixed, with praise for the location's peaceful setting and spacious campsites, but criticism for the lack of signage and cleanliness of facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the natural setting and wildlife. 'The campsites were large and level. Very peaceful location,' said one user. Another noted, 'Great campsites... saw lots of eagles on our...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues included difficulty finding the campsites due to poor signage and discrepancies in provided coordinates. Multiple users also commented on the lack of cleanliness in portable toilets.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend double-checking directions and coordinates before arrival. Packing extra water and being prepared for carry-in/carry-out policies are also emphasized.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months received more positive reviews for the lush surroundings and mild river conditions. However, spring and fall trips noted challenges with finding the campsites due to fallen trees or...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'The porta-potties at the campsite were not clean at all.' - ASYA K. 'Nice grated fire ring. Lots of wildlife around.' - GENEVIEVE B. 'Great campsites for a river trip.' - TYLER K.
Based on 12 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The R1 site is praised for its spaciousness and ability to accommodate up to 10 people. Campsites R5 and R2 received positive feedback for their proximity to nature and peaceful setting. However,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Access to the campsites requires navigating steep banks and is limited to boaters, making it less suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025