s
sorcha A.
Traveler
TravelerShady Oak Campground
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
Tent Camping near Danielsville, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
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 Campgrounds near Danielsville (38)
1. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
2. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap
"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."
3. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap
"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."
4. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter
"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."
5. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap
"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."
6. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)
"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
7. Riverview Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
8. Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground
9. AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground
10. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
Drive Time
- 28 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 6 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 29 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Danielsville, PA
75 Photos of 38 Danielsville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
Wooded Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Danielsville, PA
1126 Reviews of 38 Danielsville Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
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!
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.
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
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!
- 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.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Big sites with lots of trees
We only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon 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 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?
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?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Danielsville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Danielsville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring