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Tent Camping near Brodheadsville, PA

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    Tent campsites in the Pocono Mountains near Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania range from primitive hike-in locations along the Appalachian Trail to established tent-friendly campgrounds with basic amenities. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers tent camping with access to drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, while the Appalachian Trail corridor provides multiple primitive tent sites including Kirkrige Shelter and several campgrounds near Lehigh Gap. These backcountry tent options typically require hiking in and offer a more secluded experience.

    Most primitive tent sites along the Appalachian Trail near Brodheadsville are free but require hikers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire rings are common at these walk-in tent locations, though firewood must typically be gathered on-site. The AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap provide tent-only camping with established fire rings but no drinking water or toilet facilities. Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, especially at higher elevations where wind exposure can be significant. As one camper noted about the AT Overlook Campground, "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."

    The tent camping experience in this region offers significant variety in terrain and amenities. Sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park provide a more developed camping experience with electric hookups and showers, though reviews indicate the campsites can be crowded during peak season. A review mentioned that "the campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers" during summer weekends. In contrast, the primitive tent sites along the Appalachian Trail corridor provide greater solitude but require more self-sufficiency. The ridge-top tent sites offer spectacular views and are surrounded by fern fields, making them popular destinations for backpackers seeking both scenery and seclusion. Most tent-only sites in the area allow pets, though hikers should be aware of potential bear activity, particularly at the Lehigh Gap campsites.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Brodheadsville (40)

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      1. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      5.0(2)11mi from BrodheadsvilleTents

      "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."

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      2. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

      4.0(10)22mi from BrodheadsvilleTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 / night

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      3. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap

      4.5(2)15mi from BrodheadsvilleTents

      "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."

      4. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter

      5.0(1)15mi from BrodheadsvilleTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "A single-level open-sided AT shelter near the Lehigh Gap trailhead. The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers."

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      5. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap

      5.0(1)15mi from BrodheadsvilleTents

      "This site is really 2 separate sites that are a short ways apart along the trail. They are both excellent spots to set up a tent if you plan on camping up on the ridge."

      6. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap

      4.0(2)16mi from BrodheadsvilleTents

      "The only downside was my sleeping pad sprung a leak, so it wasn't the best night's sleep. But the site itself was great and I would camp there again."

      "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area."

      7. Scrub Mountain Retreat

      5.0(1)16mi from BrodheadsvilleTents

      from $30 - $35 / night

      8. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)

      4.0(1)15mi from BrodheadsvilleTents

      "This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."

      9. Riverview Park Campground

      4.0(1)16mi from BrodheadsvilleTents

      "The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit. They also have a bathroom facility up alongside the road."

      from $15 - $30 / night

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      10. Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground

      3.0(1)15mi from BrodheadsvilleTents
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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Brodheadsville, PA

    74 Photos of 40 Brodheadsville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Tent Camping Reviews near Brodheadsville, PA

    1101 Reviews of 40 Brodheadsville Campgrounds

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      Hickory 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      100 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.

    • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Round 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!

    • WThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 15, 2026

      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.

    • jThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 8, 2026

      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.

    • Thomas B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Tohickon 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.

    • Kathy L.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 15, 2026

      Hickory 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!

    • K
      Sep. 8, 2026

      Stephens State Park Campground

      Great last min getaway

      Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.

      The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm

      Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!

    • Art S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 31, 2026

      Moon Lake Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest

      Quiet camping

      Just a few others here so it is quite peaceful. A one mile walk gets you to the lake. They have a covered pavilion with plenty of picnic tables. My site is large with plenty of trees providing shade. The outhouse is a bit of a walk. Garbage cans are inside it. I haven’t seen a water source but it might be around.

    Guide to Brodheadsville

    Tent camping near Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 400 feet in the Lehigh Valley to over 1,600 feet on nearby Kittatinny Ridge. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F overnight, with precipitation most common in July and August. Fall camping brings vibrant foliage with average temperatures dropping 15-20 degrees from summer highs.

    What to do

    Paddle on the lake: At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, visitors can enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding directly from lakeside campsites. "You can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," notes one camper. The park offers boat rentals for those who don't bring their own equipment.

    Hike the Appalachian Trail: The AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap provides direct access to the famous long-distance trail. "They are surrounded by a magical field of ferns and you can get views of both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail," reports a hiker who enjoyed the scenery.

    Camp along the river: For water activities, Riverview Park Campground offers tent sites adjacent to the Lehigh River. "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," explains a camper. The park connects to the D&L biking trail on an old railroad bed for cycling opportunities.

    What campers like

    Protected shelter options: For those seeking alternatives to tent camping near Brodheadsville, George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides covered sleeping platforms. "The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers," notes one visitor. A nearby spring offers fresh water access.

    Spacious group sites: The Lehigh Gap area includes several primitive sites designed for larger parties. "A very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents. This would work well for a large group," reports a camper about one location. These sites typically include established fire rings but require hikers to carry in all water.

    Pine forest camping: Some tent sites offer natural padding and weather protection. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area," explains a camper at AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap. The site features "a large established fire pit and many large flat areas that are perfect for tents."

    What you should know

    Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise from nearby highways or other campers. One camper at Jenny Jump State Forest noted: "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night." Similarly, different campgrounds have varying enforcement of quiet hours.

    Water availability: Many primitive sites require hikers to carry all water. "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," warns a camper at AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap. Plan water needs according to your camping location and season.

    Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds charge extra for walk-ins. At Riverview Park Campground, "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." Contact campgrounds directly for current reservation policies.

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for first-timer friendly sites: For families new to tent camping Brodheadsville area, certain campgrounds offer good introductory experiences. "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," reports a visitor about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

    Consider tent site surfaces: Exposed roots and rocks can make sleeping uncomfortable for children. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," notes a camper. Bringing extra sleeping pads can make a significant difference in comfort, especially for young campers.

    Check park rules regarding pets: Pet policies vary widely between facilities. While many AT primitive sites allow pets, Jenny Jump State Forest charges "$5/day for our dog," according to a camper. Other campgrounds prohibit pets entirely despite sometimes being listed as pet-friendly online.

    Tips from RVers

    Tent-only sections provide better experiences: Some campgrounds separate RV and tent areas, creating more peaceful tent camping. Several campers note that primitive tent-only areas typically offer more privacy and less noise than mixed-use campgrounds with RV hookups.

    Consider seasonal variations: When tent camping in the Brodheadsville area, timing matters significantly. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures but potentially more precipitation, while summer weekends bring larger crowds. One camper noted: "If you go during the week, it's quite calm" at lakeside campgrounds.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brodheadsville, PA is Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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

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