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Best Tent Camping near Bath, PA

1,022 Reviews

The Lehigh Gap area near Bath, Pennsylvania offers several primitive tent camping options along the Appalachian Trail, with multiple established backcountry sites that provide hikers with strategic overnight locations. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter and the AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap are popular tent camping areas for through-hikers and weekend backpackers, offering ridge-top views and access to the surrounding trail network.

Most tent camping sites in this region are hike-in only, requiring backpackers to carry all necessary supplies. Fire rings are available at most sites, though campers should practice proper fire safety and check for seasonal restrictions. No drinking water is available at most primitive sites along the ridge, so filtering from natural sources or carrying sufficient water is essential. The AT Ridge Campground and Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground provide basic tent pads but lack amenities like picnic tables, toilets, or trash service. All sites operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis.

The ridgeline tent sites offer exceptional views that make the hiking effort worthwhile. AT Overlook Campground provides panoramic valley views directly from tent sites, with flat, dry terrain that's ideal for setting up camp. The surrounding area features fern fields and opportunities for wildlife viewing. A review from The Dyrt noted, "By far the best campsite option on this section of the AT! You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door." For those seeking more shelter, the George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides a raised covered platform with space for multiple hikers, though tent campers will find limited flat areas nearby. Backcountry tent camping in this region rewards hikers with peaceful solitude and natural surroundings, particularly on weekdays when fewer people are on the trail.

Best Tent Sites Near Bath, Pennsylvania (40)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bath, PA

1022 Reviews of 40 Bath Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2026

    Quakerwoods Campground

    Quaint Country Camping in Classic Bucks County

    Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.

    HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.

    LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.

    Happy Camping!

  • Ra F.
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    OK, but camping gets a low rating.

    The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. I bike toured there. The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics. There was also a fair amount of road noise at night. Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road.

  • Doug W.
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Valley View Group Campground

    Beautiful River Site

    This is a great campsite right on the river. There are 5 different sites all nicely marked out. Each has its own fire ring. There is also a central area with a big fire ring for everyone to get together. Bear boxes at each site for food storage.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Locust Lake State Park Campground

    Serenity on the lakes

    Pretty campground with lots of lake views. We arrived just before dark which was good because the sites were not level front to back. Most sites had a slope but there were some level sites. You can kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish on the lake. There are 2 boat launches. The store wasn’t much to speak of. Bath houses were clean. We walked around the lake on a paved level path. They advertise no alcohol. This is near the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine tour which we loved. It’s near the Yingling Brewery tour.

  • B
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Tohickon Valley County Park

    One stop shop for adventure!

    This place is amazing! everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100’ rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT, and when scheduled they open the dam up stream for som world class whitewater rafting.

    As for some things that aren’t listed. this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park, however that all depends on how open you are about it and the Park rangers. Cell phone service is limited last time I was up there in 2012 only people with Verizon Wireless had any reception. Also there is no WiFi. No hookups or camp store.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Campsites Jammed Closely Together

    PROS 

    Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

    $13.50 senior discount 

    Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

    Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

    Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

    Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

    Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

    Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

    CONS

    $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

    Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

    Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

    Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

    Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

    Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

    Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

    Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

    Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

    Lots of barking dogs 

    No wood sales in park 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Dwight D.
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Jenny Jump State Forest

    Cute Comfortable Shelter

    This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The "shelter" is what we would describe as a "cabin"; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!

    There are eight shelters at Jenny Jump State Park. Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk? The dead end means there isn't too much traffic, though the road is right there so you can wave to the other campers heading to the restroom or for hikes. There is a trail head at one of the parking lots. During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road. We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us! Otherwise, this shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private.

    We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies. There was a picnic table and benches inside. We brought camping chairs for relaxing on the porch. We spent most of our time on the porch; cooking, chatting, and crafting while enjoying the sunshine and breeze.

    Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not.

  • D
    Jul. 5, 2020

    Tobyhanna State Park Campground

    Good campground for families.

