Primitive camping near Bangor, Pennsylvania centers around the Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The region features elevations ranging from 300 to 1,600 feet with mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, and hickory trees. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall camping presents cooler conditions with significant temperature drops at night.
What to do
Hiking to scenic spots: The Hickok Brook area offers limited but rewarding primitive sites. A camper reports, "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Hammock camping: At Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, the terrain lends itself to hammock setups rather than traditional tent camping. A visitor notes, "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!"
Wildlife observation: The dispersed camping sites near Bangor provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. Practice proper food storage using the bear boxes provided at some locations. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities in spring and fall.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Bake Oven Knob offers options for both vehicle camping and tent sites. A regular visitor mentions, "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems. This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania."
Natural landscapes: The primitive camping opportunities in northeastern Pennsylvania provide access to unique geological features. The rocky terrain creates challenges for tent placement but rewards campers with distinctive landscape views. Seasonal variations affect water availability significantly.
Off-grid solitude: Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides basic parking access to primitive camping. A visitor notes, "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me." This location serves as an access point for the surrounding forest areas.
What you should know
Water sources: Drinking water requires planning when camping near Bangor. At many sites, the nearest sources may require significant hiking. One camper at Hickok Brook advises, "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town."
Permit requirements: Multiple dispersed camping locations require permits for overnight stays. A camper reports, "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county." Check requirements before arrival as they vary by specific location.
Road conditions: Access to primitive camping sites often involves challenging roads. A visitor describes, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere."
Space limitations: Most primitive camping near Bangor offers limited capacity. Plan accordingly during peak seasons (May-October) when sites fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Look for flatter terrain when camping with children. Some areas near Bangor feature sloped ground that complicates tent setup. Consider locations with natural boundaries to keep younger children within sight.
Activity planning: Bring activities that don't require facilities. A camper suggests, "Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," showing how Appalachian Trail Campsite provides access to explorable natural features suitable for children.
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant temperature variations, particularly in spring and fall. Pack layers for children as evening temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs, even in summer months.
Food storage: Teach children proper food handling in bear country. Use provided bear boxes where available and maintain clean camping areas to reduce wildlife encounters.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Most primitive camping near Bangor does not accommodate larger recreational vehicles. A visitor cautions, "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes."
Alternative options: Consider using Thunder Swamp Trailhead for overnight parking with smaller vehicles or vans. One camper reports, "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking."
Clearance requirements: Access roads to primitive camping sites often require higher clearance vehicles. Standard RVs will find limited suitable locations within the immediate area surrounding Bangor.
