It is operated under a memorandum of understanding between the National Park Service and the Walpack Historical Society, a local non-profit corporation.

While it is called an "inn", it is more accurately a "yaugh house"—a rural residence in a remote area that was licensed under colonial law to provide food and shelter to travellers.

"[4] According to the National Park Service, in November 1763, 150 settlers sought shelter in the "stout walls" of the house against the threat of Indian attack.

[6] During the American Revolution, John Adams is said to have rested the night at Van Campen's Inn while travelling from Massachusetts to Philadelphia for the Continental Congress.

[4] According to the National Park Service, "In a December snowstorm in 1776, several regiments under General Horatio Gates marched south via Old Mine Road past this point and camped overnight on Shapanack Flats in front of Van Campen Inn.

[3] The ruins of Fort Johns, a fortification built during the French & Indian War, is located on the nearby hillside overlooking the property.