    My dog and I stayed for 2 nights in the rustic tenting area. We were the only campers Wednesday & Thursday. The family camp area features spaces (small areas for either RV campers or tents and cars) with a picnic table and fire ring and water (some have electricity). They also have shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers. However, they seemed a little too cramped fir me and I wasn’t looking for opportunities to socialize, so the remote tent site was my choice. The tent sites do not have water or electric, but do have picnic tables, a fire ring and share one large outhouse with clean pit toilets. There are 5 sites and they can accommodate (shared) multiple tent set ups. Also you need to park your vehicle in a designated lot which is very close to the sites. There are multiple easy hiking and biking trails that are well marked. A lake for fishing and a small sandy beach with a picnic area for families (unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the beach). There are 2 boat launch areas (one for the campers, and another for gen. public) which also has a boat rental business (dogs are allowed). There are black bears in the park so do not leave food out and dispose of all trash in the appropriate dumpsters.

Guide to Bath

Primitive tent camping options near Bath, Pennsylvania offer strategically placed backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail's ridgeline sections. The area sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation along Blue Mountain, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Seasonal temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between valley and ridge locations, with ridge sites typically 5-8 degrees cooler than the valley floor.

What to do

Paddle boarding on Mauch Chunk Lake: For campers willing to travel 30 minutes from the Lehigh Gap area, Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers water recreation opportunities. "You can launch my paddle board from my site and the water is so clean and clear," notes Lisa S., who recommends weekday visits when "it's quite calm."

Kayaking on the Lehigh River: Access the Lehigh River from Riverview Park Campground, which sits directly along the waterway. "This is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night," according to Asher K., who adds that the park "is located along the D&L biking trail that is on the bed of an old railroad."

Hiking the AT bypass trails: While staying near the AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground, explore alternative trail routes. "This is a small grassy primitive camping site that is shortly before you get to the AT shelter if you are headed north," explains Asher K., noting its convenient location for hikers wanting to camp near shelter amenities without occupying the shelter itself.

What campers like

Protected camping spots during bad weather: The pine forest at AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap provides natural shelter from storms. "The pine trees also provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather," according to Asher K., who appreciates that "a bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area."

Campsite privacy levels: Despite being close to trailheads, many primitive tent camping sites in Bath, Pennsylvania offer seclusion. "This site sits a little ways back from the trail but is a nice quiet and secluded spot," notes a reviewer about AT Group Campsite, mentioning that "there is a large established fire pit and many large flat areas that are perfect for tents."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The ridge areas support diverse wildlife populations. "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity," reports a camper about their ridge-top experience.

What you should know

Water source planning: Most primitive camping areas near Bath have no water access. "There is no water available at the site itself but there were some small creeks along the trail coming up the hill or you can fill up at the nature center near the trailhead," notes Asher K. about Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground.

Tent site terrain conditions: Ground conditions vary significantly across campsites. "When I was here it had recently rained and the site was overall pretty boggy. The ground was relatively soft but without a good ground tarp, you might get a little wet," warns a reviewer about Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead.

Reservation requirements: Some sites require advance booking. Riverview Park Campground requires reservations or charges additional fees. "Make sure if you are going to stay here that you reserve a site in advance since they will charge you an additional $10 if you show up without planning," advises a camper.

Tips for camping with families

Group site selection: For families camping near Bath, Pennsylvania with multiple tents, choose sites designed for groups. "This would work well for a large group. This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire," notes a reviewer about Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group).

Weather protection strategies: When camping with children, prioritize sheltered locations. "It also was less muddy than some of the other options so would work well when it has rained recently," mentions a camper about the Lehigh Gap group site, noting its advantages during wet weather.

Camping difficulty levels: For families new to tent camping in Bath, Pennsylvania, understand site accessibility challenges. "A very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents," notes Asher K. about the Lehigh Gap group site, though adding that "it is a little removed from the trail so make sure to keep an eye out for it."

Tips from RVers

No RV access to primitive sites: The tent camping sites along the Appalachian Trail near Bath are hike-in only and cannot accommodate RVs. None of the primitive sites mentioned have vehicle access, with reviewers consistently noting hiking distances required to reach campsites.

Nearest RV options: For RV camping near Bath, Pennsylvania, visitors must seek established campgrounds rather than primitive sites. Round Valley State Park Campground offers RV sites approximately 40 minutes from Bath, though a reviewer cautions that "coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/prohibitive."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bath, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bath, PA is AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bath, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Bath, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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