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Best Dispersed Camping near Covington, PA

4 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Covington, Pennsylvania include several primitive sites within driving distance. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in New Jersey provides free hike-in camping with bear boxes and hammock-friendly trees. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers drive-in access but requires permits. Hickok Brook in New York features lakeside tent sites with picnic tables but limited vehicle access beyond certain points.

Water availability is restricted at these sites. The Appalachian Trail campsite has no water source nearby; campers must stock up at Dunnfield Creek Natural Area or plan a round-trip hike to Sunfish Pond. According to reviews, this site is "small and sloped for tent camping but great for hammocks." Bear boxes are provided, and ground fires are prohibited. The terrain offers a mix of communal and secluded spots.

Road conditions vary significantly between locations. Hickok Brook access requires vehicles with good clearance due to rough roads with large potholes. Several campers noted it is "not RV friendly" despite its scenic lakeside setting. The site has only three designated camping spots, and permits are required for camping on New York State land. Visitors should contact the appropriate county ranger office before arrival. Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides more accessible drive-in options but still requires advance permits. All sites have limited amenities, so campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.

Map showing campgrounds near Covington, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Covington, Pennsylvania (5)

    1. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    23 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    2. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    29 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

    3. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    34 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

    4. Bake Oven Knob

    1 Review
    Andreas, PA
    41 miles

    "This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"

    5. Appalachian Trail Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Palmerton, PA
    36 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Covington, PA

7 Photos of 5 Covington Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Covington, PA

4 Reviews of 5 Covington Campgrounds

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

Guide to Covington

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Covington, Pennsylvania, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

Relaxing by the Water While Free Camping Near Covington

  • Experience the tranquility of lakeside camping at Hickok Brook, where you can set up your tent near the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, though be prepared for a bit of a hike to get there.

Safe and Clean Overnight Stays for Dispersed Campers

  • For those looking for a secure place to rest, the Rest Area I-84 offers a clean environment with facilities and a friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for solo travelers or families alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Covington, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Covington, PA is Thunder Swamp Trailhead with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Covington, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Covington, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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