Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Tent Camping near Avoca, PA
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campsites in the wooded regions surrounding Avoca, Pennsylvania offer a range of primitive and established options for outdoor enthusiasts. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground in Pinchot State Forest provides reservable tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Namanock Island in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers boat-in tent camping on a first-come, first-served basis approximately 30 miles southeast of Avoca.
Most tent-only sites in the region feature basic amenities with varying degrees of accessibility. Primitive campgrounds like those at Lehigh Gap typically include stone fire rings and cleared tent pads but require campers to pack in their own water. Drive-in tent sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park provide toilets, showers, and drinking water, while more remote walk-in options like those at Scrub Mountain Retreat limit visitors to pit toilets or no facilities at all. Several areas enforce one-night camping limits, particularly along the Delaware River. Winter camping is limited, with most tent sites accessible from April through October.
The tent camping experience near Avoca varies considerably based on location and site type. Areas along the Appalachian Trail offer ridge-top views and established campsites with fire rings. Island camping on Namanock provides unique solitude with sites spaced well apart. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, lakeside tent sites allow for swimming access and wooded privacy. The primitive sites at Oh! Pear Orchards feature creek-side camping with exceptionally well-built fire pits. A camper at one of the primitive sites noted, "You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Avoca (43)
1. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
"Very open, plenty of space. most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. lots of ticks tho so get your spray"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
2. Half Baked Homestead
3. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
"Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone."
"Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
5. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
6. Oh! Pear Orchards
"Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped"
"We're excited to have this property on our platform. This listing has peaceful tent sites located against the creek."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $45 / night
7. Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"They are a first come, first camped, set up, but I have not once in 6 years, (multiple trips per year), ever found anyone in the site ahead of me."
8. Hillside Campgrounds
9. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap
"You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky."
10. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
Drive Time
- 5 min from Scranton, PA
- 59 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 6 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 27 min from Williamsport, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Avoca, PA
56 Photos of 43 Avoca Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Oh! Pear Orchards
Hillside Campgrounds
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Second District Brew FarmS
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Wooded Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Avoca, PA
877 Reviews of 43 Avoca Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Tony F.Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
Daniel C.ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Kathy L.
RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
Guide to Avoca
Tent camping near Avoca, Pennsylvania sits within the northeastern Pocono foothills, approximately 1,100 feet above sea level with terrain characterized by mixed deciduous forests and rocky outcroppings. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime hours and drop to 55-65°F overnight. Local campgrounds experience seasonal closure from November through March due to snowfall averaging 46 inches annually.
What to do
Whitewater rafting access: 10 minutes from tent sites at Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center where campers can book guided trips on the Lehigh River. A camper mentioned, "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing. The campground is definitely great for Girl Scout or school groups."
Paddle boarding on clean water lakes: 45-minute drive from Avoca at Mauch Chunk Lake Park where visitors can launch directly from waterside campsites. One regular visitor noted, "I can launch my paddle board from my site and the water is so clean and clear."
Waterfall hiking: multiple locations within 30 minutes of tent camping areas. A camper staying at Namanock Island shared, "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls."
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Most tent campsites offer good separation from neighboring sites. A visitor to Oh! Pear Orchards commented, "Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds report frequent sightings of local fauna. A solo camper noted, "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddling birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!"
Quality fire rings at primitive sites: Many tent campers appreciate the well-constructed fire pits. At the AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap, a reviewer stated, "Previous campers have also been kind enough to build up a sizable stone fire ring and construct a stone chair for enjoying the fire and view."
What you should know
Bug activity varies by season: Insects can be prevalent, particularly in summer months. One camper at Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground pointed out, "Very open, plenty of space. Most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. Lots of ticks tho so get your spray."
Water access requirements: Many primitive sites require campers to bring their own water. A hiker camping at AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap advised, "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Noise levels differ significantly: Some campgrounds maintain quiet atmospheres while others permit nighttime activities. A Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center camper noted, "There was a movie shown at night, as well as music played late into the night."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with flat, hazard-free tent sites: Family-friendly options have cleared spaces for setup. A camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park shared, "I believe it is a great spot to go with people who haven't camped much before. It has flat tent spaces, generally clean bathrooms, and access to tons of things to do."
Reserve sites during weekdays for quieter experience: Weekend crowds can affect atmosphere. One reviewer observed, "If you go during the week, it's quite calm. You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars."
Consider sites with beach access: Swimming areas provide built-in activities for children. A visitor commented, "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" regarding the facilities at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited hook-up options for tent/RV combo trips: Most primitive tent sites don't accommodate RVs with hookup needs. At Scrub Mountain Retreat, campers have access to drinking water and toilets but no electric or sewer hookups, making it suitable for tent campers or those with self-contained RVs.
Pack extra padding for rocky terrain: The ground composition at many tent sites can be challenging. A reviewer of Mauch Chunk Lake Park advised, "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters. Plenty of space away from neighbors."
Weekend availability requires advance planning: Popular campgrounds fill quickly from June through August. One camper noted, "Our site was for the most part clean, the fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Avoca, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Avoca, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Avoca, PA is Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Avoca, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Avoca, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near Avoca, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring