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Best Dispersed Camping near Long Pond, PA

4 Reviews

The Pocono Mountains region surrounding Long Pond, Pennsylvania features primarily dispersed camping options with limited developed facilities. Backpackers and tent campers will find designated sites along the Appalachian Trail approximately 15 miles southeast of Long Pond, while the Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers more primitive camping opportunities closer to town. Nearby Hickok Brook in New York State provides lakeside tent sites for those willing to travel slightly farther. These areas generally cater to self-sufficient campers seeking minimal amenities rather than those requiring full hookups or developed campgrounds.

Permit requirements vary significantly between camping areas, with some requiring advance registration through state or federal agencies. Roads accessing many of these sites present challenges, particularly at Hickok Brook where visitors report "very rough roads with huge potholes" requiring "good clearance" for vehicles. Water availability is a consistent concern throughout the region. As one Appalachian Trail camper noted, "There's no water nearby... Stock up on water at Dunnfield Creek natural area or wait until Sunfish Pond." Most sites lack facilities such as toilets, trash collection, or potable water, making proper preparation essential for overnight stays.

Campers consistently mention limited capacity as a defining characteristic of the area's camping options. "There are only 3 spots where we are," reports one Hickok Brook visitor, while an Appalachian Trail camper described sites as "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping." Despite size limitations, the camping experience receives positive reviews for its natural setting. Hammock camping proves popular due to terrain challenges and abundant trees. Bear boxes are provided at some Appalachian Trail sites, indicating wildlife considerations. Fire restrictions apply in many locations, with several areas prohibiting ground fires entirely. Cell service remains unreliable throughout much of the region, requiring campers to plan accordingly for emergency communications.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Long Pond, Pennsylvania (5)

    1. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    20 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    21 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    3. Bake Oven Knob

    1 Review
    Andreas, PA
    26 miles

    "This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"

    4. Appalachian Trail Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Palmerton, PA
    20 miles

    5. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    43 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Long Pond, PA

4 Reviews of 5 Long Pond Campgrounds

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

Guide to Long Pond

Rustic camping near Long Pond, Pennsylvania primarily takes place within the Delaware State Forest, where elevations range from 1,000 to 1,800 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with particularly vibrant fall foliage from late September through mid-October. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through March, making summer and fall the most popular camping seasons.

What to do

Hike the Thunder Swamp Trail: The trail system offers multiple loops for day hiking or overnight backpacking trips. "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes one Thunder Swamp Trailhead visitor.

Explore Appalachian Trail sections: Several access points near Long Pond connect to the iconic long-distance trail. "We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There's plenty of space... Great views!" reports a hiker at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2.

Visit Bake Oven Knob overlook: Located about an hour southwest of Long Pond, this rocky outcropping provides panoramic views. "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," according to one camper who frequently stays at Bake Oven Knob.

What campers like

Hammock camping opportunities: The dense forests provide ideal hammock setups. "We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. Well maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking," shares one visitor at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2.

Lakeside camping: Some dispersed sites offer water proximity. "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake," reports a camper at Hickok Brook, emphasizing the importance of checking site regulations.

Solitude and quiet: The remote nature of dispersed camping around Long Pond appeals to those seeking peace. "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," notes a Thunder Swamp Trailhead camper.

What you should know

Permit requirements: New York state lands require camping permits. "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county," advises a Hickok Brook visitor.

Limited water access: Plan to carry all needed water. "No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip)," states a camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2.

Fire restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas prohibit ground fires. "No ground fires," confirms an Appalachian Trail camper, so pack alternative cooking methods.

Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites often require appropriate vehicles. "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must," warns a Hickok Brook reviewer.

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, look for drive-up options. "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems. This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area," notes a regular at Bake Oven Knob.

Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. "Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites," warns a Hickok Brook camper.

Prepare for limited facilities: No developed campgrounds means no toilets or running water. "It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere," advises a Hickok Brook visitor.

Tips from RVers

Small rigs only: Standard RVs cannot access most primitive sites. "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup... Very gorgeous but not RV friendly," cautions a Hickok Brook visitor.

Trailhead parking for small vans: Some parking areas allow overnight stays for compact vehicles. "You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent," explains a Bake Oven Knob camper.

Limited cell service: Most areas have unreliable or nonexistent signal. "It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY," notes a Hickok Brook reviewer, highlighting the need for alternative communication plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go camping at Long Pond?

The best time for Long Pond camping is late spring through early fall (May-September), when Maine weather is most favorable. Summer offers warm temperatures for swimming and water activities, while fall brings spectacular foliage. Similar to Bake Oven Knob, which attracts visitors for its scenic views, Long Pond is popular during summer weekends. For a quieter experience, consider mid-week visits. Weather can change quickly in Maine, so pack accordingly even during summer months.

What amenities are available at Long Pond dispersed camping sites?

Long Pond dispersed camping offers minimal amenities, similar to Thunder Swamp Trailhead dispersed camping. Expect a true wilderness experience with no developed facilities. There are no restrooms, running water, trash services, or designated fire rings. Campers must bring all necessary supplies, including water and waste disposal bags. Some sites may have informal clearings for tents, but the terrain can be uneven. Bear boxes aren't provided, so proper food storage is essential. Cell service is typically limited. Pack everything in and out to preserve this natural area.

Is a permit required for dispersed camping at Long Pond?

Yes, a permit is typically required for dispersed camping at Long Pond. Similar to the regulations at Hickok Brook dispersed camping, you should obtain proper permissions before setting up camp. Maine's dispersed camping rules generally require campers to register with the Maine Forest Service or local land management agency. Permits help manage visitor impact and ensure sustainable use of the area. Contact the Maine Forest Service or check their website for current permit requirements, fees, and any seasonal restrictions that may apply.

Where is Long Pond dispersed camping located in Maine?

Long Pond dispersed camping is located in central Maine, near the town of Belgrade. It's part of the Belgrade Lakes region, positioned between Augusta and Waterville. While not directly on the Appalachian Trail, it offers a similar wilderness experience to Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2. The area features forested surroundings with access to the pond itself. Visitors should be prepared for variable road conditions similar to those at more remote sites.

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