32 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers lakeside tent camping with designated sites in a wooded setting, while several primitive tent areas can be found along the Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Gap. The region provides diverse options for tent campers seeking both convenience and seclusion within the rolling terrain of eastern Pennsylvania.
Most primitive tent camping areas near Jim Thorpe feature basic amenities with fire rings and limited facilities. The AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap provide primitive tent setups with stone fire rings but no water sources, requiring campers to pack in their supplies. Riverview Park Campground offers tent-only sites along the Lehigh River with picnic tables and fire pits, plus bathroom facilities accessible from the road. Many backcountry tent sites require advance planning as water access is limited, particularly at ridge-top locations where campers must fill up before ascending.
Tent campers at Mauch Chunk Lake Park enjoy spacious, wooded sites with lake access. A camper noted that "the sites were adequate size" and "the lake was beautiful, very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming." The primitive tent camping areas along the Appalachian Trail provide more secluded experiences with outstanding views. At the AT Overlook Campground, campers can position their tents to have valley views directly from their tent doors. The site features a stone fire ring and even a stone chair constructed by previous visitors. During summer months, tent campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, as several areas post warnings about high bear activity. The backcountry tent sites on the ridgeline offer peaceful camping surrounded by fern fields, providing excellent stargazing opportunities away from light pollution.
"Beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals. There’s much to explore in the town Jim Thorpe and beautiful hiking close by."
"You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
from $20 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $35 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
GuideThis 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.
LegendWhat 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!
GuideStayed 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.
GuideSmall 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.
GuideWe only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
RangerWe stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
RangerGorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
ScoutWas my first ever camping trip with a travel trailer. Site was very clean and well maintained and staff was friendly and great to deal with. Pull through sites (section K) was a little tight - maybe that’s the norm, don’t have anything to compare to but some awnings were near the neighboring camper. Overall, awesome experience.
Primitive camping spots surround Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania along the Appalachian Trail corridor, with tent sites concentrated near Lehigh Gap on the northeastern edge of Carbon County. The region's elevation ranges from 400 feet near the Lehigh River to over 1,500 feet on the ridgelines where backcountry campsites offer maximum seclusion. Most primitive sites require carrying in all water supplies, especially during summer when seasonal springs often dry up.
River activities: The Lehigh River provides excellent paddling and rafting opportunities for campers. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, visitors appreciate that "the water is so clean and clear" for paddle boarding, with sites available "right on the water that are nice size." For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Lehigh Gorge offers whitewater rafting trips.
Hiking trails: Access segments of the Appalachian Trail from primitive camping areas near Lehigh Gap. The AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap serves as an excellent base for exploring the ridge with "a magical field of ferns" surrounding the campsite and "views of both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail."
Water recreation: Swimming and boating opportunities abound at local lakes. One camper at Mauch Chunk mentioned, "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."
Privacy in primitive sites: The backcountry camping areas provide seclusion not found at developed campgrounds. At AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap, campers value that "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."
Convenient river access: Campers appreciate sites with direct water access. Riverview Park Campground offers "tent only sites located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit," making it "the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start."
Group camping spaces: Several locations accommodate larger parties. The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap features "a bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area" with "many large flat areas that are perfect for tents."
Water planning: Most primitive sites require water planning. At many ridge sites, there is "nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," so campers must "bring in your water" before ascending.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are common in the region. One camper at AT Overlook Campground reported being "on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity" and encountering "a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking. At Riverview Park, campers need to "reserve a site in advance since they will charge you an additional $10 if you show up without planning."
Weekend noise levels: Developed campgrounds can become noisy on weekends. A visitor to Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite noted their site "appears to be well-used" but was "less muddy than some of the other options so would work well when it has rained recently."
Beginner-friendly options: Some campgrounds cater well to camping novices. Mauch Chunk Lake Park "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 on the campground and nearby."
Activity variety: Campgrounds with multiple recreational options keep children engaged. At Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center, families find evening entertainment like "a movie shown at night, as well as music played late into the night," though one camper notes, "if you are looking for a peaceful campground look elsewhere."
Comfort considerations: Expect varied terrain conditions for tent placement. At some Mauch Chunk Lake sites, campers report "many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters" despite having "plenty of space away from neighbors."
Limited RV options: Most primitive sites near Jim Thorpe cannot accommodate RVs. Larger vehicles should stick to established campgrounds like Mauch Chunk Lake Park, which offers electric hookups and water but is not considered "big-rig friendly" according to site descriptions.
Event camping: Some RV sites serve as bases for special events. During Lehigh Riverfest, Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center provides a festival atmosphere with "Bands throughout the night with beer and food. Nice showers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jim Thorpe, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jim Thorpe, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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