23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several tent campgrounds are available within 40 miles of Cranberry, Pennsylvania, with options ranging from established sites with amenities to primitive backcountry locations. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers wooded tent sites with lake access, while the Appalachian Trail corridor near Lehigh Gap provides multiple primitive tent camping options for hikers and backpackers seeking a more remote experience.
The primitive tent sites along the Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Gap feature stone fire rings and relatively flat areas suitable for setting up tents. Most of these backcountry campsites lack potable water, requiring campers to fill up at springs or nearby facilities before heading to their sites. The AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground offer more scenic views, while sites closer to the Outerbridge Shelter provide better protection during inclement weather. During rainy periods, some sites become boggy, so ground tarps are essential gear for tent campers.
Tent campers at Mauch Chunk Lake Park enjoy spacious, wooded sites with amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and access to drinking water and toilets. The campground provides easy access to kayaking and swimming in the lake, plus proximity to hiking trails and outdoor activities in the Jim Thorpe area. Sites vary in their proximity to the lake, with some offering waterfront access ideal for paddlers. A camper noted, "Wooded with many lakeside spots, very quiet at night with plenty of space away from neighbors. Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters." For a more primitive experience, Riverview Park Campground offers walk-in tent sites along the Lehigh River with basic amenities including picnic tables and fire pits.
"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
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $35 / night
"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."
"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 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
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"The only drawback is no alcohol allowed, but most State Parks are like that I think. All photos below are taken from my site."
from $24 - $53 / night
Check Availability"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
TravelerOnly 3 sites along this stretch of road, and they're spaced nicely. Lots of tree cover for a nice shady camping spot. Tons of wild life, expect the bear to wander through camp. By far one of my favorite camping spots!
No electric, no water, no dump site, no shower, Vault toilets in walking distance.
LegendTucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
LegendPretty campground with lots of lake views. We arrived just before dark which was good because the sites were not level front to back. Most sites had a slope but there were some level sites. You can kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish on the lake. There are 2 boat launches. The store wasn’t much to speak of. Bath houses were clean. We walked around the lake on a paved level path. They advertise no alcohol. This is near the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine tour which we loved. It’s near the Yingling Brewery tour.
ScoutMy dog and I stayed for 2 nights in the rustic tenting area. We were the only campers Wednesday & Thursday. The family camp area features spaces (small areas for either RV campers or tents and cars) with a picnic table and fire ring and water (some have electricity). They also have shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers. However, they seemed a little too cramped fir me and I wasn’t looking for opportunities to socialize, so the remote tent site was my choice. The tent sites do not have water or electric, but do have picnic tables, a fire ring and share one large outhouse with clean pit toilets. There are 5 sites and they can accommodate (shared) multiple tent set ups. Also you need to park your vehicle in a designated lot which is very close to the sites. There are multiple easy hiking and biking trails that are well marked. A lake for fishing and a small sandy beach with a picnic area for families (unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the beach). There are 2 boat launch areas (one for the campers, and another for gen. public) which also has a boat rental business (dogs are allowed). There are black bears in the park so do not leave food out and dispose of all trash in the appropriate dumpsters.
ScoutBig sites with 30 amp service available for RVs and trailers. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grate. The pull-through sites don’t offer much in the way of privacy, but that’s the trade off for convenience. There are two potable water spigots in the campground. The bathhouse offers warm showers, 2 dishwashing sinks, and a coin-operated washer and dryer. The facilities are kept very clean. On the weekends it can get pretty crowded, so it tends to be louder at night then, but the camp hosts and the rangers do a good job of enforcing quiet hours. Access points to several trails are very near the campground. As with all PA state parks, alcohol is prohibited. The park doesn’t have a camp store, however, there is a small general store on Route 390 (The Lake Store) just north of the park that would have any essentials you may have forgotten, as well as ice for your cooler.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
GuidePros: -beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked.
Cons: -chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad! -has a beach but it's not much to look at -sites have nice sizable fire pits, but they are very tall. It's difficult to cook over them, and sitting around the campfire in the evening is a much less visually appealing experience than I'd like
We stayed in site 157. Accessible via a path from the designated parking space to the site about 2 minute walk. Lakeside, but visibility not great due to vegetation. All sites have little trails down to the water.
Site 174 by the road and less private, but prettily overhung by evergreens.
The cabins look very nice inside.
ScoutKnoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins.
There is electricity at every site but not water. There are fill stations throughout the campgrounds. Most sites are level and shaded. There are nice sturdy wooden platforms for tent campers.
The bath houses are clean and well maintained. There are outside sinks with mirrors, laundry facilities, shower stalls, and toilet stalls. Or if you prefer there are also traditional bathrooms with showers.
Quiet hours are enforced between 10p and 8a.
Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Wood is available by the bucket near the check in building. Sites are inexpensive and are all a short walk, or free shuttle ride, to the park!.
ScoutSet on a hillside, the campground has three levels. The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded. Facilities were neat & clean, and there was a covered verandah with string lights, chairs & picnic tables outside the bathroom area.
Campground staff were friendly, and there was a store with firewood, ice and many other conveniences. Wifi was available, and connection was good the entire time I was there.
The campground is convenient to many hikes in the Delaware Water Gap area.
Be aware that the campground doesn't have credit card facilities, but does have an ATM in the store if absolutely necessary.
Tent camping near Cranberry, Pennsylvania provides access to a range of backcountry and established camping experiences. Several sites feature prime riverside locations along the Lehigh River with basic accommodations suitable for overnight stops. During summer months, temperatures in the region typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
Whitewater rafting access: The Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center offers camping with direct access to guided rafting trips. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing," notes one camper, adding that it's "definitely great for Girl Scout or school groups."
Paddle boarding on calm waters: Waterfront camping sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park offer paddle board launch points directly from campsites. A regular visitor explains, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Campers can access multiple primitive sites along the AT near Lehigh Gap. The AT Overlook Campground provides stunning valley views from your tent door. According to a hiker, "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."
Proximity to water activities: Many campers praise the lake access at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake," shares a first-time camper.
Easy river access camping: The walk-in sites at Riverview Park Campground provide convenient river access for boaters and anglers. A recent visitor notes, "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. The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit."
Protected forest sites during inclement weather: Pine forest sites provide natural protection from elements. The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap features "a bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area... The pine trees also provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather."
No potable water on ridge trails: Most primitive sites along the AT ridgeline require carrying water. At the AT Overlook Campground, campers should "be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Advance reservations required: Some sites charge extra for walk-ups. 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."
Weekend noise levels: Popular sites can get loud on weekends. One camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park reported: "We visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers... It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity has been reported near some sites. At the AT Overlook Campground, a camper mentioned encountering wildlife: "I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity."
Group-friendly sites: For first-time campers, choose established campgrounds. A regular at Scrub Mountain Retreat notes the campground is "excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book."
Multiple activity options: Look for campgrounds with varied recreation options. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, one camper shares: "I've stayed here a couple times with groups. 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 on the campground and nearby."
Entertainment amenities: Some campgrounds offer additional entertainment. At Whitewater Challengers, a visitor mentions they experienced "Bands throughout the night with beer and food. Nice showers."
Clean beach areas: Families appreciate swimming access with clean facilities. A camper states about Mauch Chunk: "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming."
Site surface conditions: Many sites have natural obstacles that can affect tent setup. One camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park observed: "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters."
Fire pit maintenance: Check fire rings upon arrival as some may require cleaning. A visitor noted: "Our site was for the most part clean, the fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cranberry, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cranberry, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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