Picnic table at Crater Lake in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Crater Lake Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in the New Jersey section of the park a few miles south of Walpack Center at the end of Skyline Drive. If you are using Google Maps for driving directions, search “Crater Lake Walpack Township.” Be aware that Skyline Drive is closed from Friday evenings at 8 PM until Mondays at noon starting in late May and continuing through the first weekend in October. I have no idea why it is closed on weekends when most people would want to visit, but that’s the situation.
While called a picnic area, Crater Lake is no place to hold any type of group event, or even to have a picnic for that matter. It is really just a place for those hiking the area trails to have a place to sit and tie their shoes. The fact that Skyline Drive is closed to vehicles on summer weekends effects hikers way more than anyone wanting to have a picnic, which is probably nobody. The road closure is sad because this is a great place for hiking, and perhaps keeping it from being overrun on weekends is the true reason for the closure.
The Crater Lake Picnic Area consists of three rickety tables along the lake shore, only two of which have a view of the water. If you don’t get a splinter on one of them, you’re having a lucky day. They are anchored to the ground, so there is no way to move them.
Picnic tables at Crater Lake in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
No picnic areas in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area have grills, but in most cases you can bring your own. Not here. No grills, glass bottles, or alcohol are allowed at the Crater Lake Picnic Area.
In addition to the picnic tables, you can start a hike on the Crater Lake Trail and use the restroom in a fancy outhouse. This is what Jed Clampett would call a portable toilet in a permanent building.
Fancy outhouse at the Crater Lake Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
If you would like to hold a group event, the Milford Beach Picnic Area can be reserved. For information, call the special use permit coordinator at (570) 426-2440.
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Last updated on January 29, 2024
