44 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"The only drawback is no alcohol allowed, but most State Parks are like that I think. All photos below are taken from my site."
from $24 - $53 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $35 / night
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
TravelerOnly 3 sites along this stretch of road, and they're spaced nicely. Lots of tree cover for a nice shady camping spot. Tons of wild life, expect the bear to wander through camp. By far one of my favorite camping spots!
No electric, no water, no dump site, no shower, Vault toilets in walking distance.
TravelerThis 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.
LegendThis park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.
The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.
On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.
The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.
There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..
LegendPretty 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.
ScoutMy 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.
ScoutBig sites with 30 amp service available for RVs and trailers. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grate. The pull-through sites don’t offer much in the way of privacy, but that’s the trade off for convenience. There are two potable water spigots in the campground. The bathhouse offers warm showers, 2 dishwashing sinks, and a coin-operated washer and dryer. The facilities are kept very clean. On the weekends it can get pretty crowded, so it tends to be louder at night then, but the camp hosts and the rangers do a good job of enforcing quiet hours. Access points to several trails are very near the campground. As with all PA state parks, alcohol is prohibited. The park doesn’t have a camp store, however, there is a small general store on Route 390 (The Lake Store) just north of the park that would have any essentials you may have forgotten, as well as ice for your cooler.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
GuidePros: -beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked.
Cons: -chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad! -has a beach but it's not much to look at -sites have nice sizable fire pits, but they are very tall. It's difficult to cook over them, and sitting around the campfire in the evening is a much less visually appealing experience than I'd like
We stayed in site 157. Accessible via a path from the designated parking space to the site about 2 minute walk. Lakeside, but visibility not great due to vegetation. All sites have little trails down to the water.
Site 174 by the road and less private, but prettily overhung by evergreens.
The cabins look very nice inside.
ScoutSet on a hillside, the campground has three levels. The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded. Facilities were neat & clean, and there was a covered verandah with string lights, chairs & picnic tables outside the bathroom area.
Campground staff were friendly, and there was a store with firewood, ice and many other conveniences. Wifi was available, and connection was good the entire time I was there.
The campground is convenient to many hikes in the Delaware Water Gap area.
Be aware that the campground doesn't have credit card facilities, but does have an ATM in the store if absolutely necessary.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Duryea, PA is Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.
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