New Jersey surprises people. Yes, there's the Turnpike. But in the state's northwestern corner, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area stretches along 40 miles of the Delaware River with 70,000 acres of forest, river, and ridge. Blairstown sits just east of the Gap with three I-80 exits making it one of the easiest-to-reach outdoor destinations in the mid-Atlantic — and one of the least expected.
The hike up Mount Tammany from Dunnfield Creek is considered one of the best day hikes in New Jersey. The Lakota Wolf Preserve offers guided educational tours with wolves, bobcats, and lynx. And the Paulinskill Valley Trail provides miles of rail-trail cycling through rural Warren County.
With 3 dump stations and campgrounds ranging from riverside state forest to family resorts, Blairstown is the kind of place that changes people's minds about New Jersey.
Dump Stations
Three dump stations at the area campgrounds.
Browse all Blairstown dump stations
Where to Camp
TripleBrook Camping Resort
Family campground at 58 Honey Run Road, near the Delaware Water Gap. Full hookup sites and amenities. Fills up on summer weekends and holidays — reserve early, especially for July 4th and Labor Day.
Camp Taylor Campground
RV hookups, tent sites, and cabin rentals. Near the Lakota Wolf Preserve — convenient if you're planning a wolf tour. Community atmosphere.
Jenny Jump State Forest
Tent and cabin camping with hiking trails and views from the Jenny Jump ridge. Seasonal operation April 1 through October. No RV hookups but a scenic primitive option.
Worthington State Forest
Inside the Delaware Water Gap itself. Tent camping with river access and hiking trails, including the famous Dunnfield Creek Trail up Mount Tammany. Rugged terrain, spectacular views. No RV hookups.
The Delaware Water Gap
70,000 acres along 40 miles of the Delaware River. Free admission. Here's what to do:
- Hike Mount Tammany — The red-dot trail from Dunnfield Creek is steep and rocky (about 3.5 miles round trip, 1,200 feet gain), but the view from the top — looking down into the Gap where the river cuts through the Kittatinny Ridge — is one of the best in the Northeast. Worth the effort.
- Canoe the Delaware — Multiple outfitters run trips from Dingmans Ferry south through the Gap. Half-day and full-day options. Calm water, scenic cliffs.
- Dingmans Falls — The second-highest waterfall in Pennsylvania (130 feet), accessible by a short boardwalk trail just across the river.
- Millbrook Village — A well-preserved 19th-century village inside the recreation area. Historic buildings, blacksmith demonstrations, seasonal events.
- Swimming — Several designated swim areas along the river with beach access.
Lakota Wolf Preserve
The Lakota Wolf Preserve operates guided educational tours (Wolf Watch) where you observe wolf packs in a large natural enclosure. Bobcats, lynx, and foxes also reside on the property. Tours book up fast — reserve online before your trip. It's a unique experience and especially good for families.
Paulinskill Valley Trail
A rail-trail running through Warren County for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The route passes through rural New Jersey countryside — farmland, forest, and small towns. A pleasant way to spend a morning on two wheels.
When to Visit
| Season | Highs | Lows | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 82°F | 60°F | Peak season. River swimming, canoeing, and hiking at their best. Book TripleBrook early for weekends. |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | 66°F | 44°F | Fall colour along the Kittatinny Ridge. Mount Tammany views at their most dramatic. Comfortable hiking weather. |
| Spring (Apr-May) | 60°F | 38°F | Waterfalls at peak flow. Wildflowers on the trails. Campgrounds opening April 1. |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 38°F | 20°F | Cold. Most campgrounds closed. The Gap and trails are still accessible but winter-prepared only. |
Tips
- Mount Tammany is steep and rocky. Wear proper hiking shoes, not sneakers. Worth every step for the views.
- Lakota Wolf tours book fast. Reserve online before arriving.
- TripleBrook fills summer weekends and holidays. Reserve early for peak dates.
- Stock up in Hackettstown (15 miles east) or Newton (15 miles north). Blairstown has limited shopping.
- Campgrounds operate April through October. Don't count on winter sites.
- The Delaware Water Gap is free. No entrance fee for the national recreation area.
Plan Your Blairstown Stop
Blairstown puts a national recreation area, a wolf preserve, and real wilderness within an hour of the most densely populated corridor in America. That contrast is what makes it special — and why it keeps surprising people who think they know New Jersey.
Browse all 3 Blairstown dump stations | All New Jersey dump stations
From the RVingLife Shop
