The forested river valleys surrounding Freeport, Pennsylvania offer several tent camping options, with notable sites along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. Mountain View Camps, located north of Freeport, provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities in a wooded setting. For primitive tent camping experiences, Danner Primitive Campground offers hike-in only access approximately 2 miles from the Kennerdell Bridge trailhead, with 8 riverside tent sites that require permits for stays longer than one night.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature level dirt or grassy surfaces suitable for tent setup. Vault toilets are common at established sites, though potable water availability varies significantly. At Round Bottom Camping Area and Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground along the GAP Trail, campers should plan to filter water from nearby rivers or bring their own supply. Fire rings with adjustable grates are standard at most primitive tent sites, and picnic tables are available at many locations. First-come, first-served policies apply at most backcountry tent camping areas, with limited or no reservation options.
Tent campers visiting the GAP Trail sites report unique experiences not available to other camping styles. According to reviews, Dravo's Landing Campground offers "plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars," though visitors should secure food from raccoons. One camper noted that at Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, "the only people you will see are the ones who've biked, boated, or walked in," creating a remote atmosphere despite proximity to the trail. Train noise is mentioned as a consideration at several riverside tent campsites, with reviewers recommending earplugs for light sleepers. During weekdays, many walk-in tent sites remain sparsely occupied, providing greater solitude for tent campers seeking quieter experiences.
"Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
from $20 - $70 / night
"We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars."
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
"The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area. Everything is clean as a whistle…pun intended. "
from $25 / night
"This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
"We're so happy to welcome this new property to our platform. Bill and Nancy offer a safe place to set up camp. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love! 💕"
Available next weekend
from $22 - $75 / night
"We're happy to welcome your host, Laurel, to our platform. This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains."
Campground full next weekend
from $100 - $150 / night
"Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail. "
"This is one of the only free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail (mile 99.6), and it is laid out similarly to the Dravo Campground, with lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for"
ScoutThis is our second time staying here. Each time in October. We love it. Unlike most RV resorts this place is small and wooded. Has free Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms and an awesome community hub room for work from home or playing games. The weekends are busy but during the week it’s so quiet and peaceful. Close to so many attractions and parks that are part of the PA Wilds. Would definitely recommend.
ScoutPLEASE DONT GO HERE ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS AND IF YOUR NOT WHITE..THE OWNER IS A RACIST HYPOCRITE AND SO ARE ALL OF HER CREW AT THIS LOWLIFE CAMPGROUND. JUST BECAUSE SHE DONT DRINK AND LIKE TO HAVE FUN, SHE RUINS IT FOR ALL THE OTHER CAMPERS..YOU HAVE TO BE IN BED AT 10PM..WHAT A FRIGGING JOKE..SHE SNEAKES AROUND IN HER GOLF CART AT NIGHT AND CREEPS IN YOUR WINDOWS TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING. THATS WHY YOUR NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE CURTAINS CLOSED .SO HER AND HER SO CALLED HYPOCRITE FRIENDS CAN SEE WHAT YOUR DOING..WE USED TO BE UP THERE UNTIL WE SAW HOW SHE TREATED AND TALKED ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE BLACK KIDS..ESPECIALLY ON CHRISTMAS IN JULY, SHE BOUGHT TOYS FOR EVERY WHITE KID UP THERE WHILE SHE WATCHED THE LITTLE BLACK KIDS CRY THEIR EYES OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE 10 MINUTES LATE TO GET THEIR GIFTS..SHE IS A WHICH IN DISQUISE..EVERY KID GOT TO RIDE THE WAGON WITH SANTA AND WHEN SHE SAW YHE BLACK KIDS ,THEY JUST PASSED THEM UP LIKE THEY DIDNT EVEN SEE THEM...HOW CRUEL CAN SOMEONE BE🤬🤬BUT THEN AGAIN, ITS HER ,SHE HATES PEOPLE HAVING FUN UP THERE.DONT DRINK AFTER HER HRS .DONT PLAY MUSIC AFTER HER HRS..DONT DO SHIT UP THERE UNLESS YOU WANT KICKED OUT THE NEXT DAY...I NEVER SEEN ANYONE SO CRUEL AND HEARTLESS
....THERES A FEW OTHER CAMPGROUNDS AROUND THE BEND .PLEASE GO THERE IF YOU DONT WANT TO CAMP IN A PRISON CAMPGROUND....SHE'LL NEVER CHANGE..MAYBE UF YOYR WHITE, SHELL BE NICE 🤣🤣🤣AND YOU WOLNT GET KICKED OUT..
TravelerStayed the weekend for the first time and it wasn’t bad! There were kids playing at sites nearby but that was all the noise, highway noise at all! I like how they have a spot for your tent with a picnic table and fire ring. I was in my rooftop tent on my truck so I wish the parking spot went back a little deeper for a little more privacy. But it was nice that there was bathrooms and showers within a 1 minute walk from the site! Also it says on here there is no AT&T signal, that’s not true…it’s not great but there is a bar or 2 at times!
