highline campsite E-9, Dingmans Ferry, PA

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvanian outdoors enthusiasts who yearn for solitude and a genuine connection with the wilderness without having to backpack miles to their destination, Highline Campsite E-9 offers an exceptional solution. This site is one of the designated "Motorized, Roadside Campsites" managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry within the extensive Delaware State Forest. It is important for locals to understand that this is a primitive site—it is not a developed campground with modern amenities like flush toilets or electric hookups.

Campsite E-9, often listed officially as E009, is specifically located off High-Line Road in the Edgemere section of the State Forest. The primary appeal of this type of camping is its remoteness and low-density environment. It provides a unique balance: you can use your vehicle to transport gear right to the vicinity of your campsite, but you are still deep within the 84,214 acres of the Pocono Plateau's unspoiled natural landscape. This blend of accessibility and seclusion makes it highly sought after, offering what one customer review rightly calls a "great campsite for a great price," prioritizing experience over convenience.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite E-9 is strategically positioned within the heart of the Delaware State Forest, providing an immediate gateway to the region's vast network of trails and natural features.

The general address for the area is:

High-Line Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA

Geographic Setting:

The campsite is located in Pike County, a part of the Pocono region famous for its glacial lakes, wetlands, and extensive mixed hardwood forests. The area surrounding High-Line Road is characterized by rolling hills and remote forest roads, providing a true escape from urban life. The Delaware State Forest itself borders the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, placing world-class hiking, fishing, and boating within minutes of the campsite.

Accessibility for Campers:

The site’s classification as a "motorized, roadside campsite" means it is directly accessible by a vehicle, which can be used for storage. Campsite E-9 specifically allows a maximum vehicle length of up to 40 feet, suggesting it may accommodate larger tents, small RVs, or trailers, though the driveway surface is grass, and the grade is described as slight. Campers should be aware that the access roads leading to High-Line Road and the individual campsite can be dirt and gravel forest roads. For some state forest sites, a 4WD vehicle may be recommended, though E-9's reported allowance for 40-foot equipment suggests it is on a more substantial access road. All campers are advised to carry a paper map and investigate the route before attempting access, especially with large setups.

Services Offered

In keeping with the DCNR’s commitment to primitive state forest camping, services at Highline Campsite E-9 are intentionally limited to promote self-sufficiency and preservation of the natural environment.

Permit and Reservation System: A valid permit, obtained via advance reservation through the official Pennsylvania State Park and Forest Reservation System, is mandatory for all stays. Reservations can typically be made up to eleven months in advance.
Basic Site Infrastructure: The site is provided with fundamental amenities for a safe and controlled primitive experience:
- One metal fire ring (often equipped with a grill grate).
- One wooden picnic table.
Vehicle Accommodation: Parking is designated for up to two vehicles, maximizing the number of campers (up to 10 people maximum) that can comfortably utilize the secluded spot.
No Modern Utilities: Campers must be entirely self-contained. The site explicitly does NOT include:
- NO electric hookups.
- NO water hookups or potable water (campers must bring all necessary water).
- NO sewer or septic hookups.
- NO restrooms or bathhouse facilities (campers are required to use self-contained toilets or follow DCNR guidelines for human waste disposal).
Waste Policy: All campsites in the Delaware State Forest are carry in, carry out. Campers are fully responsible for removing all trash and refuse generated during their stay.

Features / Highlights

The features of Highline Campsite E-9 are defined by its environment—providing a true, uncrowded natural experience within the beauty of the Pocono Plateau.

Exceptional Privacy: Designated motorized sites are deliberately spaced out, ensuring that campers at E-9 experience a high degree of seclusion and quiet, making it ideal for those escaping crowded life.
Affordable Access to Quality Camping: The affordability of state forest camping, highlighted by customer reviews, ensures a low barrier to entry for local residents seeking high-quality outdoor recreation.
Gateway to Vast Trail System: The campsite sits within a district featuring over 100 miles of shared-use trails, including popular nearby systems like the Thunder Swamp Trail, perfect for hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in season.
Proximity to Fishing and Paddling: The site is close to the glacial lakes and ponds characteristic of the Pocono Plateau, such as Pecks Pond and Lake Minisink, which offer excellent opportunities for fishing and paddling.
Wildlife Viewing and Safety: The forest is rich in wildlife, including bears. This necessitates strict adherence to rules for appropriate food storage, reminding campers to secure all food appropriately to maintain the safety and integrity of the forest ecosystem.
Disconnection from the Grid: Cellular phone coverage in this state forest area is often unreliable or unavailable, a feature many local campers appreciate as a forced opportunity to completely unplug and fully focus on their surroundings.

Contact Information

Reservations for Highline Campsite E-9 must be processed through the official Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website or call center. For general rules, permits, or emergency information pertaining to the site, campers should contact the local District Forest Office.

Campsite Location (Approximate):

Highline Campsite E-9 (E009), near High-Line Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA

Delaware State Forest District Office (Permits and Rules):

Address: 2391 Resica Falls Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 (Primary administrative office)

Phone: (570) 895-4000

Reservation Contact (State-Wide System):

Phone: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Highline Campsite E-9 in the Delaware State Forest is perfectly suited for experienced Pennsylvania residents who cherish the integrity of the state’s natural lands.

Value for the Prepared Camper: Locals who already own the necessary self-contained camping gear (water jugs, portable sanitation, etc.) will find this site offers incredible value. The low reservation fee for a secluded spot in a massive state forest makes it an ideal, recurring destination for weekend getaways.

Ultimate Outdoor Training Ground: This primitive, regulatory environment—which mandates proper fire precautions, food storage, and waste removal—reinforces responsible outdoor ethics. It is an excellent place for seasoned locals to teach younger family members or newer campers the crucial skills of wilderness survival and Leave No Trace principles.

Authentic Pocono Experience: The campsite provides a quiet, authentic base for accessing the full breadth of the Pocono Plateau’s recreational opportunities, from trout fishing in mountain streams to exploring scenic vistas. For the Pennsylvania native, E-9 is not just a place to sleep; it is a remote, personal connection to the rugged, beautiful heart of the Commonwealth’s state forest lands.