R
Russell A.
Scout
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Tent Camping near Cresco, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent camping opportunities abound in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area near Cresco, Pennsylvania. Several primitive tent sites dot the region, including Namanock Island, which offers boat-in access and isolation for tent campers. The Appalachian Trail corridor provides multiple backcountry tent sites, with the Kirkridge Shelter area on Kittatinny Mountain offering free primitive camping for hikers.
Most tent sites in this area feature basic amenities suitable for self-sufficient campers. Fire rings are common at established sites, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Many locations require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out trash, as services are minimal. Vault toilets can be found at some locations like Jenny Jump State Forest, while others such as the boat-in campsites along the Delaware River offer truly primitive experiences. Water must typically be filtered from natural sources or carried in, as drinking water is scarce at backcountry sites.
The tent camping experience near Cresco rewards those seeking solitude and natural settings. Sites along the Delaware River provide unique opportunities for paddlers who can access islands and shoreline campsites unreachable by road. Higher elevation sites along the Appalachian Trail offer ridge views and cooler temperatures in summer months. At Namanock Island, one camper noted, "Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." Wildlife encounters are common, with bears active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Campers consistently mention the peace and seclusion as highlights of their tent camping experiences in this region.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Cresco (45)
1. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $75 / night
2. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
3. Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
4. 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."
5. Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side. "
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
6. Rivers Bend Group Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding. To your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large “U” bend of the Delaware river."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $100 / night
7. Mohican Walk-In Campsites
"The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $40 / night
8. 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
9. Alosa Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Primitive site for multi day river trips. There’s usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $16 / night
10. Wooded Campground
"Perfect land for an overnight before hitting the trail. There’s open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn’t have been more accommodating."
Check Availabilityfrom $59 - $60 / night
Drive Time
- 35 min from Scranton, PA
- 59 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 22 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 38 min from Reading, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cresco, PA
83 Photos of 45 Cresco Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Wooded Campground
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Steam Mill Campground
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Tent Camping Reviews near Cresco, PA
1066 Reviews of 45 Cresco 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.
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- 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.
- Thomas B.Ranger
Tohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Guide to Cresco
Tent camping near Cresco, Pennsylvania offers primitive experiences ranging from riverside sites to mountain overlooks. Located in the Pocono Mountains at elevations between 1,300-1,800 feet, the region experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with nighttime drops of 15-20 degrees even in summer. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some requiring campers to filter from streams while others provide pumps or spigots.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access the iconic trail from Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain where you can find free primitive camping with fire rings. One camper noted, "This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
Kayaking and canoeing: The Delaware River offers multiple boat-in camping options like Alosa Boat In Campsites with emergency access roads if needed. A camper described it as "Primitive site for multi day river trips. There's usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access."
Wildlife observation: Campers frequently report bald eagle sightings along the Delaware River. At Namanock Island, a visitor shared, "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!"
What campers like
Riverside seclusion: Water-access sites provide unique isolation. At Namanock Island, campers appreciate the remoteness: "You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone. There are no public interactions beyond the neighboring sites on the river for miles."
Mountain views: Higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures and scenic vistas. Kirkrige Shelter features spots with different privacy levels: "Three of them are a little more secluded and in the woods while the fourth one is out in the open where the view off the side of the mountain is."
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. As one Namanock Island camper described, "once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river. Now, no lights means an incredible view of the night sky."
What you should know
Water availability: Most primitive sites require you to filter water or carry it in. At Jenny Jump State Forest, a camper noted practical challenges: "The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials, although the main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!"
Campsite selection varies: Quality and amenities differ significantly between sites. A Jenny Jump visitor cautioned: "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience unexpected sounds. At Jenny Jump, a camper mentioned: "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," while another noted you can "hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)."
Tips for camping with families
Site accessibility: Consider how far you'll need to carry gear when tent camping in Cresco area. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers options for various comfort levels: "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
Water activities: Several sites offer swimming and boating opportunities. A Mohican visitor shared: "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries."
Educational opportunities: The region contains significant historical sites. At Namanock Island, "The Island was once a part of the Lenape Indian's territory, and granted it may be dated back to late 1700's/early 1800's, it almost seems like there were people here as of the day before."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Few true RV sites exist in the immediate Cresco area. Jenny Jump State Forest offers some options but with limitations. One visitor explained: "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path... The showers were free and generally quite hot."
Alternative accommodations: Consider cabins or shelters for similar outdoor experiences with more comfort. At Rivers Bend Group Campground, campers find "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work."
Space considerations: Many sites accommodate smaller camping setups better than large RVs. At Jenny Jump, reviewers noted the spaciousness: "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Cresco, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cresco, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cresco, PA is Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Cresco, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cresco, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Cresco, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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