River Bend Group Campground

- Layton, NJ 07851

Introduction / Overview

For residents of New Jersey looking to trade the coastline for the deep woods, the River Bend Group Campground in Layton offers a unique, primitive escape perfect for large parties, families, and scout groups. Tucked away on the New Jersey side of the vast and stunning Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, this site is a true "back-to-basics" car camping destination. It provides a refreshing opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourselves in the natural landscape of the Kittatinny Mountains region.

Unlike more developed campgrounds with full amenities, River Bend caters to the dedicated camper who values space, seclusion, and the rugged beauty of the national park setting. It is specifically designed as a 'Group Tent Only' area, with each of the five campsites accommodating between 5 and 25 people, making it an ideal venue for a large weekend gathering. As one Jersey camper noted, the site is "really nice. A lot of space," confirming its ability to handle big groups comfortably. The environment is described as a "Secluded car camp ground" with large, usable fire pits and plenty of room for large tents.

It is important for New Jersey residents planning a trip here to understand the nature of this primitive site. While it offers essential facilities—vault toilets and seasonal, potable water—it is not a full-service resort. This rustic character is a major part of its appeal, encouraging preparedness and self-reliance, hallmarks of the authentic camping experience. The campground's location right near the Delaware River and the Big Flatbrook Creek ensures easy access to paddling, fishing, and the area's rich hiking trails, promising a memorable outdoor adventure right in our own backyard.

Location and Accessibility

River Bend Group Campground boasts a pristine location within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA), situated specifically in Layton, NJ 07851. Its location is a significant draw for New Jersey locals, as it provides a relatively short drive to a genuinely secluded, deep-woods experience without having to venture far outside the state.

The campground is located on Old Mine Road, a scenic route running along the New Jersey side of the park. Accessibility is straightforward for car camping groups, with a compacted gravel entrance road allowing vehicle access directly to the sites. Each group is allotted a set number of vehicle parking spaces (typically eight per site), a crucial detail for larger New Jersey groups organizing their transportation.

Furthermore, the location is a dream for paddlers. River Bend is directly accessible from the Delaware River, sitting on a large U-shaped bend where the Big Flatbrook Creek feeds in. If you are paddling or kayaking down the Delaware River, you can access the campground via a crushed gravel trail leading up from the riverbank. This dual accessibility—by car and by water—makes it an exceptionally convenient base for New Jersey residents looking to explore the waterways and the extensive hiking network of the DWGNRA, including close proximity to the Appalachian Trail and popular hikes like Mount Tammany.

Services Offered

As a primitive group campground managed by the National Park Service, River Bend focuses on providing essential, shared facilities to support a large group's stay while preserving the natural environment. New Jersey campers should note the emphasis is on rustic functionality.

The primary services and offerings available at River Bend Group Campground include:

• Group Camping Capacity: Five large, designated campsites, each accommodating a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 people. This structure simplifies reservations for large parties.
• Potable Water Access: Seasonal potable water is available on-site, though campers are strongly advised to bring ample water for all needs, as the pump or well water has been noted by visitors to be difficult to draw and potentially unsuitable for washing/cooking. Due to the primitive nature, bringing extra water is a highly recommended practice.
• Restroom Facilities: Centrally located vault toilets (outhouses) are available. Recent construction makes these facilities "better than you may expect from similar places," offering a functional, non-modern restroom option.
• Essential Site Amenities: Each primitive group site is furnished with multiple picnic tables, a large fire ring (with a grill grate), and a bear-proof trash container/food locker for secure storage of edibles and scented items.
• Firewood Permitting: Campers are permitted to gather dead and down wood in the vicinity for fires, but they are prohibited from bringing outside firewood into the park to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Features / Highlights

The River Bend Group Campground offers a host of unique features that make it an attractive option for local New Jersey outdoor enthusiasts seeking a true wilderness experience for their group:

• Authentic Primitive Camping: This is a genuine "rustic" car camping experience with no electric or sewer hookups, no showers, and minimal distractions, appealing to those who desire a pure back-to-nature outing for their group.
• Exceptional Group Space: The campsites are described as "extremely large" and massive, ensuring that even a group of 25 people has plenty of room for tents, gear, and activities without feeling cramped—a rare find in the region.
• Delaware Water Gap Environment: Situated on the banks of the Delaware River and Big Flatbrook Creek, the campground offers immediate access to the natural beauty of the DWGNRA, perfect for hiking, fishing, and paddling activities.
• Proximity to Wildlife: Located deep within the park, the area is known for its abundant wildlife. Visitors have shared unique experiences, such as encountering black bears (which mandates the use of the provided bear-proof food lockers) and other native creatures, adding an exciting, wild element to the trip.
• Ideal for Paddling Groups: The river access point makes it an especially convenient overnight spot for groups planning multi-day canoe or kayak trips along the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents interested in booking a group site at River Bend, reservations are mandatory and must be made well in advance through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area system. General inquiries can be directed to the park's main line:

Address:

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

Phone:

(570) 426-2452 (Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area general line for inquiries)

Mobile Phone:

+1 570-426-2452

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

River Bend Group Campground is the perfect primitive escape for New Jersey locals because it provides a genuine wilderness experience right on our doorstep. The convenience of driving a relatively short distance from the northern or central parts of the state to find true, expansive seclusion within the Delaware Water Gap is invaluable. It uniquely caters to the needs of large groups—from scout troops and youth organizations to extended family gatherings—by providing enormous, dedicated spaces that are difficult to find at smaller, private campgrounds. For New Jersey residents seeking a break from crowded beach towns and urban centers, River Bend offers a refreshing challenge: a car camping experience that requires self-reliance and preparedness, but rewards you with unparalleled access to the Delaware River and the state’s rugged interior. The chance to see local wildlife, paddle the river, and hike the Appalachian Trail—all within a comfortable day trip's drive—solidifies River Bend Group Campground as an essential destination for New Jersey's adventurous groups.

River Bend Group Campground

Layton, NJ 07851, USA