Best Dispersed Camping near Freeland, PA
Several dispersed camping sites exist near Freeland, Pennsylvania, primarily along sections of the Appalachian Trail. Bake Oven Knob offers overnight parking for vans and vehicles, with hiking access to tent camping spots. The site features two large lots where visitors can park and sleep or hike approximately half a mile to find suitable tent locations. The area includes a short, rocky trail leading to an overlook on the Blue Mountain ridge.
Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, located in Worthington State Forest across the border in New Jersey, provides free primitive camping with hike-in access. The site includes bear boxes but lacks water sources and ground fires are prohibited. A camper noted, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers another option with a shaded gravel parking lot suitable for overnight stays. This trailhead provides access to extensive hiking trails, including the Saw Creek trail leading to marsh areas. Most dispersed sites in the region prohibit fires, don't offer facilities, and require proper backcountry preparation.
