Dispersed camping opportunities near Cresco, Pennsylvania extend beyond the Delaware Water Gap region to include multiple state forests and public lands. Sites typically sit at elevations between 800-1,600 feet with forested terrain dominating the landscape. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, making summer and fall the primary camping seasons.
What to do
Day hiking trails: Bake Oven Knob provides access to both overnight camping and hiking opportunities. "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," notes camper Dani T. at Bake Oven Knob.
Overnight backpacking: For section hikers on the Appalachian Trail, designated campsites offer strategic overnight points. Katharine T. mentions, "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."
Waterside camping: Some primitive sites offer lakeside camping opportunities. At Hickok Brook, camper Gregg T. shares, "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."
What campers like
Quiet surroundings: The remote nature of dispersed sites provides peaceful camping experiences. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, Benjamin H. describes it as "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers can find no-cost camping. Jason R. reports about Thunder Swamp Trailhead: "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
Scenic viewpoints: Multiple camping areas provide access to mountain vistas. Dani T. notes of Bake Oven Knob, "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some areas require permits for overnight stays. At Hickok Brook, Gregg T. advises: "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."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping near Cresco lacks basic amenities. When planning to visit Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, Renee Z. cautions: "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."
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by site. Katharine T. mentions at the Appalachian Trail campsite: "No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip)."
Tips for camping with families
Water planning: Families must bring all water or have filtration systems. Renee Z. advises: "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."
Space considerations: Some sites offer more room for family setups than others. Katharine T. notes that the Appalachian Trail campsites provide "plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."
Limited access points: Family-accessible camping requires planning. Corey from Hickok Brook warns: "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."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance issues: Most dispersed camping areas have rough access roads. Corey at Hickok Brook explains: "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."
Parking lot options: Some trailhead parking areas permit overnight stays. Dani T. shares about Bake Oven Knob: "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems. There are two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent."
Seasonal considerations: Holiday weekends can limit availability. Gregg T. observed at Hickok Brook: "It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area."