Where can you kayak camp in Pennsylvania? This question surfaces countless times in paddling forums and around campfires, and for good reason. Pennsylvania’s vast network of waterways offers opportunities that range from wilderness adventures to family-friendly getaways, yet finding the right spot requires local knowledge that many paddlers lack.
During my early years exploring these waters, I learned that Pennsylvania holds hidden gems most paddlers never discover. The key lies in understanding which waterways offer legitimate overnight camping options versus those that simply provide day paddling experiences.
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Where can you kayak camp in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers numerous exceptional kayak camping locations, with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area providing 62 primitive campsites along the Delaware River, and Pine Creek in the PA Grand Canyon offering multiple primitive camping areas accessible by paddlers. Raystown Lake, the state’s largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania, provides boat-accessible camping at Nancy’s campground and other shoreline locations.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River offers 62 primitive campsites located along the Delaware River running through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Starting at the launch area at Milford Beach, paddlers can kayak downstream in remote waters for 12-13 miles before reaching campsites for the first night of camping on the water. Edge of the Woods Outfitters recommends the 20-mile trip from Dingmans Ferry Access, ending at Smithfield Beach Access as the most scenic section of river.
The beauty of Delaware Water Gap kayak camping lies in its accessibility and variety. The next day, paddlers can kayak about 6-7 more miles before reaching Walpack Bend where there are ample amounts of spacious campsites along the New Jersey side of the river. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has a zonal reservation system for primitive river campsites, though many operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pine Creek – Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Pine Creek in North Central Pennsylvania offers a paddling experience through Pine Creek Gorge, the famous “Grand Canyon of PA”, a beautiful weaving stretch of water which cuts deeply through the Allegheny Mountains. Free camping along the creek is allowed in many areas, with places like Tiadaghton Access Area, Hoffman Campground Area, and Bonnell Flats Camping Area including primitive camping with restrooms, water, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Tiadaghton State Forest has nine non-motorized boat launches along Pine Creek, with eight considered soft launches accessible by carrying your canoe or kayak to the stream. One launch—located at Tomb Flats—allows users to back a vehicle to the water’s edge to deploy watercraft. Permits are required, so paddlers should book online to obtain a permit in advance.
Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake, spanning 8,300 acres as the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania, provides excellent kayak camping opportunities. The paddle from the Aitch launch site to Nancy’s campground covers about 3.5 miles and takes a leisurely 1.15 hours. Seven Points Recreation area, located in the central region of Raystown Lake, offers camping loops with waterfront access where overnight boat mooring passes are available to campers for free.
Campers with waterfront sites can moor boats along the shoreline in Seven Points camping loops, Twin Hollows, and the bay area north of the Seven Points Launch. The lake’s numerous coves and protected areas provide excellent overnight anchoring spots for kayak campers seeking solitude.
Allegheny Reservoir
The Allegheny Reservoir features five primitive campsites that can only be reached by hiking or boating: Hopewell, Handsome Lake, Pine Grove, Hooks Brook, and Morrison. The scenery and undeveloped shoreline makes the reservoir an ideal kayaking destination, perfect for an overnight trip where kayakers can stay at one of the boat-accessible campsites.
This small rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir and is accessible by boat via the Allegheny Reservoir. Lush green forest surrounds the 7,647-acre reservoir that spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York, with 91 miles of shoreline at normal summer pool level.
Allegheny River Water Trail
The Middle Allegheny River Water Trail is 107 river miles long, starting at Kinzua Dam and ending at the community of Emlenton. Danner’s Rest/Clear Creek State Forest offers primitive overnight camping at Danner’s Rest for float trips, as well as hiking trails, restrooms, spring water and day-use areas.
There are lots of places paddlers can stop for a rest or set up camp along the way, with the National Forest lands and many of the small islands being accessible for overnight camping. However, camping is not allowed on areas marked as private land or on any State Game Lands.
State Parks with Lake Camping
Several Pennsylvania state parks offer kayak-accessible camping around their lakes. Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania’s third-largest lake covering 5,700 acres, offers numerous coves, islands, and secluded areas to explore. Any Pennsylvania state park that has a lake more than 10 acres in size has opportunities for canoeing and flat-water boating.
Little Pine State Park in Lycoming County near Waterville features a lake just above the campground and dam, with a boat launch accessible from the picnic area. Hickory Run State Park features Sand Spring Lake, a serene 14-acre lake where kayakers can paddle along tranquil waters, surrounded by lush forests and stunning rock formations.
Conclusion
Last September, I spent three days paddling Pine Creek from Ansonia to Blackwell, camping at Bonnell Flats on my second night. The morning mist rising from the gorge as coffee brewed over my camp stove reminded me why following a solid location guide transforms any kayak camping trip from guesswork into genuine adventure. Whether you choose the primitive riverside sites of Delaware Water Gap or the boat-in solitude of Allegheny Reservoir, Pennsylvania’s diverse waterways offer kayak campers experiences that range from weekend getaways to multi-day wilderness journeys that create lasting memories.
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