Tent campsites in the wooded hills near Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania provide access to both established and primitive camping opportunities. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, located just outside Jim Thorpe. Campers can also find more secluded options at Lehigh Gap along the Appalachian Trail, with multiple primitive tent sites positioned along the ridgeline offering valley views. The Blue Ridge/Lizard Creek Campground provides walk-in tent sites with nearby trail access during their April to October season.
Most tent camping areas in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. The AT Overlook and Ridge Campgrounds near Lehigh Gap are only accessible via hiking trails, requiring campers to pack in all supplies. While established sites like Mauch Chunk Lake Park provide drinking water, electric hookups, and toilet facilities, the primitive tent sites along the Appalachian Trail are free but offer no amenities beyond fire rings. According to one visitor, "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." Campers should be prepared for variable ground conditions, from flat grassy areas at developed campgrounds to more challenging terrain at backcountry sites.
The tent camping experience in this region varies significantly by location and season. Sites positioned along ridgelines provide spectacular views, with one camper describing the AT Overlook as "by far the best campsite option on this section of the AT" where "you can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door." Primitive backcountry sites tend to be less crowded but require more preparation as water sources may be limited or nonexistent. During summer months, tent campers at Mauch Chunk Lake Park can take advantage of swimming in the lake, though weekend visitors should expect higher occupancy levels. Fall offers colorful foliage views from ridge campsites, while spring campers should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on trails and at tent sites.
$20 / night
"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."
$10 / night
$10 / night
"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"
"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."
$15 - $30 / night
"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."
"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
TravelerThis is a great campsite right on the river. There are 5 different sites all nicely marked out. Each has its own fire ring. There is also a central area with a big fire ring for everyone to get together. Bear boxes at each site for food storage.
LegendPretty campground with lots of lake views. We arrived just before dark which was good because the sites were not level front to back. Most sites had a slope but there were some level sites. You can kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish on the lake. There are 2 boat launches. The store wasn’t much to speak of. Bath houses were clean. We walked around the lake on a paved level path. They advertise no alcohol. This is near the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine tour which we loved. It’s near the Yingling Brewery tour.
ScoutThis place is amazing! everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100’ rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT, and when scheduled they open the dam up stream for som world class whitewater rafting.
As for some things that aren’t listed. this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park, however that all depends on how open you are about it and the Park rangers. Cell phone service is limited last time I was up there in 2012 only people with Verizon Wireless had any reception. Also there is no WiFi. No hookups or camp store.
RangerThis is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The "shelter" is what we would describe as a "cabin"; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!
There are eight shelters at Jenny Jump State Park. Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk? The dead end means there isn't too much traffic, though the road is right there so you can wave to the other campers heading to the restroom or for hikes. There is a trail head at one of the parking lots. During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road. We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us! Otherwise, this shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private.
We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies. There was a picnic table and benches inside. We brought camping chairs for relaxing on the porch. We spent most of our time on the porch; cooking, chatting, and crafting while enjoying the sunshine and breeze.
Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not.
ScoutMy dog and I stayed for 2 nights in the rustic tenting area. We were the only campers Wednesday & Thursday. The family camp area features spaces (small areas for either RV campers or tents and cars) with a picnic table and fire ring and water (some have electricity). They also have shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers. However, they seemed a little too cramped fir me and I wasn’t looking for opportunities to socialize, so the remote tent site was my choice. The tent sites do not have water or electric, but do have picnic tables, a fire ring and share one large outhouse with clean pit toilets. There are 5 sites and they can accommodate (shared) multiple tent set ups. Also you need to park your vehicle in a designated lot which is very close to the sites. There are multiple easy hiking and biking trails that are well marked. A lake for fishing and a small sandy beach with a picnic area for families (unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the beach). There are 2 boat launch areas (one for the campers, and another for gen. public) which also has a boat rental business (dogs are allowed). There are black bears in the park so do not leave food out and dispose of all trash in the appropriate dumpsters.
RangerI would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone wanting a beautiful, remote setting, but with all of the conveniences that the campgrounds offer. Anyone from a beginner to an expert would enjoy Stokes. Whether it be just a short, relaxing weekend trip or an adventure-packed week long trip, this place has the potential to be whatever you make it.
