Secluded River Camping on the Delaware: Mill Creek Campsite #35 for PA Locals

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents seeking a truly authentic and secluded wilderness experience, the National Park Service - Delaware River - Mill Creek - Campsite #35 is a hidden gem within the sprawling beauty of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This is not a typical developed campground with recreational vehicles and full hookups; instead, it is an officially designated, primitive river campsite managed by the National Park Service (NPS). It caters specifically to those who value solitude, simplicity, and the unique experience of multi-day river trips or simply escaping the crowds.

Campsite #35 at Mill Creek is one of a limited number of river sites available along the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River, a vital part of the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border landscape. Its appeal lies in its rugged, minimalist setting, offering a chance to truly disconnect. Visitors here are trading modern convenience for a profound sense of isolation and immersion in nature, where the sounds of the flowing river and the wind through the trees replace the noise of everyday life. This campsite requires careful planning, a respect for ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, and a sense of adventure, promising an unparalleled experience for the prepared Pennsylvanian outdoors enthusiast.

Location and Accessibility

Mill Creek Campsite #35 is located within Lehman Township, PA 18328, USA. As a river campsite, its defining characteristic is that it is primarily accessible from the water. This makes it an essential stop or destination for those undertaking self-guided river trips via raft, kayak, canoe, or even tube along the Middle Delaware.

Unlike roadside campgrounds, direct vehicle access to Campsite #35 is generally not the intended or primary method of arrival. Campers typically launch their watercraft from one of the designated access points or liveries within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and paddle downriver to locate the site. This ensures a high degree of seclusion and minimizes the number of visitors, contributing to the private atmosphere noted by past users—a significant advantage over more populated land-based campgrounds. The specific Mill Creek site is on the Pennsylvania side of the river.

While the exact landing area may be small and challenging, as indicated by a prior user, successful navigation and beaching are part of the primitive camping challenge. Guests must be prepared for the realities of river travel, including checking current river conditions and safety regulations provided by the NPS, before embarking on their journey. This river-focused accessibility ensures that all guests are truly committed to a natural experience.

Services Offered

As a primitive river campsite, the services offered at Mill Creek Campsite #35 are deliberately minimal, focusing on core necessities and environmental preservation. Guests must be fully self-sufficient and prepared to bring everything they need, including drinking water and all supplies.

Designated Camp Pad: The site offers a designated, permitted area for pitching a tent, ensuring that camping activity is concentrated to prevent environmental impact.
Fire Ring: A fire ring is provided for the safe containment of campfires. However, campers must be aware of park fire restrictions, particularly during high forest-fire danger seasons, and must obtain/gather firewood responsibly.
Picnic Area: The site is generally furnished with a picnic table, offering a dedicated surface for food preparation and dining.
Seclusion: The most valuable service provided is the distance from other campsites, giving users an authentic, private, and quiet wilderness experience.
Required Reservations: Access to river campsites like #35 requires an advance reservation and fee payment through the official system (e.g., Recreation.gov). This is a mandatory service that ensures proper management and reduces environmental stress on the limited sites.
Toilet Facilities: While not explicitly stated for this single site, primitive river camping often involves very basic or vault toilet facilities nearby, or requires campers to follow strict NPS guidelines for human waste disposal (e.g., proper cathole digging).

Features / Highlights

Mill Creek Campsite #35 offers unique features that appeal directly to Pennsylvania locals looking for an escape from suburban or city life.

True Solitude: The key highlight is the seclusion and the feeling of being "truly on your own," a rare find in the increasingly crowded outdoor spaces of the mid-Atlantic.
Direct River Access: The site’s location provides immediate access to the Delaware River, perfect for fishing, swimming, or simply watching the water flow by. It is essential for planned multi-day river trips.
Scenic Views: Users report good views, taking advantage of the site's vantage point within the river valley, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Delaware Water Gap area.
Distinguished Natural Features: The presence of a "big beautiful maple tree" (as noted in one review) suggests the site has natural landmarks that provide shade and character.
Proximity to Attractions: While secluded, the site is within the greater Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, granting access to extensive hiking trails (including parts of the Appalachian Trail), historical sites, and other natural features upon exiting the river.
Primitive Experience: It offers a genuine primitive tent camping experience, requiring skill and preparedness, which is highly sought after by experienced outdoors people.

Contact Information

Since this site is managed by the National Park Service within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, direct site-specific phone numbers are not published. All reservations, regulations, and inquiries should be directed to the main NPS office or their designated reservation platform.

Address: Lehman Township, PA 18328, USA (The site itself is only accessible via the river; this address represents the general area.)

Phone: For general park information and permits, contact the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area main line, often found on the NPS website (a typical number for the park office is (570) 426-2440, though this should be verified on the official NPS site for current guidance).

Reservation Portal: Reservations are generally made online through the official government reservation platform, Recreation.gov.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Mill Creek Campsite #35 is an unparalleled escape for Pennsylvania locals who are experienced campers and paddlers. For those living in the densely populated areas of Eastern and Central PA, this site offers genuine wilderness solitude that few other nearby locations can match. Its river-only accessibility acts as a natural filter, ensuring that only the most prepared and adventurous reach its tranquil shores. It provides a unique opportunity to complete a self-supported multi-day river trip—a cherished Pennsylvania outdoor tradition—without the interruption of large crowds.

For local outdoorsmen and women, it’s a chance to practice essential skills, from safe food storage in bear country to navigating the river and properly managing a primitive camp. The beauty of the Delaware River valley is on full display here, making it an ideal local destination for a challenging, restorative, and profoundly quiet retreat into the heart of the Commonwealth’s natural treasures. It’s an immersion experience, demanding preparedness but rewarding visitors with an unforgettable connection to the Delaware Water Gap wilderness.