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 Lehighton, PA
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Tent camping options near Lehighton, Pennsylvania range from established sites with amenities to primitive backcountry locations along the Appalachian Trail. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers wooded tent campsites with many located along the lakeside, providing easy access to water recreation. Several primitive tent sites are available near Lehigh Gap, including AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground, both offering free camping for hikers along the Appalachian Trail corridor.
Most tent sites in the Lehigh Gap area are accessible only by hiking in, with no vehicle access available. The primitive tent campsites typically feature stone fire rings and flat areas for tent placement but lack amenities such as running water, toilets, or trash service. Pine needle beds create comfortable surfaces at some backcountry sites, while others may become boggy after rain. Campers should pack in all water or know nearby water sources, as most primitive tent areas require self-sufficiency. Established campgrounds like Mauch Chunk Lake Park provide more amenities, including drinking water, showers, and toilets, though these sites fill quickly during summer weekends.
Tent campers can find excellent views from ridgeline sites near Lehigh Gap, with some tent pads positioned to offer valley vistas directly from tent doorways. The Appalachian Trail tent sites provide a peaceful wilderness experience amid fern fields and pine forests. According to one visitor, "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." For water activities, Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides tent campers with lakefront sites and convenient access to kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. A recent review noted, "The lake was beautiful, very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming. The campsites were adequate size."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Lehighton (33)
1. 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
2. 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."
3. 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."
4. 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."
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. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
7. Riverview Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / 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. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
10. AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground
Drive Time
- 34 min from Allentown, PA
- 48 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 2 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 15 min from Lebanon, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lehighton, PA
62 Photos of 33 Lehighton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Tent Camping Reviews near Lehighton, PA
1126 Reviews of 33 Lehighton 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.
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!
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- 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.
- 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.
Kathy L.RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
Guide to Lehighton
Lehighton area tent campsites include options from accessible lakeshore sites to remote hiking trail campsites along the Appalachian Trail. Most primitive sites near Lehigh Gap don't offer water sources, requiring campers to carry sufficient supplies. Riverview Park Campground provides tent sites with picnic benches directly along the Lehigh River, convenient for paddlers and hikers using the D&L biking trail.
What to do
Whitewater rafting trips: Located near Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center, visitors can combine camping with river adventures. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing. The campground is definitely great for Girl Scout or school groups," notes Katie S.
Paddleboarding on Mauch Chunk Lake: Launch directly from lakeside campsites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," writes Lisa S., who visits specifically for this activity.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: For serious hikers, multiple primitive sites provide strategic overnight stops. The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap offers "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.
What campers like
Large, level group camping areas: The Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite features "a very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents. This would work well for a large group," explains Asher K., noting it "was less muddy than some of the other options."
Riverside camping access: Riverview Park Campground provides convenient sites for river adventurers. "This is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night," reports Asher K., who appreciates the picnic benches and firepits at each site.
Festival atmosphere: Some campers enjoy the social environment at certain campgrounds. At Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center, Emma T. reports, "Stayed here for Riverfest and it was great. Bands throughout the night with beer and food. Nice showers."
What you should know
Campsite reservation requirements: Several campgrounds require advance booking. At Riverview Park Campground, "make sure if you are going to stay here that you reserve a site in advance since they will charge you an additional $10 if you show up without planning," advises Asher K.
Noise levels vary significantly: While primitive AT sites offer solitude, established campgrounds can be busy. One camper notes of Mauch Chunk: "We were staying at the same site, Friday and Saturday nights. It's a busy place, a lot of weekenders with excited kiddos," while another reports it was "the LOUDEST campground I have ever been to."
Limited water availability: When staying 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," cautions Asher K.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly campground: Mauch Chunk Lake Park works well for those new to camping. "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 on the campground and nearby," explains Mackenzie B.
Diverse activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation options. Danny M. recommends Mauch Chunk: "Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals. Also a lot to do in the nearby town."
Watch for exposed roots: Some campsites require extra preparation. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M. about lakeside camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: For RV campers at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Amber M. notes many sites are "very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
Parking limitations at primitive sites: None of the Appalachian Trail campsites near AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground allow vehicle access. These tent camping areas require hiking in with all supplies, making them unsuitable for RVs or trailers.
Weekend planning essential: For RVers seeking specific amenities, timing matters. "The campground is very close to lots of outdoor attractions and fun in the Jim Thorpe and Blue Mountain area," shares Danielle F., but warns weekend visits mean full campgrounds.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lehighton, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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