R
Russell A.
Scout
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Tent Camping near Bushkill, PA
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The Appalachian Trail corridor provides several primitive tent camping options near Bushkill, Pennsylvania, with multiple hike-in sites concentrated around the Lehigh Gap area. Notable tent campgrounds include the AT Ridge Campground and George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter, both offering basic amenities for backpackers traversing this section of Pennsylvania's mountain terrain. Jenny Jump State Forest in nearby New Jersey provides more established tent camping with designated sites accessible within a short drive.
Most primitive tent camping areas near Bushkill require hikers to pack in all necessary supplies as amenities are minimal. The AT campsites typically feature stone fire rings but lack drinking water sources, requiring campers to fill up before ascending the mountain or filter from small seasonal creeks. Sites along the ridge are generally flat with pine needle or dirt surfaces that drain reasonably well after rain. The Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead primitive campground can become boggy after precipitation, necessitating good ground tarps for tent campers. Fire regulations apply at all sites, with established stone rings indicating designated camping areas.
Tent campers seeking views should prioritize the ridge locations above Lehigh Gap where several sites offer panoramic vistas. The AT Overlook Campground provides what one visitor described as "by far the best campsite option on this section of the AT" with tent placement that allows "a view of the valley right from your door." Pine forest group sites offer more protection from weather elements with tent pads on soft pine needle beds, making them comfortable in adverse conditions. The ridge sites feature surrounding fern fields and opportunities to view both sides of the mountain with minimal hiking distance. According to a recent review, sitting on the mountain is "a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bushkill (39)
1. 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."
2. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"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."
3. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap
"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
"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."
5. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap
"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
"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. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)
"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
8. Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground
9. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
10. AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground
Drive Time
- 21 min from Allentown, PA
- 57 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 18 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bushkill, PA
75 Photos of 39 Bushkill Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
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Tent Camping Reviews near Bushkill, PA
1052 Reviews of 39 Bushkill Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory 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.
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!
Tony F.
Guide100 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.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!
- jjeanne A.Guide
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.
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.
Kathy L.RangerHickory 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!
- KKelly B.Guide
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!
Guide to Bushkill
Primitive tent camping near Bushkill, Pennsylvania centers around the Appalachian Trail corridor with access points between 780-940 feet elevation. The region features a mix of pine forests and exposed ridge camping with temperatures averaging 10-15°F cooler at higher elevations than in the Delaware Water Gap valley. Summer nights can drop to the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Water activities at Round Valley Recreation Area: Camp near the 2,350-acre reservoir where the "water is crystal clear" and perfect for kayaking. According to Riley K., the area has "well maintained campsites" and "the water is very clean and crystal clear." Note that while the reservoir looks inviting, swimming is restricted in certain areas.
Hiking from Kirkridge Shelter: This Appalachian National Scenic Trail spot offers exceptional views from Kittatinny Mountain. Nick E. notes there are "4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire. Three of them are a little more secluded and in the woods while the fourth one it's out in the open where the view off the side of the mountain is."
Visit Jim Thorpe: Only 30 minutes from Bushkill, Mauch Chunk Lake Park serves as an excellent base for town exploration. Emma T. describes her experience: "We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away."
What campers like
Ridge camping views: The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap offers comfortable tent pads on pine needle beds. Asher K. notes this site "sits a little ways back from the trail but is a nice quiet and secluded spot" with "a large established fire pit and many large flat areas that are perfect for tents." The pine trees "provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather."
Primitive seclusion at Jenny Jump: Jenny Jump State Forest offers tent sites with good hammocking options. Lindsay D. explains, "Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites. Close proximity to good hiking and kayaking at Delaware Water Gap but without the crowds of their sites."
Group camping opportunities: The Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite accommodates multiple tents in a single area. Asher K. describes it as "A very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents. 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. It also was less muddy than some of the other options so would work well when it has rained recently."
What you should know
Water supply planning: Most primitive sites near Bushkill lack reliable water sources. When camping at AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap, Asher K. advises, "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Weather protection considerations: Ridge sites offer views but limited weather protection. James R. recommends, "If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place." But for bad weather, consider the pine forest group sites where Asher K. notes "pine trees also provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site."
Access difficulty varies: Some sites require significant hiking effort. Stuart K. warns about Round Valley: "We found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Round Valley State Park Campground offers family-friendly options. Patrick S. recalls, "This place is so relaxing and clean. It also has so much for the kids to do. Highlights was the flying smores that will be a story for the grandchildren someday."
Consider campground noise levels: Some sites are better for families wanting quiet. Jocelyn G. notes about Jenny Jump State Forest, "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean. My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Look for shelter options: For families new to camping, shelters provide an easier introduction. Dwight D. describes Jenny Jump's shelters as "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!"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive sites near Bushkill don't accommodate RVs, but nearby established campgrounds do. Seth K. noted about Jenny Jump, "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)."
Site selection considerations: At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Lisa S. recommends, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm." However, Amber M. warns, "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters."
The best tent camping near Bushkill, Pennsylvania combines AT primitive sites for those seeking seclusion with more developed options in surrounding state parks and recreation areas for families or those wanting amenities.
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