M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Tent Camping near Bristol, PA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent campgrounds near Bristol, Pennsylvania, offer a mix of primitive and established sites within state parks and forests, with notable options at Round Valley State Park and Washington Crossing State Park. Tent campsites range from walk-in primitive spots with vault toilets to more accessible sites with fire rings and seasonal facilities, giving campers flexibility based on how remote an experience they want. Most sites require reservations, with many open seasonally from April through October when weather conditions are most favorable for tent camping.
Campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities for tent campers. Fire rings are standard at most sites, though several locations have restrictions during dry periods. At Goshen Pond in Wharton State Forest, sites feature walk-in access with primitive facilities. "The sites are nicely in the trees," noted one camper, highlighting the natural setting. Most tent-only camping areas have vault toilets rather than flush facilities, and campers should plan to bring their own water or be prepared to filter from nearby sources. The sandy soil common in areas like Wharton State Forest provides comfortable tent placement but may require special staking.
The tent camping experience varies significantly based on location and season. Areas like Round Valley require either boat-in or hike-in access, creating a more secluded tent-only camping environment. According to a visitor, "You can either hike in to a site up to 7 miles or load everything onto kayaks and take the trip straight across." Many primitive tent camping areas feature partial to full shade from pine or deciduous forest cover, providing natural temperature regulation during summer months. Sites at Washington Crossing and Fort Washington offer good access to hiking trails while maintaining a wilderness feel despite their relative proximity to urban areas. The terrain typically consists of flat, well-drained sites suitable for tent placement, though some locations may have exposed roots or rocky sections requiring careful tent positioning.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bristol (22)
1. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
2. Alverthorpe Private Park
"year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
3. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"
"The give you firewood—-if you bring your own, leave with any left over."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
4. Batona — Wharton State Forest
"Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage. "
"The Batona Campground is in the northern area of the Wharton State Forest and is a bit removed from most trails and other campgrounds in the park."
5. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest
"I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time."
"The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time."
6. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
7. Tip Tam Camping Resort
"Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."
"It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."
8. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest
"This campground is hike-in or boat-in only, no car access. We camped here for one night on an overnight loop in Wharton State Forest. Wild blueberries abound during summer months!"
"Enjoyed a site away from the crowds. Quiet. Peaceful. Place is huge with many campsites to choose from. Checking in is slow so come early."
9. Evansburg State Park Campground
"Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek"
"You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently$9.90.The restroom facilities we're clean."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
10. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"Terrific space for exploring"
"well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
Drive Time
- 10 min from Trenton, NJ
- 16 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 5 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bristol, PA
37 Photos of 22 Bristol Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Goshen Pond — Wharton State ForestA
Batona — Wharton State ForestM
Lower Forge Camp
Mullica River — Wharton State ForestR
Evansburg State Park Campground
Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Blueberry Morning
Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest
Round Valley State Park Campground
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Tent Camping Reviews near Bristol, PA
731 Reviews of 22 Bristol Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
- Adeline M.Guide
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Kelvin R.ScoutTohickon Valley County Park
First time camping
As far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
Guide to Bristol
Tent camping options near Bristol, Pennsylvania range from established group campsites to remote wilderness areas that require hiking or boating to access. The region sits where the Delaware Valley meets the Piedmont, creating diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 40 to 400 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds have sandy soil with some exposed roots and rocks that require careful tent placement, especially after rainfall when certain areas become soggy.
What to do
Explore Revolutionary War history: Fort Washington State Park contains nearly 500 acres with 3.5 miles of trails leading to observation decks. "Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista," notes a visitor to Fort Washington State Park Campground.
Bird watching opportunities: The region offers excellent bird watching, particularly at Fort Washington's observation platform. "You can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn," according to another camper. Birds spotted include "Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles, Great Horned & Barn Owls."
