National Park Service - Delaware River - Ratcliffs - Campsites # 52-54

September 2021: Ratcliffs 51 and 52 were completely overgrown, no access. 53 had a visible path to the site, but was covered waist-high with weeds. We stayed at 54, featuring a steep muddy incline to access the site some 30 odd feet above the water. We had to hack stairs to make this passable to move gear up the hill. If there has been any rain, this site will be inaccessible due to the mudslide of an access trail. Barely enough room to situate a 4 person tent far enough from the fire. There is next to no wood accessible here unless you want to cut a trail through waist high tick infested grasses. Mosquitoes were as bad as I've ever experienced (30 bites on my lower arm / elbow bitten through a coat and shirt!)

If you are kayak camping and looking for a no stress site. I would pass up #53? #54?. It was completely over grown in July 2020. The whole area where you pitch your tent was overgrown. It wouldn't have been as enjoyable as some of the other sites. We decided to pass this up and check at the bend. Also - the swimming area at the river is mud. Mud you just sink into. Not enjoyable at all. I'm sure after a few people camp here and take the time to clear it out it would be fine to camp but the swimming area would not be ideal.

The sites were very overgrown as of June 2021. The first site you come across coming down the river you have to climb up a large sandy cliff to get to the top of and the grass is waist high, even the fire pit has grass growing in it. The 3 other sites would be most suitable for camping, but be sure to bring a machete to clear out your site. You might also need to clear out some of the overgrown paths to collect firewood, for it was difficult to find much of anything in the tall and thick grass. There was not many suitable trees to hang hammocks, so plan on bringing some other type of shelter. Insect repellent is also a must have at these sites, I had 6 ticks on myself and 30 mosquito bites on my ankles and my girlfriend had 50+ mosquito bites on her leg. In my opinion, these sites would be

Stayed at RA-3. Campsites have all been relabeled now that permits are required for stays. River was high so the landing was easily accessible. Site had more than enough room for 3 tents and 2 hammock set ups.

RA 1 camp site. Not much favorite. A bit small and rough.