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."