Water activities: Several campgrounds provide access to water for boating, swimming, and fishing. At Round Valley State Park Campground, "if you come with your own boat, you can access by water" and enjoy a "crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water." The 2,350-acre reservoir is 180 feet deep in the middle, making it ideal for paddling.
What campers like
Secluded camping experience: Campers appreciate the feeling of remoteness at several locations. At Batona — Wharton State Forest, visitors enjoy "secluded sites available" and note it's "easy to get lost in these woods and I LOVE IT! If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT!"
Flat, shaded campsites: Most tent camping areas offer relatively level terrain with good tree coverage. At Goshen Pond, a camper mentioned that "sites are nicely in the trees" and that most "campsites are fairly shaded by the pines, and the ground is flat throughout."
Hiking accessibility: Campers enjoy direct trail access from many sites. "Walking Trails Directly From Campsite" is highlighted by a reviewer at Batona Campground, who added: "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible."
What you should know
Primitive facilities: Many tent campsites have basic amenities only. A camper at Washington Crossing State Park notes: "Facilities are deliberately minimal... Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of 'leave no trace' ethos."
Access challenges: Some campsites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, "you can either hike in to a site up to 7 miles or load everything onto kayaks." Another visitor warns: "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven."
Reservation requirements: Most sites need advance booking, particularly for group camping. At Washington Crossing, "reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with amenities: For families with younger children, select locations with accessible facilities. Tip Tam Camping Resort is "a great place for kids and tons of activities. Campground is very clean and staff goes above and beyond." Another reviewer mentioned "they have peddle cars and playgrounds."
Plan for early mornings: Some campgrounds get active early. One camper at Tip Tam noted: "The only downside I saw was people here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in to fill the propane and was extremely loud."
Pack extra supplies: Basic campsites require bringing all essentials. At Fort Washington, a camper advises: "I would definitely encourage you to bring EVERYTHING you might need to have a great experience – from chairs, tables, BBQ and even a brush and rake!"
Tips for RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent-focused sites near Bristol have limitations for larger vehicles. At Evansburg State Park Campground, while the park is "big-rig friendly," a visitor notes: "only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite. Some are further than others."
Consider road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. At Batona Campground, "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle." Another adds: "Site are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."
Limited hookup options: Most wilderness tent campsites lack RV amenities. When hookups are available, they're typically limited to designated areas rather than primitive tent sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best tent camping sites near Bristol?
Where are the best tent camping sites near Bristol?
Round Valley State Park Campground offers exceptional tent camping with crystal-clear water and gorgeous landscapes. This hike-in or boat-in only campground provides a secluded experience with marked sites either on the water or set back in the woods. For a different experience, Wharton State Forest offers multiple tent camping areas including Goshen Pond, where you park and walk to your site, creating a more peaceful atmosphere away from vehicle traffic. These campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Bristol and provide natural settings perfect for tent campers seeking outdoor experiences.
When is the best season for tent camping in Bristol?
When is the best season for tent camping in Bristol?
Late spring through early fall offers the best tent camping conditions near Bristol. Mullica River — Wharton State Forest is particularly pleasant in summer when wild blueberries abound, though campers should be aware of the significant tick presence in warmer months. At Evansburg State Park Campground, the tree cover provides welcome shade during hot summer days while still allowing for comfortable camping. Avoid winter camping at campgrounds like Batona, where water services are typically shut off. Fall offers beautiful foliage but pack for potentially cold nights, while spring brings less crowded campgrounds but possible wet conditions.
What amenities are available at tent campgrounds around Bristol?
What amenities are available at tent campgrounds around Bristol?
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park offers basic amenities including potable water from fountains at public restrooms, fire rings, and picnic areas, though it lacks electrical connections. The campground is set in a lovely park but has limited privacy between sites. At Batona — Wharton State Forest, tent campers will find a small campground with fresh water from a pump (unavailable in winter), pit toilets, and sites best suited for tent camping. The campground is accessible via a sand road and offers a rustic camping experience in a natural setting.
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