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Best Tent Camping near Danielsville, PA

1,081 Reviews

The Appalachian Trail corridor near Danielsville, Pennsylvania offers several primitive tent camping options, particularly in the Lehigh Gap area where multiple hike-in tent sites provide backcountry experiences. AT Overlook Campground and AT Ridge Campground stand out as highly-rated tent-only sites, both located approximately 15 miles southeast of Danielsville along ridgelines with valley views. Mauch Chunk Lake Park in nearby Jim Thorpe provides more developed tent camping with amenities while still maintaining walk-in tent sites for those seeking a balance between convenience and nature immersion. The Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground serves as the closest tent site to the Lehigh Gap trailhead for hikers needing a first-night option.

Most tent campsites in the region feature basic stone fire rings and relatively flat terrain suitable for 1-3 tents. The primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail require hikers to carry in all supplies including water, as most ridge sites have no water sources. According to camper reports, the ground at some sites can become boggy after rain, making a quality ground tarp essential gear. Fire regulations are generally permissive at established sites, though seasonal restrictions may apply during dry periods. Pets are allowed at most sites, but alcohol is prohibited at the AT-designated camping areas. Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, particularly on exposed ridgelines where wind can be significant.

The ridgeline tent sites offer exceptional views and solitude compared to developed campgrounds. One camper described the AT Ridge Campground as "surrounded by a field of ferns" where you can "hear the wind blowing through the trees." At the AT Overlook Campground, visitors report being able to "set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door." Bear activity has been noted in the area, so proper food storage is essential. Weekday camping typically provides more solitude than weekends. The primitive nature of these backcountry tent sites means campers must be self-sufficient, but the reward is access to some of the most scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania with minimal crowds.

Best Tent Sites Near Danielsville, Pennsylvania (39)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Danielsville, PA

1081 Reviews of 39 Danielsville Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2026

    Quakerwoods Campground

    Quaint Country Camping in Classic Bucks County

    Tucked 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!

  • Ra F.
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    OK, but camping gets a low rating.

    The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. I bike toured there. The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics. There was also a fair amount of road noise at night. Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road.

  • Doug W.
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Valley View Group Campground

    Beautiful River Site

    This is a great campsite right on the river. There are 5 different sites all nicely marked out. Each has its own fire ring. There is also a central area with a big fire ring for everyone to get together. Bear boxes at each site for food storage.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Locust Lake State Park Campground

    Serenity on the lakes

    Pretty 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.

  • B
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Tohickon Valley County Park

    One stop shop for adventure!

    This place is amazing! everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100’ rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT, and when scheduled they open the dam up stream for som world class whitewater rafting.

    As for some things that aren’t listed. this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park, however that all depends on how open you are about it and the Park rangers. Cell phone service is limited last time I was up there in 2012 only people with Verizon Wireless had any reception. Also there is no WiFi. No hookups or camp store.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Campsites Jammed Closely Together

    PROS 

    Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

    $13.50 senior discount 

    Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

    Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

    Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

    Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

    Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

    Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

    CONS

    $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

    Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

    Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

    Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

    Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

    Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

    Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

    Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

    Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

    Lots of barking dogs 

    No wood sales in park 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Dwight D.
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Jenny Jump State Forest

    Cute Comfortable Shelter

    This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The "shelter" is what we would describe as a "cabin"; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!

    There are eight shelters at Jenny Jump State Park. Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk? The dead end means there isn't too much traffic, though the road is right there so you can wave to the other campers heading to the restroom or for hikes. There is a trail head at one of the parking lots. During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road. We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us! Otherwise, this shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private.

    We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies. There was a picnic table and benches inside. We brought camping chairs for relaxing on the porch. We spent most of our time on the porch; cooking, chatting, and crafting while enjoying the sunshine and breeze.

    Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not.

  • D
    Jul. 5, 2020

    Tobyhanna State Park Campground

    Good campground for families.

    My 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.

Guide to Danielsville

The Lehigh Gap area near Danielsville, Pennsylvania offers primitive tent camping options along the Appalachian Trail at elevations between 800-1,600 feet. This section of the AT crosses the Blue Mountain ridge with a unique microclimate that creates temperature differentials of 5-10°F cooler than surrounding valleys. Sites typically accommodate small groups with 1-3 tents on terrain that varies from rocky outcroppings to pine-needle covered forest floor.

What to do

Paddleboarding on Mauch Chunk Lake: Campers staying at Mauch Chunk Lake Park can launch paddle boards directly from lakeside sites. "The water is so clean and clear" for paddle boarding, according to Lisa S., who recommends weekday visits for calmer conditions.

Group hiking through pine forests: The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap provides an excellent base for groups exploring the pine forest sections. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area," notes Asher K., who appreciates the protection from bad weather the pine canopy provides.

River adventures: Tent campers planning water excursions should consider sites at Riverview Park Campground which sits directly on the Lehigh River. "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," writes a reviewer who mentions its convenient location along the D&L biking trail.

What campers like

Protected shelter options: The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter offers hikers a maintained structure with "a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers," according to Asher K. The nearby spring provides a reliable water source, though the reviewer notes "there isn't really any flat area to set up around the shelter" for tenters.

Pine needle padding: Tent campers appreciate the natural cushioning at certain sites. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area" at the AT Group Campsite, making for more comfortable ground sleeping than rocky alternatives elsewhere on the trail.

Proximity to attractions: Mauch Chunk Lake Park scores high with campers due to its strategic location. "There's much to explore in the town Jim Thorpe and beautiful hiking close by," notes Katie S., while another camper mentions it's "very close to lots of outdoor attractions and fun in the Jim Thorpe and Blue Mountain area."

What you should know

Water availability: Water sources are limited at primitive sites. The Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground has "no water available at the site itself but there were some small creeks along the trail coming up the hill or you can fill up at the nature center near the trailhead," according to a reviewer.

Ground conditions: After rain, many sites become waterlogged. A reviewer noted the Woodpecker Trailhead site was "overall pretty boggy" after rain and recommends "a good ground tarp" to avoid getting wet.

Reservation requirements: Riverview Park Campground requires advance booking. "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," warns a camper.

Noise levels: Weekend camping at popular sites can be noisy. One Mauch Chunk Lake Park camper reported it was "the LOUDEST campground I have ever been to" with "multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight" despite quiet hours.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly sites: For families new to tent camping near Danielsville, Pennsylvania, structured campgrounds provide easier experiences. "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," writes Mackenzie B. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

Activity options: Sites with multiple recreation facilities keep children engaged. "Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals" were highlights for Danny M. during his first-ever camping trip at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

Weather protection: When camping with kids, choose sheltered locations during questionable weather. The AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground is described as "shortly before you get to the AT shelter if you are headed north," providing a tent option with shelter proximity if conditions worsen.

Tips from RVers

Alternative tent options: Since most primitive sites in the Danielsville area don't accommodate RVs, RV campers often set up tents at designated sites. The AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap offers excellent views for tent camping, where "you can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door," according to a camper who found the site "flat, dry, and not too rocky."

Extra padding recommendations: The rocky terrain requires additional sleeping protection. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M. who camped at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

Site selection guidance: Choose sites based on specific needs rather than availability. "If it works with your distance goal I highly suggest taking a night and camping up on this ridge," recommends a camper about the AT Ridge Campground, noting the "magical field of ferns" and ability to "hear the wind blowing through the trees."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Danielsville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Danielsville, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Danielsville, PA?

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