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Best Dispersed Camping near Hawley, PA

4 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas near Hawley, Pennsylvania concentrate mainly in the state forests and public lands of the region. Several primitive sites are available at Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, Hickok Brook in New York, and along the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey where designated backpacker campsites provide minimalist overnight options. These areas typically allow camping without reservation, though some locations like Hickok Brook require permits from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Most sites are located on public land with varying access requirements and minimal facilities.

Road conditions vary significantly between dispersed camping locations. Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers a gravel parking lot with drive-in access suitable for most vehicles. In contrast, Hickok Brook has rough roads with large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles, with limited parking options. Many reviews note you cannot camp directly in vehicles at Hickok Brook, as motor vehicles are restricted beyond certain points. The Appalachian Trail backpacker sites require hiking in, with no vehicle access to the actual camping areas. Camping amenities are extremely limited across all sites, with no drinking water, toilets, or other facilities available at any of these locations.

These primitive camping areas appeal primarily to hikers and those seeking solitude in natural settings. The Appalachian Trail site provides bear boxes and good hammocking trees but no water source nearby. According to visitor reviews, "Sunfish pond is the nearest water source, about a 1-mile round trip." At Hickok Brook, camping spots are limited and primarily lakeside. "It's a small, quiet place with only 3 spots," notes one camper, who also mentioned the need to obtain a permit for camping on New York state land. Thunder Swamp Trailhead, while essentially a parking lot, offers "plenty of shade" and access to extensive hiking trails, with one visitor noting they "went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hawley, Pennsylvania (4)

    1. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    16 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    23 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    3. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    33 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

    4. Russell Brook Road

    Be the first to review!
    Roscoe, NY
    38 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hawley, PA

7 Photos of 4 Hawley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hawley, PA

4 Reviews of 4 Hawley Campgrounds

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

Guide to Hawley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hawley, Pennsylvania, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Hickok Brook

  • Located in NY, Hickok Brook features a serene environment with only a few spots available, making it perfect for those seeking solitude.
  • Access is limited to hike-in and walk-in, so be prepared to carry your gear, but the peaceful surroundings are worth the effort.
  • The area is known for its picnic tables, allowing for a comfortable outdoor dining experience amidst nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Hawley, Pennsylvania

  • Always check for permit requirements before heading out; for instance, camping at Thunder Swamp Trailhead necessitates a permit.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, as some locations, like Russell Brook Road, do not have amenities or services nearby.
  • Be mindful of the terrain; for example, accessing Hickok Brook may require navigating rough paths, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

Beautiful lakeside spots for dispersed campers

  • The picturesque setting at Hickok Brook offers stunning views of the lake, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
  • While camping near water can be beautiful, be prepared for bugs, as noted by visitors who enjoyed the lakeside sites.
  • For those looking for a safe and clean environment, Rest Area I-84 provides a convenient option with well-maintained facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Hawley?

Dispersed camping in the Hawley area appears to have typical backcountry regulations. At Hickok Brook, reviews indicate motorized vehicles are restricted in certain areas with signs stating 'No motor vehicles beyond this point.' The access road requires high clearance vehicles due to rough conditions with large potholes. There are limited designated spots available, which can fill up quickly on holiday weekends. Like most dispersed camping, pack-in/pack-out principles apply, and you should bring all necessary supplies. Bear safety measures are likely required, as other sites in the region provide bear boxes.

Where is Hawley dispersed camping located in California?

Based on the available information, Hawley dispersed camping appears to be in the Delaware Water Gap region, not in California. The area includes several dispersed camping options like Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, which offers trailhead parking suitable for overnight stays. This suggests Hawley dispersed camping is likely in the Eastern United States, possibly near the Appalachian Trail corridor, rather than in California. For accurate location information, check with the local Forest Service office or a ranger station in the area you're planning to visit.

Are there any facilities or amenities at Hawley dispersed camping area?

Hawley dispersed camping offers minimal to no facilities, following typical dispersed camping standards. At Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, bear boxes are provided, but there's no water source nearby, making it essential to pack in all water. The site lacks developed amenities like restrooms, trash receptacles, or picnic tables. There are no ground fires permitted. The site has trees suitable for hammock camping and offers both communal and more secluded spots. The closest services would be in nearby towns, with Eldred, NY mentioned as being about 10 minutes from some camping areas in the region.

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