Tent camping options near Austin, Pennsylvania provide access to the Pennsylvania Wilds region at elevations between 1,500-2,300 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and dropping to 30-40°F in spring and fall. Winter camping remains available at some locations but requires proper cold-weather equipment as snowfall can exceed 80 inches seasonally.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Visit Hector Falls via a moderate 2-mile trail from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite. "It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop," notes a camper.
Stargazing opportunities: While not as renowned as nearby Cherry Springs, Patterson State Park offers decent night sky viewing. A camper states, "You can still observe the stars, but difficult for telescopes since trees cover Polaris in most of the sites."
Hiking the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon: Colton Point State Park offers hiking at the highest trail elevation in Pennsylvania. "The trails aren't built up with steps and the like, but I think the Colton Point Turkey trail is much more manageable even without them. You can connect to the West Rim Trail if you'd like."
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Tiadaghton Campground provides isolation from crowds. A camper reports, "Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine."
Budget-friendly primitive sites: Multiple free camping options exist in the national forests. At Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, a visitor shares, "This spot is a boondocker's delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley."
Walk-in site options: For tent campers willing to carry gear short distances, Colton Point State Park Campground offers walk-in sites. "I love the walk in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack! There is so much that this park has to offer."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Rain is common in this mountainous region. At Forestry Road, one camper advises, "I would give this a 5 star if it didn't rain so much... It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door."
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing without proper directions. A camper at Forestry Road notes, "Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the area. A camper reports, "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area. I was meditating in my car one evening and a bear stood up and pushed against my window. Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night."
Trail marking system: Firefly Acres and surrounding forests use non-standard trail markings. "Apparently the entire area is a natural gas reserve, so there are these blue and orange posts signifying gas lines, those are actually the hiking trails. They don't look like normal trail heads."
Tips for camping with families
Small campgrounds for group use: Patterson State Park works well for families seeking a controlled environment. A visitor explains, "If you are camping with children this can be a plus! They will have plenty of room to play, and it is a poke-stop."
Tick prevention: Prepare for insects, especially during warmer months. A camper warns, "Sites are first come first serve and there is a bit of day traffic to get to Hector Falls. Which is a nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."
Winter camping with children: Forestry Road allows winter tent camping, but requires preparation. A visitor shares, "Super peaceful. It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone. I have stayed in the summer with my sons and it is better."
Tips from RVers
Trailer access information: Smaller trailers (under 25 feet) can access some dispersed sites. "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door. Great hiking/biking."
Connectivity options: Limited cell service is available at specific sites. "The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time...I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day."
Nearby amenities: Stock up before arriving as services are limited. "Howe's ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street."
