Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Tent Camping near Duryea, PA
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites surround the Duryea area across northeastern Pennsylvania's varied terrain, with multiple walk-in and drive-in options for primitive camping experiences. Manny Gordon Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest offers established tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides lakeside tent camping with more developed amenities. The AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap offers backcountry options for hikers seeking scenic views and seclusion.
Most tent sites in the region feature previously established fire rings and relatively flat areas for setting up tents, though some locations have exposed tree roots and rocky surfaces that require careful placement. Drinking water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with primitive sites like AT Overlook requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Fire regulations are generally permissive at established sites, but several campgrounds enforce quiet hours that may go unenforced during busy weekends. According to one visitor at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "The campsites were adequate size. The park rangers are very friendly and helpful," though they noted it can become noisy during peak season.
Tent-only camping areas provide distinctive experiences compared to developed campgrounds. Sites along the Appalachian Trail offer scenic views from ridge tops, with AT Overlook Campground featuring what a camper described as "a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky." Many tent sites provide proximity to water features, like Oh! Pear Orchards which positions campers next to peaceful streams. The region's varied elevation offers options from lakeside sites to mountain ridge camping, with most locations within reasonable driving distance from Duryea. Walk-in tent sites typically provide more seclusion and natural settings, though they require carrying gear short distances from parking areas. Some primitive tent locations in state forests have minimal amenities but compensate with quieter surroundings and fewer neighbors.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Duryea (43)
1. 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
2. Half Baked Homestead
3. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. 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
5. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
6. Oh! Pear Orchards
"Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped"
"We're excited to have this property on our platform. This listing has peaceful tent sites located against the creek."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $45 / night
7. Hillside Campgrounds
8. 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."
9. 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."
10. 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
Drive Time
- 6 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 10 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 31 min from Williamsport, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Duryea, PA
56 Photos of 43 Duryea Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Oh! Pear Orchards
Hillside Campgrounds
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Second District Brew FarmS
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Private Campsite on 50 AcresC
Tent Camping Reviews near Duryea, PA
869 Reviews of 43 Duryea 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.
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.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- 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.
Kathy L.
RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
Guide to Duryea
Tent campsites near Duryea, Pennsylvania range from river island primitive sites to mountain ridge camping options within a 40-mile radius. The region's varied topography includes elevations from 400 to 1,500 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the seasons. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 55-65°F at night, making tent camping comfortable with proper gear.
What to do
Paddle to island camps: Access remote tent sites on Namanock Island by kayak or canoe, approximately 4 miles downstream from Milford Beach put-in. "The absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness," notes camper John B., who adds that crossing to the Pennsylvania shore allows a "10-15 minute hike along the road to reach Raymondskill Falls."
Hike to waterfalls: Several tent camping areas near Duryea provide access to local waterfalls within walking distance. At Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center, tent campers can enjoy rafting trips and evening entertainment. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing... There was a movie shown at night, as well as music played late into the night," reports Katie S.
Streamside camping: Set up tents alongside flowing water at several primitive sites. Oh! Pear Orchards offers "peaceful tent sites located against the creek" with "the best fire pits" according to camper Heather T., who adds the sites have "just enough shade to stay cool" while still providing "wide, open undeveloped space."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many tent camping areas provide ample room between neighbors. "The campground was spacious and while it was likely full, it still felt secluded," notes Katie S. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, which features "many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
Water activities: Tent sites near water bodies offer swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," reports Lisa S. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, adding that "you are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town."
Night sky viewing: Remote tent sites without light pollution provide exceptional stargazing. "Once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river," explains John B. about camping on Namanock Island. Another camper, Sean M., describes the experience as "lots of peace and natural all around" where he "saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site."
What you should know
Site preparation needs: Many tent campgrounds require preparation before setting up. "The fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived," reports Corbin about their stay at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. Several sites feature exposed roots and uneven ground.
Water supply variation: Many primitive tent sites lack potable water. At AT Overlook Campground, campers must "be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," according to Asher K.
Insect activity: Tent campers should prepare for bugs, especially in warmer months. "Very buggy spot, LOTS of centipedes and other creatures at night, so bring a chair instead of sitting on the bench or log," warns Sean M. about his camping experience on Namanock Island.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Some tent campgrounds specifically cater to novice campers. "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," shares Mackenzie B. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Activity-centered campgrounds: Choose tent sites with built-in activities. "GREAT first trip! The campgrounds were nice and there was a lot to do. Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals," explains Danny M. about his experience at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Tick protection: Forest tent sites in the region have ticks during warmer months. At Manny Gordon Recreation Area, camper Gavin S. notes the site is "very open, plenty of space" but warns there are "lots of ticks tho so get your spray."
Tips from RVers
Mixed-use camping areas: Some tent campsites share facilities with RV areas. "The campground is very close to lots of outdoor attractions and fun in the Jim Thorpe and Blue Mountain area," reports Danielle F. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, noting the park rangers are "very friendly and helpful."
Sound considerations: Tent campers at mixed-use areas should consider noise levels. "It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight. There are supposed to be quiet hours, but they were not enforced," explains Danielle F. about weekend camping at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Duryea, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Duryea, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Duryea, PA is Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Duryea, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Duryea, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near Duryea, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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