Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Tent Camping near Hunlock Creek, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent camping options near Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania include several established campgrounds along the Lehigh River and within Pinchot State Forest. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers wooded tent sites with lake views, while Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center provides camping opportunities for those interested in combining tent camping with river activities. The Appalachian Trail corridor also features multiple primitive tent camping locations near Lehigh Gap, including ridge campsites with valley views.
Most tent sites in the region feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary considerably between established and primitive locations. Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides more developed facilities with showers, drinking water, and electric hookups available at select tent sites. In contrast, the AT primitive campsites near Lehigh Gap require hikers to carry in all supplies, including water. Ticks are prevalent in forested areas, particularly at Manny Gordon Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest, where campers should use appropriate repellent. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and rafting season.
The pine-needle covered tent sites along the Appalachian Trail ridge provide comfortable, padded surfaces ideal for tent camping. Areas farther from developed campgrounds offer deeper seclusion with fewer amenities but greater wilderness immersion. Tent campers at Mauch Chunk Lake Park can access the lake directly from lakeside sites, making it convenient for swimming and paddling activities. A camper noted, "Our site was for the most part clean, the fire pit was full of ash and trash that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived." For more peaceful tent camping experiences, weekday visits are recommended as weekend crowds can create noise issues at popular campgrounds. The ridge campsites near Lehigh Gap offer particularly scenic tent locations with valley views directly from tent doorways.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Hunlock Creek (24)
1. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
2. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
"Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone."
"Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
3. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
"Very open, plenty of space. most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. lots of ticks tho so get your spray"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
5. Half Baked Homestead
6. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap
"You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky."
7. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap
"The only downside was my sleeping pad sprung a leak, so it wasn't the best night's sleep. But the site itself was great and I would camp there again."
"A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area."
8. Riverview Park Campground
"The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit. They also have a bathroom facility up alongside the road."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
9. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap
"This site is really 2 separate sites that are a short ways apart along the trail. They are both excellent spots to set up a tent if you plan on camping up on the ridge."
10. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter
"A single-level open-sided AT shelter near the Lehigh Gap trailhead. The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers."
Drive Time
- 29 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 10 min from Williamsport, PA
- 1 hr 20 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 34 min from Reading, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Hunlock Creek, PA
33 Photos of 24 Hunlock Creek Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Hunlock Creek, PA
797 Reviews of 24 Hunlock Creek Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Tony F.Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
Troy P.
TravelerShikellamy State Park Campground
meh
i mean meh with the most enthusiasm as you can live your entire life & be oki not going here. the trails are small & the overlook is fenced high for falls. it’s about as much scenery as going for a walk deer hunting. it’s beginner friendly if anyone wants to start getting into parks but i feel there’s more focus on pavilions & playgrounds than calling it a state park. for anything boating or canoeing on the river it’s a good place to be but your in town so it take it for what it is
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
Daniel C.ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Guide to Hunlock Creek
Tent camping opportunities near Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania extend beyond established campgrounds into several primitive locations across the region. The area sits at the northeastern edge of the Appalachians, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,800 feet, creating varied camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers cooler conditions with overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Paddle sports on the Lehigh River: The Lehigh River provides numerous kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities near Mauch Chunk Lake Park. "You can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," notes Lisa S., who camps here specifically for paddleboarding access.
Day trips to Jim Thorpe: Located just 30 minutes from Hunlock Creek, this historic town offers shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. "There's much to explore in the town Jim Thorpe and beautiful hiking close by," shares Katie S., making Mauch Chunk Lake Park an excellent base camp for exploration.
Primitive hiking and camping: For experienced backpackers, the Appalachian Trail near AT Overlook Campground offers challenging terrain with significant rewards. "You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky," reports Asher K., highlighting the scenic advantages of ridge camping.
What campers like
Riverside camping sites: At Riverview Park Campground, tent sites are positioned directly along the water. "The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit," explains Asher K., who appreciates the convenient river access for early morning paddling.
Pine forest setting: The pine needle ground cover creates naturally comfortable tent sites. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area," notes a camper about AT Group Campsite, where the trees also provide weather protection.
Wildlife encounters: The ridgeline camping areas offer opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off," shares Asher K. about AT Overlook Campground, adding that signs warn of high bear activity in the area.
What you should know
Water availability varies dramatically: Many primitive sites require carrying in all water. "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," warns a hiker about AT Overlook Campground, while established campgrounds like Mauch Chunk Lake Park offer reliable drinking water.
Tick prevention essential: Especially during summer months, ticks are prevalent throughout the forest areas. "Lots of ticks though so get your spray," advises Gavin S. about Manny Gordon Recreation Area, highlighting the importance of proper repellent use.
Weekend noise levels: The popularity of established campgrounds means weekends can get rowdy. "It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," reports Danielle F. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, adding that despite quiet hours, rules weren't enforced during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Choose beginner-friendly sites: For families new to camping, look for flat sites with amenities. "I believe it is a great spot to go with people who haven't camped much before. It has flat tent spaces, generally clean bathrooms, and access to tons of things to do," recommends Mackenzie B. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Combine camping with rafting: A popular family activity pairs tent camping with river adventures. "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake," shares Emma T., describing a perfect day that ended with rafting on the Lehigh river.
Reserve lakefront sites: For the best tent camping near Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania with families, waterfront sites offer entertainment value. "Note for next time: we will definitely be getting a lake front site for the awesome view!" concludes Emma T. after experiencing the advantages of premium sites.
Tips from RVers
Event camping available: Some campgrounds host special events that enhance the camping experience. "Stayed here for Riverfest and it was great. Bands throughout the night with beer and food. Nice showers," reports Emma T. about Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center, which features special entertainment during the rafting season.
Plan for primitive camping preparation: Even RV sites may have limited hookups in this region. "Very open, plenty of space. Most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient," notes Gavin S. about Manny Gordon Recreation Area, suggesting that resourcefulness is required even at established sites.
Advance reservations crucial: The best tent camping areas near Hunlock Creek fill quickly during summer months. "Just make sure if you are going to stay here that you reserve a site in advance since they will charge you an additional $10 if you show up without planning," advises Asher K. about Riverview Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Hunlock Creek, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hunlock Creek, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hunlock Creek, PA is Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Hunlock Creek, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hunlock Creek, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Hunlock Creek, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring