Dispersed camping near Lehighton, Pennsylvania takes place within the Delaware State Forest and areas surrounding the Blue Mountain ridge. The elevation in this region averages 1,500 feet, with terrain characterized by dense woodlands, rocky outcroppings, and seasonal streams. Primitive sites typically require campers to be completely self-sufficient, with winter conditions bringing temperatures that can drop below 20°F and significant snowfall from December through February.
What to do
Hike connecting trails: Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers extensive hiking opportunities on a network of interconnected paths. "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes Jason R. The area serves as both an overnight spot and access point to multiple day hikes.
Explore overlooks: Bake Oven Knob features a distinctive rock formation with panoramic views. "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," according to Dani T. The area sits along the Appalachian Trail and serves as both a day hiking destination and overnight location.
Practice hammock camping: The wooded terrain throughout the region provides good hammocking opportunities. At Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, Katharine T. reports "Good trees for hammocking" and Renee Z. adds "I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!" Many sites have limited flat ground but abundant trees.
What campers like
Vehicle accessibility: Some dispersed sites allow for staying in your vehicle overnight. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, Benjamin H. describes "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me." This provides convenience for those not wanting to hike in with gear.
Privacy options: The designated backpacking sites often provide both community and solitude. Katharine T. comments, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We'll maintained w bear boxes provided."
Overnight parking flexibility: For those traveling through, parking lots serve as convenient overnight stops. Regarding Bake Oven Knob, one camper notes, "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems. There are two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent."
What you should know
Water scarcity: Natural water sources are limited and unreliable in many areas. For the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite, Renee Z. warns "there's no water nearby" and recommends to "Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond."
Terrain limitations: Many sites have challenging terrain that limits tent placement. "It's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping," notes one reviewer about the Appalachian Trail site, highlighting the importance of careful site selection.
Bear awareness: Black bears inhabit the region, necessitating proper food storage. Some sites provide infrastructure for this, with Katharine mentioning sites are "well maintained w bear boxes provided." Always check if bear boxes are available or bring appropriate food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with children, look for drive-up sites with shorter hiking options. Bake Oven Knob provides this combination, as Dani T. mentions "There are two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent. The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky."
Plan for no facilities: Prepare children for the absence of restrooms and running water. All dispersed sites in the region lack basic amenities, requiring families to bring portable toilets or teach proper backcountry waste disposal techniques.
Pack extra water: The lack of reliable water sources means families need to carry all water needed. One camper emphasizes this at the Appalachian Trail site, noting "No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip)."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Lehighton cannot accommodate large RVs. Smaller vans and truck campers fare better, with reports like "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems" at Bake Oven Knob.
Gravel lot parking: Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers a more accommodating option for vehicle camping. Benjamin H. describes it as "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," making it suitable for smaller recreational vehicles.
Permit requirements: Some areas require permits for overnight stays. Thunder Swamp Trailhead specifically requires a permit for camping, so check with the Delaware State Forest office before planning an overnight stay with a recreational vehicle.
