Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Tent Camping near Long Pond, PA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites near Long Pond, Pennsylvania offer a mix of primitive and established options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural surroundings in the Pocono Mountains region. Manny Gordon Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest provides tent-specific sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while several primitive camping areas along the Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Gap offer more secluded backcountry experiences. The area features a combination of drive-in tent campgrounds and hike-in sites that appeal to different camping preferences.
Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities with fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. The AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap offers primitive tent sites surrounded by fern fields with stone fire rings and space for multiple tents. A review noted that "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." Campers should be prepared to bring their own water when staying at ridge campsites, as there are no water sources available on the mountain. Bear activity has been reported in the region, so proper food storage is essential.
The backcountry tent camping experience in this area provides excellent access to hiking trails, particularly for those camping along the Appalachian Trail corridor. Sites at higher elevations offer views from both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail. Tent campers at Mauch Chunk Lake Park can enjoy swimming and kayaking opportunities, with one visitor reporting that the "lake was beautiful, very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming." For those seeking more seclusion, the primitive tent sites along the AT provide a deeper wilderness experience away from crowds, though hikers should be prepared for varying terrain conditions and limited facilities. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so tent campers should pack accordingly for temperature fluctuations.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Long Pond (41)
1. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
"Very open, plenty of space. most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. lots of ticks tho so get your spray"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
2. 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
3. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
4. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
5. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
6. 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."
7. 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."
8. 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."
9. 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."
10. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $75 / night
Drive Time
- 29 min from Scranton, PA
- 50 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 22 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 41 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Long Pond, PA
74 Photos of 41 Long Pond Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Scrub Mountain Retreat
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Wooded Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Long Pond, PA
1203 Reviews of 41 Long Pond Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
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!
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!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
- 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.
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 Long Pond
Tent camping near Long Pond, Pennsylvania offers primitive sites in a mountainous region where elevations range from 1,300 to 1,800 feet. The area experiences significant temperature drops at night, often 15-20 degrees cooler than daytime highs. Many campsites in this Pocono Mountain region require bear-resistant food storage containers due to increased black bear activity in recent years.
What to do
Kayaking at Mauch Chunk Lake: Rent equipment directly at the lake during summer months. The clear water provides excellent visibility for spotting fish and underwater features. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" reports Annette M. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access multiple trailheads within 20 minutes of Long Pond. The trail sections feature distinct terrain changes from rocky ridges to fern fields. "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," notes Asher K. about the AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap.
Whitewater rafting on Lehigh River: Book guided trips from April through October with difficulty levels ranging from class I to III rapids. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing," states Katie S. from Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center.
What campers like
Peaceful mountain settings: The higher elevation sites reduce noise pollution and provide cooler summer temperatures. "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," writes Asher K. about AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap.
Group-friendly spaces: Several sites accommodate multiple tents with communal fire rings. "A very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents. This would work well for a large group," notes Asher K. about Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite.
Paddle boarding opportunities: Lakes in the region feature clear water and calm conditions on weekdays. "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," shares Lisa S. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
What you should know
Limited water sources: Ridge campsites require carrying in all drinking water. "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," cautions Asher K.
Tick activity: The wooded areas have heavy tick populations during warm months. "Very open, plenty of space. most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. lots of ticks tho so get your spray," warns Gavin S. from Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground.
Variable noise levels: Some campgrounds can be quite busy on weekends. "It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight. There are supposed to be quiet hours, but they were not enforced," reports Danielle F. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Look for sites with easy access to restrooms and activities. "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," shares Mackenzie B. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Shelter alternatives: Some locations offer structures for those not ready for tent camping. "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," explains Dwight D. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
First-time camping sites: Several campgrounds cater specifically to new campers with gentler terrain. "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," recalls Emma T. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive tent camping areas near Long Pond don't accommodate RVs. Those that do typically have partial hookups only. "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large," mentions Amber M. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Tree-heavy terrain: Many campgrounds feature densely wooded sites with low-hanging branches. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Long Pond, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Long Pond, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Long Pond, PA is Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Long Pond, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Long Pond, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Long Pond, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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