ScoutThe park is beautiful, unlevel shade sites; is challenging to get the trailer level. unfortunately, the bathhouses are neglected, dark and full of mildew inside the showers. The park really needs to upgrade the bathhouses. The park itself is very nice and offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor exploration and hiking.
GuideThis is more a campground for RVs then tents or even roof top tents. Place is clean and the sites 90% of them are in the open. Very little shade. Travis runs the place and very nice and accommodating. Fire wood is 20 dollars for a massive amount.
ScoutSpent three nights there in August Mid-week. Was pretty quiet but was clean and nicely taken care of. No mosquitos or bugs at night. Nice walking paths. Pool, hot tub, outdoor showers all very nice.
ScoutAdvertised as a family camp but very far from it. I’ve watched this camp progressively get worse as the years go on, over priced camp with zero efforts to make anything worthwhile, run down play grounds, broken toilet paper roll holders in the bathrooms of the shower house, roads that make you feel like your off road. Owner plans “events” and then wants campers to pay for overpriced food. The owner complains nobody comes to events anymore but barely comes to them herself. The owner is VERY money hungry! And most importantly it’s home to a sex offender who the owner cherishes dearly.
It’s a shame to see how many people realized how terrible this camp was and are selling their camps because of it. The owner should open her eyes and realize she’s the reason people don’t want to be there anymore !!!
ScoutWe are here for a month and it feels like we have the place to ourselves!
ScoutCant have no fun or drink.kids get yelled at all the time..owner sneaks around looking in campers at night..they watch every thing you do. Then they throw you out because your having to much fun. Or your up after 10pm..what a joke....please dont do nothing wrong.because.youll be on the shitlist...they are very very racist ,dont ever take a black child or try to get a place to stay or even put a tent up ,cause if your Black ,they tell you their is no room for u or a tent..STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE,ITS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES AND THEY DONT WANT NO BLACS IN THEIR CAMP GROOUND AT ALL..GO UP THE ROAD..THEY ARE NICER THERE...
Tent camping options near Freeport, Pennsylvania extend beyond the GAP Trail network into several distinct camping areas. The region contains a mix of primitive hike-in sites and established tent campgrounds within the Laurel Highlands and surrounding state forests. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,100-1,800 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night throughout camping season from May through September.
Wildlife observation opportunities: At Mountain View Camps, campers report unique wildlife sightings. "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn," notes Richard C.
River access for water activities: The Youghiogheny River runs adjacent to several campgrounds, offering fishing and paddling options. The river can be accessed through Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, where reviewer Shari G. mentions "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail."
Historical exploration: Several camping areas provide access to regional historical sites. Lauren C. notes that Dravo's Landing Campground is "close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire."
Privacy and remoteness: The hike-in requirement at several sites creates a secluded camping experience. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, "The only people you will see are the ones who've biked, boated, or walked in," according to Shari G.
Firepit access: Fire rings are standard at most campgrounds, with campers appreciating the convenience. Sarah Q. mentions that at Dravo's Landing Campground, campers appreciated "the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos, and the nearby river."
Level tent sites: Finding flat ground for tent setup can be critical. At Danner Primitive Campground, Casey L. reports sites are "level and clear, each with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates."
Water availability varies significantly: Many campgrounds lack reliable potable water. Dave V. notes that at Round Bottom Camping Area, "there is hand pump but the water was discolored. It is a short walk down a trail to the river's edge, where I filtered water for drinking."
Train noise affects many riverside sites: Multiple campgrounds report train disruptions overnight. Shari G. warns about Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground: "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up."
Wildlife precautions necessary: Food storage containers are essential at best tent camping near Freeport, Pennsylvania. Sarah Q. advises at Dravo's Landing: "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you dont, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Consider cabin options for mixed camping experiences: Not all family members may enjoy tent camping. Quiet and Secluded offers a balance of tent sites with some amenities. Clyde A. reports: "Rolled up on the later side but was welcomed kindly by the owner Bill. Beautiful spot. Clean amenities!"
Check accessibility options: Some primitive campgrounds have limited accessibility features. Casey L. observed at Danner Primitive Campground: "The first 2 sites had wheelchair friendly picnic tables, so I'm not sure if you can arrange to be able to drive back for that situation."
Weekday visits reduce crowds: For families seeking quieter experiences, plan mid-week trips. Dave V. reports that at Round Bottom Camping Area, "Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty."
Limited RV options in primitive areas: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Freeport restrict vehicle access. At The GAP Trail Campground, their "Bikers Only" policy limits access, though Shari G. describes it as "More like a Spa than a Campground" with "covered seating, dining, and cooking area."
Consider site terrain when planning: Even at drive-in campgrounds, terrain can present challenges. Christopher M. notes that Indian Creek Camplands offers "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Check seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. Colwells Campground operates only from "May 1 to September 30" according to their listing, requiring advance planning for spring and fall camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Freeport, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Freeport, PA is Mountain View Camps with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Freeport, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Freeport, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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