Delaware State Forest campsite #E014, Dingmans Ferry, PA

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents who value true wilderness, solitude, and an authentic "primitive" outdoor experience, Delaware State Forest Campsite #E014 offers a compelling opportunity. Located in the massive 84,214-acre Delaware State Forest—part of the stunning Pocono Plateau—this site is a designated motorized, roadside campsite. Unlike the heavily developed State Parks or private campgrounds, this location is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry to provide a low-density, secluded experience.

Campsite #E014 is not a highly manicured park site but a maintained clearing designed for self-sufficient campers. The site itself is described as a mixture of grassy clearing and forest, making it highly versatile for pitching multiple tents. It is capable of supporting small groups, offering a sense of privacy often lost in conventional campgrounds. This type of camping is considered primitive, meaning there are no modern hookups or central restroom facilities, placing the responsibility of conservation and sanitation entirely on the user. For the seasoned Pennsylvania outdoors enthusiast, this site represents the perfect blend of accessibility (as a motorized site) and wilderness immersion.

Location and Accessibility

The site’s location is one of its greatest assets for locals looking to explore the famed Pike and Monroe Counties region.

The general address associated with this camping area is:

810 Silver Lake Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA

Geographic Setting:

Campsite #E014 is situated within the Edgemere area of the Delaware State Forest. The surrounding forest is characterized by rolling hills, remote glacial lakes, and dense wooded tracts typical of the Pocono Plateau. The nearest town is Dingmans Ferry, which provides a convenient point of reference and is a known gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA).

Accessibility:

The site is classified as a "motorized, roadside campsite," meaning a vehicle can access the immediate vicinity for transportation and storage. This is a significant convenience for campers, as equipment does not need to be backpacked in over long distances. However, potential visitors should be prepared for the fact that access roads within the State Forest are typically remote dirt and gravel forest roads. While generally accessible by most highway vehicles, caution and confident driving are recommended, especially with large trailers or in adverse weather.

Crucially, the location offers highly convenient proximity to major outdoor destinations:

Delaware State Forest: You are already there, with access to nearly 200 miles of shared-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, and more.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA): This vast area, featuring the Delaware River and its renowned hiking opportunities, is just minutes away by car, making the campsite an ideal basecamp.

Services Offered

As a primitive camping experience managed by the DCNR, the services offered are minimal, focusing on essential facilities to maintain the wilderness experience and site integrity.

Reservation and Permit System: Camping is by permit and reservation only. This must be secured online or by phone through the official PA State Parks and Forests Reservation system well in advance.
Designated Parking: Each site includes designated parking for a maximum of two vehicles nearby, ensuring convenience without damaging the forest floor.
Basic Site Furnishings: Every motorized campsite, including E014, is typically furnished with two essential items:
- A metal campfire ring (firewood must be sourced from dead and down wood on-site, not removed from the forest, and often requires a permit during spring fire season).
- A wooden picnic table.
Primitive/Roadside Camping Only: No modern hookups are provided. This includes:
- NO electric hookups.
- NO potable water source at the site (campers must bring all their own water).
- NO restrooms or bathhouse facilities (campers must use a self-contained toilet or follow Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal).
Waste Management: All sites operate on a "carry in, carry out" policy for all trash and litter.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #E014’s primary highlights are centered on its seclusion, natural setting, and access to an unparalleled recreational landscape.

High Seclusion and Privacy: State Forest motorized sites are designed to be separated from one another, ensuring a tranquil and private outdoor experience far removed from the crowds and noise of large commercial campgrounds.
Versatile Tent Pitching Area: The site features both a grassy clearing and a wooded section, offering campers flexibility for setting up multiple tents, maximizing comfort for small groups.
Direct Access to PA Wilds: You are immediately surrounded by 84,214 acres of state forest land, providing endless opportunities for hiking, hunting (in season), nature photography, and wildlife observation.
Proximity to Major Waterways: The site is a short drive from numerous lakes and ponds—such as Pecks Pond and Lake Minisink—known for paddling and warm-water fishing, as well as clear mountain streams that offer excellent trout fishing.
Unplug and Recharge Opportunity: Cell phone signal may be highly spotty or non-existent, intentionally fostering a genuine opportunity to disconnect from digital life and fully engage with the natural environment.
Motorized Access for Convenience: Despite the primitive nature, the ability to park a vehicle nearby means you can easily store gear and supplies, blending the best aspects of car camping with a wilderness location.

Contact Information

For permitting, rules, and general inquiries regarding camping in the Delaware State Forest, Pennsylvania locals should contact the DCNR's District Forest Office. Specific site information for E014 is handled entirely through the state’s reservation system.

Physical Location of Campsite:

Delaware State Forest Campsite #E014, near 810 Silver Lake Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA

Delaware State Forest District Office (For General Inquiries and Rules):

Address: 2391 Resica Falls Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 (Note: This is the office address, not the campsite location.)

Phone: (570) 895-4000

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Delaware State Forest Campsite #E014 is an ideal destination for Pennsylvania residents—particularly those in the eastern half of the state—who are experienced in camping and seek a truly authentic, self-reliant outdoor adventure.

This site is highly suitable because it provides:

Affordable Wilderness Access: State Forest motorized camping is an inexpensive way for local families and groups to access some of the most beautiful, undeveloped public lands in the state, offering high value for the budget-conscious outdoor enthusiast.
A True Primitive Challenge: It demands self-sufficiency—carrying in all water and carrying out all waste—which appeals to the independent, prepared Pennsylvanian camper who adheres to Leave No Trace principles. This level of solitude and responsibility is a significant draw.
Central Hub for Pocono Recreation: Located centrally to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the vast Delaware State Forest trails, it serves as the perfect basecamp for multi-day excursions involving hiking, fishing, or simply exploring the deep Pocono wilderness.

For the local who sees camping as an escape from the ordinary and a chance to truly test their skills in a secluded, pristine, and well-maintained natural environment, Campsite #E014 in the Delaware State Forest is one of the best available options in Pennsylvania.