National Park Service - Mashipacong Island - Campsite # 1

For New Jersey residents looking to truly disconnect, the northern stretches of the Delaware River offer a level of solitude that is hard to find elsewhere in the state. National Park Service - Mashipacong Island - Campsite #1 is a premier example of "river camping" at its most authentic. Located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area near Montague, NJ, this campsite is specifically designed for boaters—those navigating the river by canoe, kayak, or tube—who require a primitive place to rest during a multi-day journey. Unlike developed campgrounds with bustling RV loops and paved roads, Mashipacong Island provides a raw, natural experience where the rhythm of the water dictates your schedule.

The appeal of Mashipacong Island lies in its seclusion. As one of the sixty-two primitive sites managed by the National Park Service along the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River, Campsite #1 offers a unique "island life" experience in the heart of the Garden State. Surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle flow of the Delaware, the site feels worlds away from the urban centers of North Jersey. It is a place where you can wake up to the sound of songbirds, spot bald eagles soaring above the river, and enjoy a night under a sky remarkably free from light pollution. For local families and adventurers, it represents the purest form of New Jersey’s wilderness heritage.

Location and Accessibility are unique factors for this site. Situated at the northern end of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Montague, NJ (07827), the campsite is located on an island and is primarily accessible by water. To use this site, visitors must be on a river trip where the distance between launch and retrieval points is too great to be covered in a single day. The National Park Service requires river campers to travel a minimum distance—typically 14 miles for a one-night stay—to qualify for the use of these primitive riverside sites. This ensures the spots remain available for those truly on a wilderness expedition.

While the site is primitive, the National Park Service provides basic infrastructure to ensure safety and environmental protection. On-site parking for vehicles is typically found at designated NPS river access points like Milford Beach or Dingmans Boat Launch, where boaters begin their trek. It is important for local users to remember that if they are leaving a vehicle overnight at an NPS parking lot, they must register their information with the park’s emergency operations center. This level of oversight helps maintain the safety of the park and its visitors while preserving the "unspoiled" nature of the island environment.

• River-access only primitive tent sites, providing a true backcountry experience.
• Steel fire grates provided at each site for safe, contained campfires (use only dead and down wood).
• Access to a primitive public restroom (latrine) located on the island.
• Zonal reservation system via Recreation.gov, allowing for flexible site selection within a designated river zone.
• On-site parking at official National Park Service river access points for trip logistics.
• Pet-friendly camping (dogs allowed on a leash) with requirements for burying waste.
• "Pack-in, Pack-out" trash services to maintain the cleanliness of the island ecosystem.

Features and Highlights of Mashipacong Island Campsite #1 center on its immersive natural setting. The island is known for its dense greenery, which can provide a welcome cooling effect—sometimes up to ten degrees—during the peak of a New Jersey summer. The site itself is spacious, often allowing enough room for multiple small tents if traveling with a group. Because the site is first-come, first-served within its permit zone, it offers a sense of old-school camping spontaneity that many local outdoor enthusiasts cherish.

• Scenic riverside views that allow campers to watch the Delaware flow by directly from their tent.
• Excellent opportunities for kid-friendly nature education, including identifying river wildlife and tracks.
• Proximity to world-class fishing for bass, shad, and walleye in the pristine river currents.
• Strategic location in "Zone 1" of the NPS river camping map, ideal for those starting trips near the NY/NJ border.
• Dense forest canopy providing natural privacy and shade throughout the day.
• Easy "short walk" unloading from the water's edge to the main flat camping area.
• Integration with the larger Delaware Water Gap trail system for those who want to combine paddling with hiking.

Contacting the National Park Service for this specific site is best done through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area administrative offices. Since this is a primitive backcountry site, there is no phone located on the island itself. Most administrative tasks, including purchasing the necessary river camping permit, are handled through the federal Recreation.gov portal.

Contact Information:
Address: 1914-000010000-000930000, Montague, NJ 07827, USA
NPS Administrative Phone: (570) 426-2452 (Headquarters)
Emergency Operations Center (for overnight parking registration): (570) 426-2457

What is worth choosing about Mashipacong Island Campsite #1 is the rare opportunity to experience New Jersey exactly as it was centuries ago. For those who find standard campgrounds too noisy or "civilized," this is the perfect alternative. It is worth choosing because it forces a slower pace of life. Without the distractions of electricity or vehicle traffic, the focus shifts to the crackle of the fire, the taste of a meal cooked over a grate, and the shared stories of a day spent on the water. It is a location that rewards the prepared traveler—those who understand how to pack light and respect the "Leave No Trace" ethics.

Furthermore, the value is unbeatable. While there is a modest fee for the required river camping permit, the experience of having a private island-style retreat in the middle of a National Recreation Area is priceless. It is an ideal choice for local Scout troops, fishing partners, or families who want to teach their children about self-reliance and the beauty of our local geography. Choosing Mashipacong Island means choosing to be a part of the Delaware River’s living history. When you shove off from the island the next morning, you leave behind only footprints, carrying with you a sense of peace that only a night on the river can provide.

Before you launch your canoe, be sure to check the current river conditions and water levels, as the Delaware can be deceptively swift. Always wear your life jacket and ensure you have enough potable water for your entire stay. We hope you enjoy your time on the island—it’s truly one of the most unique ways to experience the Garden State!