Best Tent Camping near Barnesville, PA
Tent campsites around Barnesville, Pennsylvania include several options along the Appalachian Trail corridor, with multiple primitive walk-in sites accessible near Lehigh Gap. The AT Ridge Campground offers tent campers peaceful ridgeline sites surrounded by ferns, while George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides a maintained trail shelter with space for multiple tents. Mauch Chunk Lake Park in nearby Jim Thorpe offers established tent camping with more amenities for those seeking a less primitive experience.
Most primitive tent sites near Lehigh Gap require hikers to pack in all necessary supplies as they lack drinking water, trash facilities, and modern restrooms. The AT campsites typically feature stone fire rings but minimal other amenities. Many sites have free access but no reservation system—availability operates on first-come, first-served basis. Tent campers should note that several sites become muddy after rainfall, with one reviewer noting that "when I was here it had recently rained and the site was overall pretty boggy." While primitive, these backcountry tent locations offer direct trail access for multi-day hikes.
Walk-in tent locations along the ridge provide exceptional views and solitude not available at developed campgrounds. A camper described the AT Overlook Campground as "by far the best campsite option on this section of the AT" where "you can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door." Pine forest group sites create natural padding with needle-covered ground, making for comfortable tent placement. For those seeking a balance between amenities and nature, Riverview Park Campground offers tent-only sites positioned along the Lehigh River with picnic benches and fire pits, plus bathroom facilities nearby. These sites require reservations and provide convenient access for paddlers and cyclists using the nearby D&L Trail.
