Best Tent Camping near Garrett, PA
The Garrett, Pennsylvania region offers multiple tent camping options within the Appalachian foothills, with established sites at Laurel Ridge State Park and Big Run State Park providing dedicated tent areas. Lost Land Run in the Potomac-Garrett State Forest maintains primitive tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail corridor features several hiker-biker tent camping areas accessible by foot or bicycle. Most sites accommodate standard tent setups with minimal amenities.
Tent campsites throughout the area typically feature natural surfaces with basic facilities. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, though many lack running water. Laurel Ridge State Park campground operates seasonally from May to October with eight different camping areas designed for backpackers. Backcountry tent camping sites in state forests often require pack-in/pack-out practices for trash and supplies. The hiker-biker overnight campsites along the GAP and C&O Canal trails provide vault toilets but sometimes have hand pumps with questionable water quality, requiring filtration or carrying in your own supply.
Sites closer to rivers offer appealing tent camping experiences with natural soundscapes and cooling options during warmer months. Big Run State Park campground provides creek-adjacent tent camping with clean, well-maintained facilities and nearby water access. The most secluded backcountry tent sites require hiking in with all necessary supplies. Train noise can be significant at campsites along the GAP and C&O Canal trails. One camper described Big Run State Park as "a gem with nice wide open sites, extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks, and tons of space between sites." Another review of Lost Land Run mentioned it's "a great place if you're looking for a totally off the grid weekend" with "absolutely no cellphone service past the first couple campsites."
