R
Russell A.
Scout
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!
Tent Camping near Emmaus, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Emmaus, Pennsylvania offers a selection of tent camping opportunities within its surrounding natural landscapes, with both established campgrounds and more primitive hiking-accessible sites. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, located about 10 miles southwest of Emmaus, provides designated tent sites with basic amenities. Boulder Ridge Farm offers a more secluded tent camping experience with walk-in access and natural features including large rock formations, forest cover, and wildlife.
Tent sites in the Emmaus area vary considerably in terms of amenities and accessibility. At Green Lane Park, campsites include fire rings and picnic tables on mostly flat terrain, though several reviewers note the lack of privacy between sites. Sites are arranged alongside service roads with minimal vegetation separation. Boulder Ridge Farm offers more primitive camping on natural surfaces with no designated facilities except for fire rings. The Lehigh Gap area, accessible via the Appalachian Trail, provides primitive backcountry tent sites with stone fire rings but no water sources, requiring hikers to pack in their supplies. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally, with Green Lane Park open April through October.
The tent camping experience near Emmaus benefits from the region's forested landscape and access to hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail section near Lehigh Gap provides multiple primitive tent sites with varying levels of seclusion, some offering valley views directly from tent locations. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Sitting up on the mountain in this area is a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth." Boulder Ridge Farm provides a nature immersion experience where campers report hearing owls at night. For those seeking established campgrounds, Green Lane Park offers easy access to hiking trails, fishing, and disc golf, though multiple reviews emphasize the lack of privacy between tent sites.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Emmaus (39)
1. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
2. Boulder Ridge Farm
"We'd like to welcome Joe, your host, to our platform! This property is close to town yet so serene. 2WD is fine but 4WD will make your experience getting to the property a bit more smooth."
"Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $30 / night
3. Rolling Hills Retreats
"Her boyfriend and I wanted to plan an outdoor camping trip but we’re completely over having no privacy, worrying about my reactive dog, feeling like we had to follow ridiculous rules when going camping"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $160 - $380 / night
4. 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."
5. 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."
6. 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."
7. 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."
8. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"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."
9. Evansburg State Park Campground
"Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek"
"You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently$9.90.The restroom facilities we're clean."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
10. 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
Drive Time
- 13 min from Allentown, PA
- 44 min from Reading, PA
- 50 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 55 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Emmaus, PA
61 Photos of 39 Emmaus Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Evansburg State Park Campground
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Round Valley State Park Campground
Wooded Campground
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Emmaus, PA
990 Reviews of 39 Emmaus Campgrounds
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!
Peggy C.
TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
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!
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideBeacon Hill Camping
Great location
We stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
- 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 Emmaus
Tent camping near Emmaus, Pennsylvania ranges from valley sites to mountain ridge experiences across eastern Pennsylvania's diverse terrain. Elevations vary from around 400 feet in the valley to over 1,600 feet on nearby ridges, offering different temperature profiles depending on campsite selection. Summer nights typically maintain temperatures in the 60s while daytime highs reach the 80s, with occasional thunderstorms requiring proper rain protection.
What to do
Fishing at multiple waterways: Evansburg State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities, including trout. One camper noted, "I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago! Great park... You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing license, currently $9.90."
Disc golf course access: Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park provides campers with recreation beyond hiking. A visitor mentioned it has a "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" making it a versatile option for Emmaus area campers seeking varied activities.
Paddleboarding on clear waters: At Mauch Chunk Lake Park near Jim Thorpe, about 30 miles north of Emmaus, water activities become the focus. A regular visitor explained, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm... I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: At Boulder Ridge Farm, campers appreciate the abundant natural wildlife. One visitor shared, "Great place to escape the stress of every day life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
Lakefront camping access: Many campers value waterfront sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. One reviewer explained, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars."
Family-friendly park facilities: Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park earns praise for its well-maintained grounds despite space limitations. A camper noted, "Beautiful campground. Clean restrooms, lots of open space!" while another mentioned it has a "Beautiful park with several well marked trails for hiking."
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park offers clean facilities but limited separation between sites. As one camper observed, "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors. The fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy."
Primitive sites require preparation: Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite demands planning as it has "no water access at the site so make sure to fill up before coming up the mountain. The site is pretty easy to spot but it is a little removed from the trail so make sure to keep an eye out for it."
Weather conditions affect campsite selection: At Round Valley State Park Campground, weather impacts the camping experience. A reviewer noted, "While there's nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature... I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites for beginners: Round Valley State Park Campground offers varying accessibility levels, with a camper noting it's "a great place to start with getting into backpacking and enjoying nature." The campground has "a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets. Trails are well-kept."
Consider weekend noise levels: Family groups should know that weekends at Mauch Chunk Lake Park can get noisy. A visitor explained, "We visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers. It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight."
Bring extra padding for tent camping: When tent camping with children at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, prepare for rough ground. A camper advised, "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters. Plenty of space away from neighbors."
Tips from RVers
RV site selection at Green Lane Park: The campground layout at Deep Creek affects RV camping experience. A visitor reported, "Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road" making site selection crucial for RV privacy.
Limited hookup options: While some campgrounds list RV compatibility, hookups are limited. At Deep Creek Campground, "The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics."
Road noise considerations: RV campers should consider road noise when selecting sites. A camper at Green Lane Park noted, "There was also a fair amount of road noise at night," which affects sleep quality, particularly for RV campers with thinner walls than hard-sided units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Emmaus, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Emmaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Emmaus, PA is Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Emmaus, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Emmaus, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Emmaus, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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