Sitting on a ridge above the Lehigh Gap, AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap is free, hike-in only, and managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission within State Game Land 217. The site is flat, dry, and relatively rock-free, with sightlines across the valley. A stone fire ring and a stone chair, both built by previous campers, are already in place. No water is available on the ridge, so campers need to carry in a full supply. Bear activity signs are posted in the area. For places to camp near Palmerton, this ridge camp is one of several AT options in the corridor, alongside nearby sites like the AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap. Come with water, bear awareness, and enough gear to handle whatever the ridge weather brings.
Description
The Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge consists of over 750 acres of varied habitat. The trail system threads through these habitats and provides visitors with approximately 13 miles of hiking trails at present. Loop hikes can easily be planned so that hikers need not retrace their steps. We hope you come out to the Refuge and enjoy the many hiking opportunities. Since 2002 we have been busy, along with our friends from the Allentown Hike Club, creating additional trails to connect to the existing Appalachian and Blue (North) Trails at the top of the mountain and other areas of the Refuge. Today you can come out to the refuge for a peaceful walk along level terrain, challenge yourself on some of the steeper trail sections, or do the Big Hike covering the entire trail system.
Most people begin their visit to the Refuge at the Osprey House, headquarters of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Access to the Refuge is also available from Riverview Road at the western edge of the Refuge or from hiking in on the Appalachian Trail. Three trails meet at Osprey House parking area the Prairie Warbler Loop, D&L and LNE trails.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap is located in Pennsylvania near Palmerton
Coordinates
40.784778 N
75.621917 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/26/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/26/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 12/11/25
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 25 min from Allentown, PA
- 47 min from Scranton, PA
- 51 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 9 min from Lebanon, PA







