Best Dispersed Camping near Kintnersville, PA

Dispersed camping options near Kintnersville, Pennsylvania include the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 and Thunder Swamp Trailhead. The Appalachian Trail site is accessible only by hiking in, while Thunder Swamp Trailhead permits drive-in access. Both locations offer primitive camping experiences with minimal amenities. These sites serve as strategic overnight points for backpackers traversing the Appalachian Trail corridor or exploring the surrounding wilderness areas.

Water availability presents a significant challenge at these sites. The Appalachian Trail campsite has no drinking water on premises. Campers report needing to stock up at Dunnfield Creek Natural Area or plan a round-trip hike to Sunfish Pond. Bear boxes are provided at the Appalachian Trail site, making proper food storage more convenient. According to reviews, the site offers "a perfect balance of community and space" with both communal and secluded camping spots available.

Permits are required for camping at Thunder Swamp Trailhead. The Appalachian Trail site prohibits alcohol, pets, and ground fires. Hammock camping works particularly well at the Appalachian Trail site due to suitable trees and the somewhat sloped terrain that makes tent placement challenging. Several campers noted that while the site is "small and sloped for tent camping," it provides adequate space for multiple parties. The Worthington State Forest area strictly limits camping to designated sites only, with clear signage indicating permitted camping zones. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with typical Pennsylvania mountain climate patterns affecting both locations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kintnersville, Pennsylvania (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kintnersville, PA

4 Photos of 4 Kintnersville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kintnersville, PA

2 Reviews of 4 Kintnersville 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 Kintnersville

Dispersed camping near Kintnersville, Pennsylvania sits within Pennsylvania's Appalachian highlands, characterized by mixed hardwood forests and elevations around 400-600 feet above sea level. The region features several primitive camping options with seasonal restrictions typically enforcing limited or no camping during winter months. Most sites lack facilities like water or toilets, requiring complete self-sufficiency.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: The Bake Oven Knob area connects directly to the Appalachian Trail with a rocky, challenging terrain. "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," notes Dani T. about Bake Oven Knob.

Explore marshlands: Thunder Swamp offers diverse ecosystem exploration beyond typical forest hiking. "Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," reports Jason R. about his experience at Thunder Swamp Trailhead.

Hammock camping: The terrain and tree coverage at many sites makes hammock camping more practical than tent setups. Tree spacing is often ideal for securing hammocks while avoiding the challenges of the sometimes uneven ground.

What campers like

Bear boxes: The designated backpacker campsites provide secure storage for food and scented items. "Well maintained w bear boxes provided," notes Katharine T. about Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2.

Seclusion options: Many sites offer both communal and isolated spots depending on preference. Campers report finding secluded areas even when others are present at the main site.

Overnight parking: Some trailhead parking areas permit overnight stays for those with vans or small vehicles. "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems," reports a camper about the Appalachian Trail Campsite area.

What you should know

Water planning required: Water sources are extremely limited near most dispersed camping options. Plan to carry all water needed or research specific collection points. For longer stays, identify water sources before arrival.

Strict regulations: Camping is only permitted in designated areas throughout most of the region. Rangers actively enforce these restrictions with potential fines for non-compliance.

Limited cell service: Most primitive camping areas have spotty or non-existent cell coverage. "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," notes benjamin H. about the Thunder Swamp Trailhead, highlighting the isolation factor.

Tips for camping with families

Short hiking options: For families with younger children, several areas offer abbreviated trail experiences. The terrain varies from moderate to difficult, so research specific trail segments before bringing children.

Educational opportunities: The diverse ecosystems provide natural learning environments about forest ecology, wildlife habitats, and conservation practices. Consider bringing field guides specific to Pennsylvania flora and fauna.

Safety considerations: Limited facilities mean families need comprehensive first aid supplies and emergency plans. Notify someone of your specific camping location and expected return time before departing.

Tips from RVers

Trailhead parking limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Kintnersville prohibit larger vehicles. "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade," notes a reviewer about the available space at one location, indicating small vehicle compatibility only.

Alternative campgrounds: RVers should consider established campgrounds in the broader region rather than dispersed options. The narrow access roads and limited turning space make most primitive sites unsuitable for anything beyond vans or small truck campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kintnersville, PA is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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