National Park Service - Mashipacong Island - Campsite # 1, Montague, NJ

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents seeking a truly authentic, self-sufficient wilderness experience, the National Park Service’s Mashipacong Island Campsite #1 offers an unparalleled opportunity. Situated in the northern reaches of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA), this site is the epitome of primitive river camping. It is not a roadside campground with amenities, but a secluded, water-access-only destination specifically designed for those exploring the Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River by canoe, kayak, or raft.

Mashipacong Island is part of the extensive river camping network within the DWGNRA, which provides 62 designated primitive campsites across five zones. Campsite #1 is one of these carefully maintained, low-impact sites, dedicated to preserving the unspoiled natural beauty of the river corridor. Its location in Montague, NJ, places it firmly in the gorgeous, rugged landscape of Sussex County. This is the ideal spot for paddlers who measure their distance in river miles and value the deep solitude of sleeping under the stars along the banks of one of the longest free-flowing rivers east of the Mississippi.

Camping here requires a spirit of self-reliance and adherence to National Park Service 'Leave No Trace' principles. The reward is a unique tranquility—fewer crowds, a serene river soundtrack, and an escape from the noise and complexity of daily life. For the adventurous New Jersey local, Mashipacong Island represents the ultimate opportunity to truly 'get off the grid' without venturing far from home.

Location and Accessibility

Mashipacong Island Campsite #1 is located along the Delaware River near Montague, New Jersey, within the federally protected boundary of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, its address is purely for administrative purposes; physical access is only possible by watercraft.

Accessing this campsite is an adventure in itself, making it uniquely suited for the paddling community in New Jersey. Campers must reach the island by canoe, kayak, or raft. This requirement ensures the island maintains a high degree of seclusion, filtering out casual campers and preserving the primitive nature of the experience.

The site falls into River Campsite Zone 1, which stretches from the Northern Park Boundary down to Milford Beach. When planning a trip to Mashipacong Island, New Jersey users must first calculate their river miles. The National Park Service mandates a minimum distance of at least 14 river miles for a one-night trip, 26 miles for a two-night trip, and 34 miles for a three-night trip to qualify for river camping. Overnight parking is available at designated river access points for those launching their boats, and it is a requirement to register vehicle information with the park’s emergency operations center prior to an overnight stay.

Services Offered

In line with its designation as a primitive river campsite, Mashipacong Island Campsite #1 offers very limited, but essential, services. The focus is on providing a designated, low-impact base camp for self-sufficient paddlers. Visitors must arrive prepared to be entirely self-contained.

Primitive Campsite Designation: The site is identified by a small brown symbolic sign and an existing fire grate, marking an authorized spot for overnight tent camping.
Basic Fire Grates: Fires are permitted only in the existing steel fire grates to minimize impact. Campers are instructed to use only dead and downed wood and keep fires small, with the suggestion to use a camp stove instead.
Tent Space: The site is generally spacious, designed to accommodate up to ten persons and a maximum of five tents per site, ensuring ample room without overcrowding.
Pack In, Pack Out Requirement: No trash or recycling services are provided. All visitors are required to pack out all trash, including all food and food waste, maintaining the pristine environment.
Toilet Facilities: Note that many of the primitive campsites along the river may not have permanent facilities. Campers must adhere to strict guidelines for human waste disposal, requiring burial at least 300 feet away from the water and covered with at least six inches of soil.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Mashipacong Island Campsite #1 are not found in infrastructure, but in the unparalleled natural environment it unlocks for the New Jersey adventurer.

Water-Access Seclusion: The requirement of access via canoe or kayak guarantees a genuine wilderness retreat, providing exceptional solitude and a deep break from the congestion common in the New Jersey-Pennsylvania region.
Middle Delaware River Experience: As a designated primitive site on a National Scenic & Recreational River, it offers an immersive way to experience the Delaware Water Gap—paddling, fishing, and watching wildlife along an unspoiled riverbank.
Genuine Primitive Camping: This is pure tent camping where you truly connect with nature. The island's dense greenery provides natural shade and an enhanced feeling of being miles from civilization.
Compliance with National Park Standards: As a site managed by the National Park Service, visitors can trust that the area is protected and regulated to ensure the long-term preservation of the natural and scenic resources.
Stargazing Opportunities: Away from the light pollution of nearby metropolitan areas, the night sky over Mashipacong Island offers spectacular views for New Jersey astronomy enthusiasts.

Contact Information

Since the location is a primitive site managed under the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, direct phone contact for the specific island campsite is not available. The best point of contact for information, permits, and river conditions is the National Park Service headquarters or the reservation system.

Primary Information & Reservation Point: Recreation.gov (search for "Middle Delaware National Scenic & Recreational River Primitive Campsites")

NPS Park Headquarters Phone: (570) 426-2452 (For general park and river inquiries)

Emergency Operations Center: 570-426-2457 (For overnight vehicle registration)

Address (Reference Location): 1914-000010000-000930000, 00000, Montague, NJ 07827, USA

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Mashipacong Island Campsite #1 is uniquely suitable for New Jersey locals because it provides a true wilderness decompression chamber within an easily accessible regional travel zone. For residents of North and Central Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap represents a convenient, multi-day escape into a federally protected landscape.

This is the perfect destination for experienced New Jersey paddlers, backpackers, and self-reliant campers who find developed campgrounds too crowded. It forces a complete disconnection—no roads, no RVs, and minimal infrastructure—allowing for a deep, restorative connection with nature. Furthermore, securing a permit within the river camping zone offers spontaneity: once the zone permit is secured, paddlers have the freedom to select any available site, like Mashipacong Island Campsite #1, upon arrival. This National Park Service experience is a valuable local resource, delivering genuine adventure and pristine natural beauty just a short drive from the suburbs, cementing its role as a premier destination for adventurous New Jersey outdoor enthusiasts.