Best Dispersed Camping near Luzerne, PA

Several dispersed camping options exist near Luzerne, Pennsylvania, primarily along the Appalachian Trail corridor. Bake Oven Knob provides overnight parking for vans and vehicle camping in two large lots, with hiking access to tent sites. The area serves as both an Appalachian Trail section and day hiking destination featuring rocky terrain leading to a prominent overlook on the Blue Mountain ridge. A trail shelter is located approximately half a mile from the parking area.

Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers a shaded gravel parking lot suitable for overnight stays. The site requires a permit and provides drive-in access. Nearby hiking opportunities include the Saw Creek trail leading to marsh areas. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia, New Jersey (within 40 miles of Luzerne) is free but accessible only by hiking in. This site features bear boxes and suitable trees for hammock camping but lacks water sources. "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too," noted one visitor. Most dispersed sites in the region prohibit ground fires, and campers should plan to carry in all water.

Map showing campgrounds near Luzerne, Pennsylvania

Explore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Luzerne, Pennsylvania (4)

1. Bake Oven Knob
1 Review
Andreas, PA
38 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"
2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead
2 Reviews
Unity House, PA
43 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. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
2 Reviews
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
46 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!"
4. Appalachian Trail Campsite
Be the first to review!
Palmerton, PA
38 miles

Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented by

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Luzerne, PA

4 Photos of 4 Luzerne Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Luzerne, PA

2 Reviews of 4 Luzerne Campgrounds

R
Renee Z.
Scout
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.
Katharine T.
Guide
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!

Guide to Luzerne

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Luzerne, Pennsylvania, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Nature Lovers while free camping near Luzerne

The Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides stunning views and well-maintained spaces, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature while camping.

Safe and Clean Overnight Stays for Dispersed Campers

If you're looking for a secure place to rest, the Rest Area I-84 is highly regarded for its cleanliness and safety, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers or families.

Essential Amenities for Comfort in the Wilderness

While dispersed camping can be rustic, the Thunder Swamp Trailhead requires a permit, ensuring a more organized experience for those who want to enjoy the wilderness without the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Luzerne, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Luzerne, PA is Bake Oven Knob with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Luzerne, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Luzerne, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Best Dispersed Camping near Luzerne, PA

Best Dispersed Sites Near Luzerne, Pennsylvania (4)

1. Bake Oven Knob

2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

3. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

4. Appalachian Trail Campsite