Pros:
Has the perfect balance of feeling secluded without feeling completely alone in the middle of nowhere; the campsite we were specifically on was just far enough to be remote-feeling and fully private with trees surrounding it
Cute little pond right on the campgrounds
Our site had a fire ring, a picnic table, and a large sturdy pole with a hook for your lantern/mesh dry bag/etc
Even, rocky, yet soft enough ground to sleep on, many trees available for hammock camping
There was a huge, nasty storm one night that we stayed there, with terrible downpour and flash flood warnings, our site was elevated and did not get flooded
A lot of firewood and kindling in the area to be gathered, or you can buy firewood right from the office
Lots of stuff to do in the area for nature-lovers and outdoors-enthusiasts (Hiking trails, fishing/fly-fishing, sightseeing, mountain-biking, kayaking/paddle-boarding (rentals in the area if you do not own), hunting, swimming, horseback riding, waterfall-hunting, bird/wildlife watching (there are hawks, rabbits, owls, deer, toads, snakes, turtles, frogs, foxes, bats, salamanders, many interesting bugs, beavers, and bears in the area, you never know what you will see), lots of beautiful brooks and streams throughout the entire park, many awesome remote areas to set up your hammock and relax) Whoever said that there wasn't much to do here is just either not an outdoors person or straight up lying!
Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash
There are outhouses scattered around, or if you are really needing a clean restroom where you can wash your hands, the park office's restroom is always open and very clean
Can be buggy at night time however, I was pleasantly surprised to have experienced zero mosquito bites and ZERO ticks on ourselves and even our dog (however she did have a leech on her from playing in the brook all day). We moderately used bug spray on ourselves and the dog had her flea and tick topical on.
Beautiful view of the stars on a clear night (Which can be breathtaking especially to city folk or those that cannot see stars from their homes)
Cons:
Can hear the traffic from 206, but generally gets much quieter at night
Campsites are close enough that you may occasionally hear other groups if they are being very loud (We were next to a group campsite that had a very noisy party crowd, but could really only hear them at their loudest, and we weren't bothered)
Tent sites are located just off the dirt road where people travel to get to their sites, which means other campers' cars will occasionally pass right through your area. If this bothers you, be sure to book a site as far back as possible. Ex: Site T137 should have no vehicle traffic but your own and is the most remote of that area
Water fill stations can be a bit busy at certain times
Our fire ring rack was bent, but luckily we came prepared with our own rack to place on top of it and it worked out
Lots of poison ivy in the area, if you are not immune to it be very mindful of where you are stepping!
Our neighbor warned us that they got a flat tire after arriving at their campsite, and after searching their site found a bunch of nails almost intentionally thrown about. It's not the park's fault and the rangers were made aware of it. Carefully check your site after arriving for anything out of place and report to the office if necessary to keep these campsites safe and enjoyable.
Points of interest nearby the campsite:
Big Flat Brook - A beautiful babbling brook that runs all throughout the area. Has great fly fishing for stocked rainbow trout. Access to the brook was only a short but beautiful hike north from our site through some thistle fields and woodlands.
Buttermilk falls (Tallest waterfall in NJ), Tillman Ravine, Dingmans Ferry/Falls, and my personal favorite, Silver Spray Falls - Multiple gorgeous waterfalls and ravines just waiting to be explored, all within ~15-20 min by car. I definitely recommend checking them out while you are camping here especially if you live far away from the area.
Sunrise Mountain and Rattlesnake Mountain - Catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset on top of Sunrise Mountain, which is a pleasant, scenic car ride directly to the top where there is a small parking lot, a smelly outhouse, and a nice picnic table area with a great view. Rattlesnake Mountain is a part of the Appalachian Trail and is somewhat barren towards the top which makes for excellent views. Like its name, it's not uncommon to see many snakes in the area, rattlesnakes tend to hang out on the top and sunbathe on the rocks. Keep your pets on a leash and have a stick handy just in case, however, they will leave you alone if you keep your distance.
Lake Ashroe, Stony Lake, Lake Ocquittunk - Many lakes for multiple activities in the area such as fishing (trout stocked waters), kayaking, swimming (Stony lake has a beach area with lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas. Check their website for more info.)
Horseback riding - A few great horseback riding places nearby, some offering trail rides through the beautiful park.
Appalachian Trail - The widely-known Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only trail in the world, that runs all the way from Maine to Georgia goes right through this area. You may run into very interesting people from all over who are thru-hiking the AT.
PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR VISIT. LEAVE NO TRACE. KEEP OUR PARKS BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU.
TravelerWe recently stayed at site 3 at the campground at High Point State Park in NJ. It was our first time there, and we were surprised at how nice it was.
