R
Russell A.
Scout
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!
Tent Camping near Lehigh Valley, PA
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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 Campgrounds near Lehigh Valley (38)
1. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
2. Boulder Ridge Farm
"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."
Check AvailabilityAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $30 / night
3. 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."
4. 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."
5. 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."
6. 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."
7. 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
8. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)
"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
"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."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
10. Rolling Hills Retreats
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
from $160 - $380 / night
Drive Time
- 5 min from Allentown, PA
- 41 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 2 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 7 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lehigh Valley, PA
62 Photos of 38 Lehigh Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
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Tent Camping Reviews near Lehigh Valley, PA
984 Reviews of 38 Lehigh Valley Campgrounds
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.
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
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.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- 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.
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideBeacon Hill Camping
Great location
We stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Big sites with lots of trees
We only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We 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.
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?
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.
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tent camping near
Lehigh Valley, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lehigh Valley, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Lehigh Valley, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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