National Park Service - Delaware River - Ratcliffs - Campsites # 52-54

- Layton, NJ 07851

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey’s most dedicated paddlers and wilderness enthusiasts, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) offers a unique set of primitive campsites only accessible from the river. Among these are the National Park Service - Delaware River - Ratcliffs Campsites, specifically sites #52-54, located on the New Jersey side near Layton. These sites are not a typical drive-up campground but form part of the Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River's network of primitive, boat-in/boat-out overnight stops.

The Ratcliffs sites are intended for those undertaking multi-day canoe or kayak trips who require a legally permitted stopover point. A key requirement for using any of the river campsites is that the total distance traveled must meet specific minimum mileages (e.g., at least 14 miles for a one-night trip), reinforcing that this is an experience for genuine river adventurers. Camping is limited to one night per site to ensure equitable access along the river corridor.

It is crucial for New Jersey users to understand that “primitive” means truly rustic. Visitors' experiences highlight the raw, undeveloped nature of these specific sites. Campsites #52-54 have historically been described as overgrown and challenging to access, often requiring extra effort to clear space for a tent. This destination is best suited for experienced campers who are fully prepared for a rugged, non-maintained environment, where preparedness for insects, rough terrain, and high vegetation is essential to the enjoyment of the spectacular views and quiet solitude of the Delaware River.

Location and Accessibility

Ratcliffs Campsites #52-54 are nestled on the bank of the Delaware River in Layton, NJ 07851, within the boundaries of the DWGNRA. Their location is part of the charm and the challenge. They are strictly designated as boat-in/boat-out sites, meaning there is no vehicle access to the actual campsite locations. Access is gained solely from the river, typically after launching a watercraft (canoe, kayak, or raft) from one of the designated access points upstream.

For New Jersey paddlers, this area falls within the established river camping zones of the DWGNRA. Campers must secure a permit for a designated zone—in this case, along the New Jersey shoreline—and select an available site within that zone upon arrival. This provides a balance of pre-planning and spontaneity for river trippers.

However, accessibility to the campsites themselves can be difficult. As reported by those who have stayed here, the riverbank can be a "steep muddy incline" or a challenging "shale-type outcropping" that is "rough on gear and humans both." Site #54, for example, features a steep, muddy incline of about 30 feet above the water. Users must be physically prepared to haul gear up to the tent-pitching area. Furthermore, the campsites are often "completely overgrown" with waist-high weeds and grasses, suggesting that the initial arrival may involve some minor trail clearing to safely establish a camp. This highlights the need for appropriate footwear and a high tolerance for bugs and ticks due to the dense vegetation.

Services Offered

The National Park Service provides only the most basic infrastructure at the Ratcliffs primitive river campsites, focusing on fire safety and minimizing environmental impact. Campers from New Jersey should plan to be entirely self-sufficient, treating this as a backcountry experience.

The primary "services" available at Ratcliffs Campsites #52-54 include:

• Designated Fire Grates: Small fires are strictly permitted only in the existing steel fire grates provided at the site, with a prohibition on bringing in outside firewood.
• Capacity Limits: Each primitive campsite is limited to a maximum of ten (10) persons and five (5) tents, ensuring the preservation of the site's natural state.
• Waste Management: This is a strict "Pack-It-In, Pack-It-Out" area. No trash collection is provided. All litter, food waste, and garbage must be carried out by the camper.
• Sanitation Guidelines: There are no restrooms or toilets at these primitive sites. Campers are required to bury human waste (including pet waste) at least six inches deep and at least 300 feet away from any water source.
• Water Source: No potable (drinking) water is available. Campers must bring all necessary water or be equipped with proper filtration/purification methods for river water, which must be boiled for at least three minutes for safety.

Features / Highlights

Despite the rustic nature and access challenges, the Ratcliffs Campsites offer compelling features for a truly authentic New Jersey wilderness adventure:

• Unparalleled River Immersion: The sites provide an intimate, secluded view and access to the Delaware River, offering the tranquil beauty of the Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River corridor.
• Authentic Primitive Experience: This is the most rugged camping style available in the DWGNRA. It is ideal for experienced river campers and groups testing their backcountry skills, requiring preparation for high weeds, difficult access, and intense insect activity.
• Views and Solitude: Being accessible only by boat ensures a level of quiet solitude rarely found at developed campgrounds. Visitors who clear a space are rewarded with excellent views and a peaceful, natural setting.
• Boater-Specific Convenience: The campsites serve a vital purpose for long-distance paddlers, allowing them to break up a multi-day trip legally and safely along the New Jersey riverbank.
• Wildlife Opportunity: The seclusion and wild, overgrown nature of the sites increase the likelihood of spotting native wildlife, contributing to a genuine wilderness encounter.

Contact Information

As these sites are managed by the National Park Service, all inquiries and permits are handled through the DWGNRA. Note that reservations for a river zone permit are required prior to your trip.

Address:

Layton, NJ 07851, USA (Located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area)

Phone:

For general information about river camping in the DWGNRA, contact the park's main visitor information line. Numbers are subject to change, but general park information can typically be found by searching for the DWGNRA.

Permits:

Permits must be reserved online through the official government recreation website for the Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River Primitive Campsites.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Jersey residents, Ratcliffs Campsites #52-54 represent the pinnacle of primitive river adventure available close to home. They are perfectly suited for the experienced local paddler or camper who finds the solitude and challenge of a truly undeveloped site to be the ultimate reward. While the user reviews clearly indicate that these sites are not for the faint of heart—requiring physical effort to clear the ground, manage steep access points, and combat dense vegetation and insects—they offer an unparalleled escape from the more developed amenities found elsewhere. This destination is an authentic testing ground for self-sufficient campers who adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles, offering a deep immersion into the raw, unspoiled nature of the Delaware River corridor in the New Jersey highlands. For those who embrace the rugged nature of this environment, the Ratcliffs sites provide an unmatched, unforgettable wilderness experience just a short drive from the rest of the state.

National Park Service - Delaware River - Ratcliffs - Campsites # 52-54

Layton, NJ 07851, USA