There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside. The sites were large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy.
Our site had a picnic table, and a fire ring with a cooking grate. Although, we didn't have one, we saw some sites had tent platforms
There are a few sites that sit higher up, and further from the lake, for RV and or car campers not looking to walk to there site. These had less privacy because they sit close to the road.
The bathrooms with flush toilets were ok when we were there. There are water spigots around the campground, but there are no showers or sinks. It's noted that there is no camp store at the campground, and the closest grocery was about 1/2 hour away, so come prepared. They did sell firewood at the park headquarters , which is about 10 minutes away from the campground.
It was pretty buggy (including ticks), so don't forget your deep woods.
ScoutBig sites with 30 amp service available for RVs and trailers. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grate. The pull-through sites don’t offer much in the way of privacy, but that’s the trade off for convenience. There are two potable water spigots in the campground. The bathhouse offers warm showers, 2 dishwashing sinks, and a coin-operated washer and dryer. The facilities are kept very clean. On the weekends it can get pretty crowded, so it tends to be louder at night then, but the camp hosts and the rangers do a good job of enforcing quiet hours. Access points to several trails are very near the campground. As with all PA state parks, alcohol is prohibited. The park doesn’t have a camp store, however, there is a small general store on Route 390 (The Lake Store) just north of the park that would have any essentials you may have forgotten, as well as ice for your cooler.
RangerMy first time camping at High Point State Park, Sawmill Area, September 2019. I chose a campsite close to the restrooms and water spigot. It turned out to be very secluded, minus the foot traffic to the restroom at all hours. The campsite is mostly gravel so the platform is necessary. There are no trees for hammocking, so I made the best of it with the platform and my car. There was also not a lot of shade during the day. I moved my chair around to chase the shade. It was hot during the day and chilly at night.
Campground is close hiking trails and the High Point Monument(20min drive).
Each campsite has a firepit/ring, picnic table, and lantern hook. Campsite sells fire wood. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets, no sinks, no showers, no bad smell.
Tent camping options near Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania span from lakeside tent sites to remote backcountry locations along the Appalachian Trail. The region sits within the Pocono Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 feet. Camping season typically runs April through October, with many primitive sites remaining accessible year-round depending on weather conditions.
Water activities at Mauch Chunk Lake Park: Visitors can swim at the beach area and rent kayaks directly on-site. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" notes camper Annette M. Most water activities are available Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Whitewater rafting on Lehigh River: Located 15 minutes from many campgrounds, Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center offers guided rafting experiences. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing," reports Katie S. The center operates seasonally during rafting season with rates starting around $60 per person.
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Multiple access points allow day hikes or backpacking trips with ridge views. Trails near Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite provide terrain for various skill levels. "If you are headed north on the AT this is a great spot to stay right before hitting the Lehigh gap," mentions Asher K.
Secluded ridge camping spots: Primitive sites along the AT ridgeline offer privacy and sweeping valley views. "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," shares Asher K. about AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap.
Direct water access from tent sites: Several lakefront camping options allow paddleboarding or kayaking straight from your site. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm... I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," explains Lisa S.
Pine forest camping terrain: Protected camping areas with natural padding. At AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap, "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area," according to Asher K., who adds it "makes up for it in coziness" despite not having ridge views.
Variable site conditions and terrain: Many established campgrounds have challenging natural features. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Weekend crowds at popular locations: Expect higher occupancy and noise levels at developed campgrounds during peak season. "It's a busy place, a lot of weekenders with excited kiddos," reports Corbin about their summer stay, adding it's "great for kids and campers who want to hang out with their neighbors."
Water availability limitations: Backcountry campers must plan water supplies carefully. At AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap, "be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," warns Asher K.
Beginner-friendly campgrounds: Some locations specifically cater to novice campers with flat sites and 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," explains Mackenzie B. about her group experiences.
Entertainment options for children: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation. "Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals. Also a lot to do in the nearby town," notes Danny M. from his first camping experience at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Riverside camping with facilities: Riverview Park Campground offers tent sites with basic amenities along the Lehigh River. "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," reports Asher K., adding it's "well-maintained and provides convenient access to the river."
Limited RV-friendly options: Most tent camping areas near Lake Harmony have few developed RV sites. Scrub Mountain Retreat allows vehicle access but lacks hookups for larger rigs. Reservations recommended for all RV-compatible sites during summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Harmony, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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