Valley View Group Campground: Your Basecamp for Adventure in the Delaware Water Gap

For Pennsylvanian organizations, large families, and serious outdoor enthusiasts seeking a dedicated space for group excursions, the **Valley View Group Campground** provides an exceptional, primitive basecamp in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. This site is uniquely situated within the protected and stunning landscape of the **Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA)**, offering an experience that is both secluded and rich with recreational opportunities along the historic Delaware River.

It is crucial to note that Valley View is explicitly a **group campground** for tent camping only. It is not a commercial RV park with extensive hookups but rather a cluster of five rustic sites designed to accommodate larger parties—requiring a minimum of five campers and capable of hosting up to 25 people per site. This specialized focus makes it an invaluable resource for local scouting groups, church organizations, educational field trips, and multi-family gatherings who desire a focused, shared nature experience. The management by the National Park Service (NPS) ensures the environment is preserved, maintaining a pristine, natural setting true to the legacy of Pennsylvania’s incredible public lands. Prospective users should be mindful of the strict rules against alcohol and pets to preserve the protected environment and the group-oriented atmosphere.

**Location and Accessibility**

Valley View Group Campground is located in **Lehman Township, PA**, placing it directly within the scenic boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Address: Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA

This location is highly accessible yet offers a feeling of genuine remoteness. Access to the campground is typically achieved in two primary ways: via a **short gravel roadway from Route 209** by vehicle, or uniquely, by **paddling in by boat** from the Delaware River. While vehicles are allowed down the campground road to offload gear and passengers, the main parking lot is located approximately a quarter mile away on a federal road, requiring a brief walk back to the campsites (with accommodations available for disabled visitors).

Being in Lehman Township, the campground is strategically located near several major points of interest in the Poconos, including the famed **Bushkill Falls** and the town of Bushkill, which provide basic services, outfitters, and local dining options. This excellent location within the DWGNRA means campers are immediately poised to explore one of Pennsylvania’s most significant natural and historical areas.

**Services Offered**

As a National Park Service primitive group camping area, the services provided focus on essential needs and safety, promoting a rustic and self-contained camping style. The amenities are designed to support a group of up to 25 people per site:

Group Campsites: Five dedicated, tent-only group sites, each enclosed by a fence for a sense of privacy from neighboring groups.
Primitive Sanitation: Basic **vault toilets** (outhouses) are available, including a dedicated restroom with facilities for disabled visitors, but there is no running water.
Secure Food Storage: Each site is equipped with **bear-proof storage lockers** and **bear-proof trash containers** to ensure safe food storage and wildlife protection, which is critical in this natural area.
Communal Features: Each campsite includes **three to four picnic tables** and a **fire ring/grill** for cooking and gathering.
Canoe/Boat Access: The campground has its own **canoe launch** on the Delaware River, offering a dedicated spot for groups to start or end a river trip.
Group Meeting Area: A centrally located common area is available, featuring benches and a flag pole, ideal for group meetings or communal activities.

**Features / Highlights**

The key highlights of Valley View Group Campground are centered around its unique group focus, its natural setting, and the direct access it provides to the DWGNRA:

Exclusive Group Camping: The primary feature is its dedication to group use, making it the **ideal booking for organizations, scout troops, and large family reunions** that require space and isolation from individual campers.
Direct Delaware River Access: Offering its own canoe launch, this site is a perfect base for **paddling, kayaking, and canoeing adventures** on the unspoiled and scenic Delaware River.
Access to McDade Trail: The **McDade Recreational Trail**, a 31-mile multi-use path, runs directly in front of the campground, providing immediate access to **hiking and biking opportunities** within the DWGNRA.
Proximity to Bushkill Falls: The campground is near the renowned **Bushkill Falls**, often called the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," allowing groups an easy day trip to explore the area's eight waterfalls and extensive trail network.
True Primitive Experience: With **no electric or water hookups** and no alcohol permitted, the site promotes a pure, back-to-nature camping experience, fostering camaraderie and self-reliance among group members.

**Contact Information**

Valley View Group Campground is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. All reservations and most detailed inquiries are handled through the federal recreation management system.

Address: Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA (Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area)

Phone: Prospective campers should refer to the national reservation system and the main Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area office for information. The main NPS number for the DWGNRA is generally: (570) 426-2452. Reservations are typically made via Recreation.gov.

**Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for Locals**

Valley View Group Campground is exceptionally suitable for Pennsylvanians, particularly those in the eastern region, for several compelling reasons:

It is an **accessible group-only facility**, filling a critical niche for local schools and community groups that need a large, dedicated space for outdoor programming without traveling to distant state forests.
It offers an **unmatched Poconos outdoor experience**, providing direct, legal access to the Delaware River and the McDade Trail system, making it an ideal destination for weekend adventures close to home.
The primitive, restricted environment ensures a **high-quality, focused group interaction** free from the distractions of technology and modern camping luxuries, promoting team-building and natural appreciation.
By booking here, locals are supporting the **conservation of a vital Pennsylvania natural resource**, the Delaware Water Gap, ensuring its preservation for future generations of Pennsylvanians.

Valley View is more than a campground; it is a structured opportunity for Pennsylvania groups to connect with the state's most revered natural features in a dedicated, pristine, and unforgettable environment.