Best Dispersed Camping near Hellertown, PA

Dispersed camping near Hellertown, Pennsylvania is limited to several primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail and nearby mountainous areas. Bake Oven Knob provides overnight options for both vehicle-based and hike-in campers along the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. Several miles from Hellertown, the Appalachian Trail Campsite and Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 permit primitive camping for hikers. Thunder Swamp Trailhead, though farther away, offers another dispersed camping location. These areas primarily serve as backcountry camping zones with minimal facilities and specific regulations.

Access to these dispersed sites varies significantly based on location. Bake Oven Knob features two large parking lots where overnight vehicle camping is possible or hikers can access tent camping spots and a trail shelter approximately half a mile from the parking area. Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides a shaded gravel parking area suitable for overnight stays. Most dispersed camping areas prohibit fires, and none provide drinking water, toilets, or trash collection. Permits may be required at some locations such as Thunder Swamp Trailhead. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker site in nearby New Jersey requires hikers to pack in all water, as one camper noted that "there's no water nearby, and you'll need to stock up at Dunnfield Creek natural area or wait until Sunfish pond."

These primitive camping areas generally attract hikers and those seeking minimalist outdoor experiences. The landscape features rocky terrain with limited but rewarding views. "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," reported one visitor to Bake Oven Knob. The Appalachian Trail sites offer varying degrees of seclusion, with one camper describing the Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 as having "a perfect balance of community and space" with "plenty of space" and "secluded spots too." Bear boxes are provided at some locations, and trees suitable for hammock camping are available. Overnight parking at trailheads appears to be tolerated, with one Thunder Swamp visitor simply stating their experience was "chill" and "no one bothered me."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hellertown, Pennsylvania (4)

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hellertown, PA

4 Photos of 4 Hellertown Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hellertown, PA

2 Reviews of 4 Hellertown 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.

  • 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!


Guide to Hellertown

Dispersed camping near Hellertown, Pennsylvania concentrates primarily in the Blue Mountain section of the Appalachian Trail corridor, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 feet. Winter camping can be challenging due to exposed ridge conditions when temperatures drop below freezing, while summer brings dense foliage that limits views but provides natural shelter. Most primitive sites require self-sufficiency as they lack basic amenities and infrastructure.

What to do

Overnight hiking routes: The Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides access to extended hiking opportunities with overnight parking options. "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes one visitor to Thunder Swamp Trailhead.

Ridge exploration: Blue Mountain ridge offers geological formations and seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities for day hikers based at primitive sites. At Bake Oven Knob, campers can access both overnight parking and hiking trails, as one visitor mentioned, "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems."

Photography stops: Strategic pullouts near trailheads serve as bases for capturing sunrise and sunset photography of the ridge landscape. The overlooks provide vantage points for landscape photography in all seasons.

What campers like

Natural seclusion: Many dispersed sites along the Appalachian Trail offer privacy despite proximity to trail corridors. At Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, a camper appreciated that "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."

Bear protection: Some camping areas provide bear boxes for food storage in this active wildlife zone. One camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 noted they were "Well maintained w bear boxes provided."

Hammock opportunities: Mature forests at many sites accommodate hammock camping as an alternative to ground tents on rocky terrain. The same camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 confirmed "Good trees for hammocking."

What you should know

Water scarcity: No reliable water sources exist at most sites, requiring thorough pre-planning for hydration needs. A camper at Appalachian Trail Campsite warned, "There's no water nearby, and you'll need to stock up."

Terrain challenges: Rocky, uneven ground characterizes most sites, requiring careful tent placement or hammock alternatives. Sites typically feature natural clearings rather than designated pads.

Permit requirements: Some areas require advance registration or permits for overnight stays. Thunder Swamp Trailhead explicitly lists permit requirements for campers, though overnight parking appears tolerated.

Tips for camping with families

Accessibility considerations: Most dispersed sites require moderate hiking, limiting options for families with very young children. Routes often include rocky sections that may be difficult for inexperienced hikers.

Wildlife education: The area provides opportunities to teach children about black bear safety protocols and proper food storage. Areas with bear boxes offer teaching moments about wildlife management.

Distance planning: Break longer hikes into segments with predetermined rest points to accommodate different energy levels. Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 can be reached via moderate hiking distances, with one visitor noting the "nearest [water] is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 mile round trip."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle size limits: Only smaller campervans and conversion vans can access most trailhead parking areas due to narrow roads and limited turning radius. No traditional RV hookups exist at any dispersed sites near Hellertown.

Overnight parking protocol: Some trailheads permit overnight parking for self-contained vehicles with proper positioning. One visitor to Thunder Swamp Trailhead described their experience as "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble" while another noted it's "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

Power management: No electrical hookups exist, requiring complete self-sufficiency for vehicle campers. Plan for multiple nights without shore power or generator use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hellertown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hellertown, PA is Bake Oven Knob with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hellertown, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Hellertown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.