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Best Tent Camping near Lehigh Valley, PA

946 Reviews

Tent campsites along the Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania provide primitive camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Several walk-in tent locations can be found near Lehigh Gap, including the AT Ridge Campground, AT Overlook Campground, and George W. Outerbridge Shelter. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park offers established tent sites for those seeking more developed facilities, while Boulder Ridge Farm provides secluded walk-in tent sites approximately 40 miles from the Lehigh Valley area.

Most primitive tent campgrounds in this region require hikers to pack in their own supplies, as facilities are minimal or nonexistent. The Lehigh Gap area features multiple walk-in tent sites that can only be accessed by hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail. Fire rings are common at most sites, but campers must bring their own water or collect from nearby creeks when available. The AT Overlook Campground provides flat, dry tent spaces with stone fire rings, while the AT Ridge Campground consists of two separate areas with room for multiple tents. Green Lane Park offers more developed sites with showers and toilets, though campers report these sites lack privacy.

Walk-in tent sites along the ridgeline near Lehigh Gap provide dramatic views and peaceful settings for tent campers seeking a more remote experience. The AT Overlook Campground stands out as particularly scenic, with one reviewer noting it was "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." Boulder Ridge Farm offers a different experience with secluded walk-in tent sites among large boulders. The pine forest group site near Lehigh Gap features a comfortable bed of pine needles, creating what one visitor described as "a nice quiet and secluded spot" that makes up for its lack of views "in coziness."

Best Tent Sites Near Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania (39)

    1. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    8 Reviews
    Perkiomenville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 234-4528

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"

    "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"

    2. Boulder Ridge Farm

    2 Reviews
    Sellersville, PA
    15 miles
    Website

    $20 - $30 / night

    "We'd like to welcome Joe, your host, to our platform! This property is close to town yet so serene. 2WD is fine but 4WD will make your experience getting to the property a bit more smooth."

    "Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."

    3. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap

    2 Reviews
    Palmerton, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 760-8889

    "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."

    4. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap

    2 Reviews
    Palmerton, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 760-8889

    "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."

    5. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter

    1 Review
    Palmerton, PA
    15 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap

    1 Review
    Palmerton, PA
    16 miles
    +1 (610) 760-8889

    "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."

    7. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

    10 Reviews
    Nesquehoning, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 325-3669

    $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."

    8. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)

    1 Review
    Palmerton, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 760-8889

    "This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."

    9. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."

    "This campground is hike in or boat in. The campsites are primitive and include a fire ring as well as a picnic table."

    10. Rolling Hills Retreats

    1 Review
    Oley, PA
    18 miles
    +1 (484) 507-4180

    $160 - $380 / night

    "Her boyfriend and I wanted to plan an outdoor camping trip but we’re completely over having no privacy, worrying about my reactive dog, feeling like we had to follow ridiculous rules when going camping"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Lehigh Valley, PA

946 Reviews of 39 Lehigh Valley Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2026

    Quakerwoods Campground

    Quaint Country Camping in Classic Bucks County

    Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.

    HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.

    LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.

    Happy Camping!

  • Doug W.
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Valley View Group Campground

    Beautiful River Site

    This 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.

  • Ra F.
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    OK, but camping gets a low rating.

    The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. I bike toured there. The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics. There was also a fair amount of road noise at night. Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Locust Lake State Park Campground

    Serenity on the lakes

    Pretty 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.

  • B
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Tohickon Valley County Park

    One stop shop for adventure!

    This 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.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Campsites Jammed Closely Together

    PROS 

    Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

    $13.50 senior discount 

    Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

    Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

    Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

    Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

    Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

    Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

    CONS

    $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

    Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

    Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

    Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

    Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

    Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

    Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

    Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

    Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

    Lots of barking dogs 

    No wood sales in park 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Dwight D.
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Jenny Jump State Forest

    Cute Comfortable Shelter

    This 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.

  • D
    Jul. 5, 2020

    Tobyhanna State Park Campground

    Good campground for families.

    My 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.

Guide to Lehigh Valley

The Appalachian Trail forms the backbone of tent camping opportunities near Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Located approximately 80 miles north of Philadelphia, this region features dramatic elevation changes ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet, with primitive campsites scattered throughout wooded ridgelines and valleys. Weather conditions can shift quickly here, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 55-65°F at night.

What to do

Paddle on the reservoir: Round Valley State Park Campground offers crystal clear water perfect for kayaking and canoeing. As one camper notes, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views. Really helpful people at the office" (Round Valley State Park Campground).

Disc golf adventures: Green Lane Park provides a "phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" according to Benjamin C., making it ideal for active campers seeking variety without traveling far from camp (Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park).

Wildlife observation: Boulder Ridge Farm offers unique opportunities to experience local wildlife. One camper shared, "Great place to escape the stress of every day life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, many campsites maintain good standards. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, a visitor noted, "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" while another mentioned it's "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" (Mauch Chunk Lake Park).

Proximity to activities: Many campers appreciate having recreation options nearby. One camper at Mauch Chunk stated, "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."

Private spaces: While some campgrounds lack privacy, others excel at providing seclusion. At AT Ridge Campground, a camper described the experience as "peaceful" with sites "surrounded by a magical field of ferns" where "you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth" (AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap).

What you should know

Limited facilities: Many primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency. The Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite is described as having "a very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents" but no water access, so campers must "fill up before coming up the mountain" (Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite).

Access challenges: Some of the best tent camping near Lehigh Valley requires effort to reach. At Round Valley, Stuart K. warned, "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy."

Weather preparedness: Conditions can change quickly on the ridgelines. The pine forest group site near Lehigh Gap provides "a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather" according to one camper, who added it "makes up for it in coziness."

Tips for camping with families

Choose developed campgrounds: For families new to camping, select sites with amenities. One camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park reported, "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."

Look for flat terrain: The best tent camping for families near Lehigh Valley offers level ground. One visitor to the George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter noted it "has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers" but warned "if you are planning on tent camping there isn't really any flat area to set up around the shelter" (George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter).

Consider privacy levels: Many families prefer space from neighbors. At Green Lane Park, Katrina Z. observed, "Green Lane Park is a lovely park with several well marked trails for hiking. The campgrounds are clean but the sites are way too close together and there is not any privacy."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Lehigh Valley aren't suitable for RVs. For RV camping, Mauch Chunk Lake Park has some options but as Emma T. shared, "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."

Limited hookups: Even at established campgrounds, expect basic amenities. At Green Lane Park, a bike tourist reported, "The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lehigh Valley, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lehigh Valley, PA is Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Lehigh Valley, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Lehigh Valley, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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