Best Dispersed Camping near Easton, PA
Dispersed camping options near Easton, Pennsylvania include the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in nearby Columbia, New Jersey and Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania. The Appalachian Trail site requires hikers to access on foot, while Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers drive-in access. These primitive sites provide basic accommodations for backpackers seeking free camping experiences in the region.
The Appalachian Trail campsite has specific regulations visitors must follow. No alcohol, pets, or ground fires are permitted at this location. Bear boxes are provided for proper food storage. According to reviews, the site offers both communal and secluded spots suitable for tent and hammock camping. The terrain is somewhat sloped, making hammock camping preferable for some visitors. Several campers noted the site is small but well-maintained and provides good trees for hammocking.
Water access is limited in the area, requiring advance planning. No drinking water is available at either campsite. Hikers must stock up at Dunnfield Creek Natural Area or plan a round-trip hike to Sunfish Pond, approximately one mile from the Appalachian Trail site. The Worthington State Forest, which contains the Appalachian Trail site, designates this as the only legal camping area within forest boundaries. The site itself is unmarked but recognizable as a camping area along the trail. A permit is required for camping at Thunder Swamp Trailhead, so visitors should secure proper documentation before arrival.