Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Tent Camping near Carbondale, PA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Primitive tent camping options near Carbondale, Pennsylvania range from walk-in sites to established campgrounds, with several locations offering secluded tent-only experiences. Oh! Pear Orchards provides spacious tent sites situated along a creek with well-maintained fire pits, while Hillside Campgrounds offers more basic tent accommodations. Within an hour's drive, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area presents numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities, particularly along the Delaware River.
Most tent sites in the region have minimal amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste disposal. Oh! Pear Orchards features drinking water and firewood availability, but many surrounding primitive tent campgrounds lack facilities altogether. Walk-in tent sites typically include fire rings and sometimes picnic tables, though vault toilets are rare at the more remote locations. Several campgrounds maintain a carry-in, carry-out policy for trash. Seasonal restrictions may apply, particularly during fire danger periods in summer and early fall. Access to many backcountry tent sites requires planning, as some are boat-in only or require significant hiking from parking areas.
Tree cover varies considerably across tent camping areas, with riverside sites often providing partial shade and cooling breezes during summer months. The Delaware Water Gap area offers numerous tent sites on islands like Namanock, accessible only by water and providing exceptional privacy. Primitive tent campers can expect good stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution at these remote locations. Sites close to water provide both practical benefits and enhanced camping experiences. A visitor to Namanock Island noted, "Once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river. You are camped on the side of the island that views Pennsylvania's shore, which means an incredible view of the night sky." Wildlife encounters are common, particularly at dawn and dusk, adding to the authentic backcountry tent camping experience.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Carbondale (37)
1. Oh! Pear Orchards
"Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped"
"We're excited to have this property on our platform. This listing has peaceful tent sites located against the creek."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $45 / night
2. Hillside Campgrounds
3. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
"Very open, plenty of space. most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. lots of ticks tho so get your spray"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. Caffrey Recreation Area
5. Half Baked Homestead
6. Second District Brew Farm
Check Availabilityfrom $110 / night
7. Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"They are a first come, first camped, set up, but I have not once in 6 years, (multiple trips per year), ever found anyone in the site ahead of me."
8. Quilted Woods
Check Availabilityfrom $55 / night
9. Ft Delaware Museum
10. Belden Hill Campgrounds
"Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."
Check Availabilityfrom $53 - $65 / night
Drive Time
- 17 min from Scranton, PA
- 51 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 25 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 27 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Carbondale, PA
38 Photos of 37 Carbondale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Oh! Pear Orchards
Hillside Campgrounds
Second District Brew FarmS
Private Campsite on 50 AcresC
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Steam Mill Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Carbondale, PA
890 Reviews of 37 Carbondale 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.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
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.
- 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.
Daniel C.
ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
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!
Art S.LegendMoon 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 Carbondale
Tent camping opportunities near Carbondale, Pennsylvania range from river islands to orchards across terrain with elevations between 800-1,600 feet. The region sits within Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains, characterized by Appalachian ridges and river valleys that create multiple microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during day and 50-60°F at night, with higher humidity along the Delaware River camping areas.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Campers staying at Oh! Pear Orchards can access several waterfalls within a 30-minute drive. As one camper noted, "Within a half-hour of the campsites are the Merli-Sarnoski Park and the Lackawanna and Salt Springs State Parks—which offer hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities."
Local breweries: Several tent camping locations provide easy access to local breweries. According to a review, "Endless Brewing and EMR Event (Paintball) Park are also located nearby" to Oh! Pear Orchards, making for convenient day trips from camp.
Paddling excursions: The Delaware River offers exceptional paddling opportunities with tent sites along the way. One paddler at Namanock Island shared, "I saw 2 other campers at 13, pretty well distance between sites... Lots of peace and natural all around. Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!"
Stargazing: Without light pollution, many campsites provide exceptional night sky viewing. A camper explained, "Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Most tent campgrounds in the region maintain good separation between sites. At Hillside Campgrounds, a reviewer mentioned it's "Generally fun and where people can be themselves... The dance club could be better, but overall, it's a great place to go hang out for a weekend."
Island camping experience: Several unique camping locations include islands accessible only by water. One camper described their stay: "Let me say that of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else."
Quality fire rings: Many sites feature well-constructed fire rings. As one visitor to Manny Gordon Recreation Area mentioned, "Most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient."
Clean, natural campsites: The primitive sites are typically well-maintained despite minimal facilities. A reviewer noted, "The campsites on this island are always very clean, if not pristine. In the 7 years I have camped here I do not think I have even wore shoes here once. Never any glass or trash anywhere."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Carbondale require self-sufficiency. At Second District Brew Farm, facilities include drinking water, showers and toilets, but most primitive sites in the area offer much less.
Bug protection essential: Insects can be problematic, particularly near water. One camper warned, "Very buggy spot, LOTS of centipedes and other creatures at night, so bring a chair instead of sitting on the bench or log."
Firewood restrictions: Some sites prohibit collecting wood. A camper suggested, "I was a bit nervous about collecting fire wood being the place was so clean but collected enough. Definitely would stop at one of the many places along the way to buy fire wood."
Ticks present: As with many woodland areas in Pennsylvania, ticks are common. A camper at Manny Gordon noted simply, "Lots of ticks tho so get your spray."
River level variations: Water levels impact landing sites for river camping. One experienced camper explained, "Spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry."
Tips for camping with families
Cart availability: Some walk-in sites offer equipment to help transport gear. At Oh! Pear Orchards, a family noted, "It is a short walk in to the sites, but there is a cart provided which made it pretty easy. The hosts also offer valet service to your site, though we did not need that with the cart."
Historical exploration: The Delaware River region offers numerous historical sites for educational opportunities. A camper explained, "This area is rich in history, folklore, legends and locations that anyone camping here would truly enjoy knowing/seeing."
Wildlife viewing: Wildlife encounters add to the camping experience for children. As one reviewer mentioned, "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!"
Island exploration: For families with older children, island camping provides unique adventures. A camper described, "Beautiful trails criss-cross the island and not a rock to be tripped over."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The best tent camping near Carbondale, Pennsylvania generally doesn't accommodate larger RVs. Quilted Woods allows both tents and small camping units but lacks hookups for larger vehicles.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly across the region. One camper at Hillside Campgrounds noted, "Wifi and internet coverage is decent," which can be important for those needing to stay connected.
Seasonal roads: Access to more remote tent sites can be challenging for vehicles pulling trailers. Many forest roads leading to the best primitive camping locations aren't maintained during winter months and may have rough sections year-round.
Parking limitations: For river camping, secured parking is available at designated access points. A camper explained, "Paid 20 for day and overnight parking at Milford beach. Paddle about 4 miles to the site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Carbondale, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carbondale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carbondale, PA is Oh! Pear Orchards with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Carbondale, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Carbondale, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Carbondale, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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