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 Kingston, PA
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Northeastern Pennsylvania offers several tent camping options within driving distance of Kingston, with campgrounds like Manny Gordon Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest providing accessible tent sites. Tent campsites near Kingston range from drive-in spots with fire rings and picnic tables to primitive walk-in sites, giving tent campers a variety of settings to choose from. AT Overlook and Ridge Campgrounds near Lehigh Gap offer more primitive options for hikers seeking backcountry experiences along the Appalachian Trail.
Tent campsites in the Kingston area range from drive-in sites with basic facilities to walk-in primitive sites requiring short hikes. The ground conditions vary widely, with some locations featuring exposed tree roots and rocks that tent campers should prepare for with extra padding. A visitor commented, "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters." Several primitive tent sites near Lehigh Gap lack drinking water, so campers must pack in their own supplies. Seasonal considerations impact tent camping, with some sites becoming muddy after rain, making ground tarps essential for comfortable tent setup.
Walk-in tent sites at locations like Oh! Pear Orchards provide a more secluded experience, with some sites positioned alongside streams or in wooded settings. These tent-specific areas often feature well-established fire pits and enough flat space for multiple tents. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers tent campsites with lake access, making it popular for tent campers who enjoy paddling and swimming. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the wooded tent sites provide good coverage during inclement weather, though some campgrounds become crowded and noisy on summer weekends. Some primitive tent camping areas, particularly along the Appalachian Trail, offer exceptional views from ridge lines and are surrounded by fern fields, providing a distinctive tent camping experience not available to RV campers.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Kingston (33)
1. 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
2. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
3. 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
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. 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."
9. 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."
10. 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
Drive Time
- 18 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 7 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 13 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 17 min from Williamsport, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Kingston, PA
38 Photos of 33 Kingston Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Oh! Pear Orchards
Hillside Campgrounds
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Second District Brew FarmS
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Wooded Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Kingston, PA
858 Reviews of 33 Kingston 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.
- 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.
Kathy L.
RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous 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!
Guide to Kingston
Tent camping near Kingston, Pennsylvania offers sites ranging from primitive creek-side locations to established campgrounds with improved facilities. The Northeastern Pennsylvania camping area spans elevations from 650 to 1,400 feet with dense oak-hickory forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during the day, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Water activities: At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, tent campers can launch paddle boards directly from lakeside sites. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," notes Lisa S.
Outdoor adventures: Lehigh River rafting trips complement camping experiences for active travelers. "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, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away," shares Emma T.
Hiking options: The camping areas near Lehigh Gap connect to numerous trail networks including the Appalachian Trail. "Sitting up on the mountain in this area is a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth," reports Asher K. about the AT Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Secluded stream sites: Oh! Pear Orchards offers tent-only camping alongside a creek. "Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible," according to Heather T., who adds that a cart is provided for the short walk to sites.
Spacious campsites: Many tent camping areas near Kingston provide substantial space between sites. "Very open, plenty of space. Most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient," reports Gavin S. about Manny Gordon Recreation Area.
River access: Several campgrounds prioritize water access for tent campers. "This is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night. The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit," notes Asher K. about Riverview Park Campground.
What you should know
Timing considerations: Summer weekends can become crowded and noisy at more developed campgrounds. "We visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers. It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," cautions Danielle F.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity occurs in several camping areas around Kingston, requiring proper food storage. "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity," reports Asher K. about the AT Overlook Campground.
Insect preparation: Ticks are prevalent in warmer months throughout the Kingston camping region. "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," advises Gavin S.
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly locations: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate family and group camping experiences. "I've stayed here a couple times with groups. 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 on the campground and nearby," notes Mackenzie B. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Recreational facilities: When camping with children, look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. "Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals. Also a lot to do in the nearby town. Would definitely recommend!" shares Danny M. about his family's first camping trip.
Weekend considerations: For quieter family camping experiences, consider weekday reservations at popular campgrounds. "If you go during the week, it's quite calm. You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars," suggests Lisa S. about lake camping options.
Tips from RVers
Site preparation: Campsites around Kingston often have uneven terrain that requires additional equipment for comfortable tent camping. "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large. Plenty of space away from neighbors," notes Amber M. about Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center.
Group camping atmosphere: Some campgrounds near Kingston cater more to active social groups than quiet camping. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing. The campground is definitely great for Girl Scout or school groups, but if you are looking for a peaceful campground look elsewhere. There was a movie shown at night, as well as music played late into the night," explains Katie S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Kingston, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kingston, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kingston, PA is Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Kingston, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kingston, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Kingston, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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