Tables at the Namanock Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Namanock Recreation Site is located on the New Jersey side of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area along a pothole-plagued dirt road that branches off from Old Mine Road a few miles north of Dingmans Ferry. If using Google Maps for directions, search “Namanock Recreation Site.” The facility is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
This is not much of a picnic area, as there are only three tables located at the bottom of a hill a hundred feet or so from the parking area. Though they are situated on a bluff overlooking the Delaware River, trees and other vegetation now block most of the view.
Namanock Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
As with all picnic areas in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, there are no grills. However, you can bring your own charcoal or gas grill to Namanock—no ground fires are allowed. For those using charcoal, there are hot coal bins on the premises. Please dump your coals in one of these and not on the ground. Also keep in mind that no alcohol is allowed, though being out in the middle of nowhere, I seriously doubt park Rangers come around often.
Garbage cans and hot coal bin at the Namanock Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
From the pothole-filled road to the limited number of tables, the Namanock Recreation Site is certainly not a place most people would choose to hold a group event. However, you are welcome to do so. Groups of 30 or more people need a permit to gather anywhere within the park, but the permit doesn’t mean your group has first dibs on picnic tables. Somebody still has to be there first thing in the morning to stake a claim. The better option is to hold your outing at the Milford Beach Picnic Area, which can be reserved. For information about permits, call the special use permit coordinator for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area at (570) 426-2440.
In addition to the tables, there is a canoe launch located at the bottom of a very steep hill (not worth the effort, so launch somewhere else) and a fancy outhouse, which is what Jed Clampett would call a portable toilet in a permanent building.
Fancy outhouse at the Namanock Recreation Site in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on August 2, 2024
