Edgemere - Delaware State Forest

For Pennsylvania residents, the call of the wild often leads to our magnificent state forests. Among the many serene and rugged options available, Edgemere, nestled within the expansive Delaware State Forest, offers a uniquely secluded camping experience. If you're looking to truly disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Pocono Plateau, this primitive camping destination near Dingmans Ferry, PA, could be your next great adventure. This article is tailored for local Pennsylvanians, providing a factual and engaging overview to help you plan your visit to Edgemere.

Edgemere is not a typical campground with paved roads and extensive amenities. Instead, it embodies the spirit of backcountry camping, providing designated sites within a vast forested area. This offers an unparalleled opportunity for peace, solitude, and direct engagement with nature. However, it also means that preparation and a clear understanding of its rustic nature are paramount. We'll delve into its location, the essential services it provides, its defining features, and why it's a suitable, albeit adventurous, choice for those seeking a true wilderness experience in Pennsylvania.

Edgemere is located within the Delaware State Forest, with a general address of 1085 Silver Lake Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA. Dingmans Ferry is a community in Pike County, Pennsylvania, placing Edgemere within the larger Pocono Mountains region. This location makes it a relatively accessible destination for many residents of Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, including those from the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre. While it's in a state forest, implying a degree of remoteness, the designated campsites are typically accessible by most highway vehicles, though forest roads may be unpaved and a vehicle with good ground clearance could be beneficial, especially after adverse weather.

The Delaware State Forest itself spans over 84,000 acres across Monroe and Pike counties, characterized by rolling hills, exposed rock formations, and a high density of wetlands. This expansive natural setting ensures that campers at Edgemere feel truly "out in the forest," providing ample space and a sense of seclusion from other visitors. Its integration into this vast forest system means it serves as a gateway to extensive recreational opportunities within the state forest.

Edgemere, as part of the Delaware State Forest's "motorized camping" program, provides a primitive camping experience. This means campers should be prepared for minimal amenities and a high degree of self-sufficiency. Based on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) guidelines for state forest camping, here's what you can expect:

• Designated Motorized Campsites: Edgemere offers specific, marked campsites that are accessible by vehicle. Each site is designed to be separated from others to enhance the secluded experience.
• Picnic Table and Fire Ring: Every designated site at Edgemere typically includes a picnic table and a campfire ring, allowing for outdoor cooking and enjoyment of a campfire (when permitted).
• No Developed Facilities: It's crucial to understand that there are no developed facilities such as flush toilets, showers, or running water directly at the campsites. Campers should be prepared with their own water supply (potable water sources might be available at specific picnic areas within the wider state forest, like Pecks Pond, White Deer Lake, Lake Minisink, and Pine Flats road, but not at every campsite).
• Sanitation: Primitive sanitation practices are required. This generally means using self-contained toilets or properly burying human waste at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, and trails, adhering to Leave No Trace principles. There are public restrooms at Snow Hill Picnic Area and seasonally available portable toilets at various ATV parking lots within the state forest.
• Permit Requirement: A free camping permit is required for overnight stays at motorized campsites. These permits can often be obtained online through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website or by calling the DCNR.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs or trailers. Campers must be fully self-sufficient regarding power and waste management.

It's important to note that cell phone service in such a remote area will likely be very limited or non-existent, further encouraging an "unplugged" experience.

The true highlights of camping at Edgemere within Delaware State Forest lie in its natural attributes and the unique experience it provides:

• Profound Seclusion and Peace: Reviewed as "beautiful secluded campsite," Edgemere offers a quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for those looking to escape crowds and noise. The separation between sites contributes significantly to this sense of solitude.
• Direct Access to Delaware State Forest: Campers are immediately immersed in the vast Delaware State Forest, with nearly 200 miles of shared-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The forest features diverse forest types, streams, and wetlands.
• Opportunities for Outdoor Activities: Beyond camping, the forest provides excellent opportunities for fishing in its numerous streams and lakes (including Pecks Pond, Lake Minisink, White Deer Lake, Lily Pond, and Little Mud Pond), hunting during designated seasons, and paddling on the lakes and ponds.
• Wildlife Viewing: The undeveloped nature of the forest makes it a prime location for observing Pennsylvania's diverse wildlife. Campers should be aware of and prepared for encounters with animals, including black bears, by practicing proper food storage.
• Rustic Charm: For those who appreciate primitive camping, Edgemere offers the authentic experience of being truly "out in the forest" with just the essentials, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

However, it is crucial for prospective campers to be aware of a significant concern highlighted in recent reviews: the presence of ticks. One camper reported catching "about thirty ticks" between three adults and two dogs during a stay. Pennsylvania, and specifically the Pocono region, is known for a high incidence of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Therefore, meticulous tick prevention measures are absolutely essential when visiting Edgemere. This includes wearing long pants and sleeves, using EPA-approved insect repellents, and conducting thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. While the beauty of the site is praised, the tick issue is a serious consideration for any potential visitor.

As Edgemere is a designated camping area within the state forest system rather than a private campground with its own direct phone line, contact for information, permits, and regulations should be directed to the Delaware State Forest District Office. It is highly recommended to obtain a camping permit prior to your visit, which can often be done online or by phone.

Address: 1085 Silver Lake Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA (This address serves as a general navigational point for the area; the specific campsite will be marked within the forest.)

Delaware State Forest District Office Phone: (570) 895-4000

For online reservations and permit acquisition, visit the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website. Always check for any fire bans, specific alerts, or updated regulations before your trip.

For Pennsylvanians, Edgemere in the Delaware State Forest offers a compelling opportunity for a deep dive into the state's wild side. Its relatively close proximity to major population centers, combined with its truly secluded and primitive nature, provides a perfect balance for those seeking an authentic outdoor escape without having to travel across the country. It's a place where you can truly unplug, leaving behind the noise and demands of urban life to embrace the quiet beauty of the Pocono Mountains.

The appeal for locals lies in the raw, unfiltered experience it provides: waking up to the sounds of the forest, spending days hiking on extensive trails, or enjoying quiet moments by a campfire under a star-filled sky. While the potential for ticks necessitates diligent preparation and caution, the allure of such a pristine and undisturbed natural environment is significant. Edgemere is ideal for self-sufficient campers, backpackers, and families who value peace, privacy, and a genuine connection with nature over modern conveniences.

Ultimately, Edgemere in Delaware State Forest is more than just a campsite; it's an invitation to experience the heart of Pennsylvania's wilderness. It's a testament to the state's commitment to preserving its natural beauty, offering locals a precious opportunity to rejuvenate their spirits in the serene embrace of the forest.