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.
