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Tent camping near Luzerne, Pennsylvania provides access to diverse natural settings across state forests and established campgrounds. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground in Pinchot State Forest offers tent-only sites with basic amenities including fire rings and toilets. Nearby, Oh! Pear Orchards features walk-in tent sites situated alongside a creek, while Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe provides lakeside tent camping with more developed facilities. For those seeking backcountry experiences, several primitive tent camping areas can be found along the Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Gap, approximately 30 miles south of Luzerne.
Most tent campgrounds in the region are open from April through October, with summer being the peak season. Manny Gordon Recreation Area provides drive-in access with tent pads and vault toilets, while Oh! Pear Orchards requires a short walk to reach the campsites, though carts are provided to transport gear. Fire rings are standard at most locations, and campers should check current fire regulations before their trip. Water availability varies significantly between sites - Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers drinking water and showers, while primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail typically require campers to carry in their own water. Tick activity is common throughout the region, particularly in summer months, so appropriate repellent is recommended.
The tent camping experience in this region is characterized by Pennsylvania's distinctive forest landscapes and waterways. The Appalachian Trail primitive sites offer true backcountry tent camping with stone fire rings and ridge-top views. According to reviews, the AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap provides "flat, dry sites with valley views right from your tent door." At Oh! Pear Orchards, campers noted the "spacious sites next to a beautiful stream with some of the best fire pits" and appreciated the peaceful setting. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers a more social tent camping environment with lakefront sites, though some visitors report it can be crowded and noisy on summer weekends. For solitude seekers, the primitive tent sites along ridgelines and in pine forests provide quieter alternatives.
"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"
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $35 / night
"Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped"
"We're excited to have this property on our platform. This listing has peaceful tent sites located against the creek."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
TravelerOnly 3 sites along this stretch of road, and they're spaced nicely. Lots of tree cover for a nice shady camping spot. Tons of wild life, expect the bear to wander through camp. By far one of my favorite camping spots!
No electric, no water, no dump site, no shower, Vault toilets in walking distance.
TravelerThis is a great campsite right on the river. There are 5 different sites all nicely marked out. Each has its own fire ring. There is also a central area with a big fire ring for everyone to get together. Bear boxes at each site for food storage.
LegendThis park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.
The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.
On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.
The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.
There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..
LegendPretty campground with lots of lake views. We arrived just before dark which was good because the sites were not level front to back. Most sites had a slope but there were some level sites. You can kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish on the lake. There are 2 boat launches. The store wasn’t much to speak of. Bath houses were clean. We walked around the lake on a paved level path. They advertise no alcohol. This is near the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine tour which we loved. It’s near the Yingling Brewery tour.
ScoutMy dog and I stayed for 2 nights in the rustic tenting area. We were the only campers Wednesday & Thursday. The family camp area features spaces (small areas for either RV campers or tents and cars) with a picnic table and fire ring and water (some have electricity). They also have shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers. However, they seemed a little too cramped fir me and I wasn’t looking for opportunities to socialize, so the remote tent site was my choice. The tent sites do not have water or electric, but do have picnic tables, a fire ring and share one large outhouse with clean pit toilets. There are 5 sites and they can accommodate (shared) multiple tent set ups. Also you need to park your vehicle in a designated lot which is very close to the sites. There are multiple easy hiking and biking trails that are well marked. A lake for fishing and a small sandy beach with a picnic area for families (unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the beach). There are 2 boat launch areas (one for the campers, and another for gen. public) which also has a boat rental business (dogs are allowed). There are black bears in the park so do not leave food out and dispose of all trash in the appropriate dumpsters.
ScoutBig sites with 30 amp service available for RVs and trailers. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grate. The pull-through sites don’t offer much in the way of privacy, but that’s the trade off for convenience. There are two potable water spigots in the campground. The bathhouse offers warm showers, 2 dishwashing sinks, and a coin-operated washer and dryer. The facilities are kept very clean. On the weekends it can get pretty crowded, so it tends to be louder at night then, but the camp hosts and the rangers do a good job of enforcing quiet hours. Access points to several trails are very near the campground. As with all PA state parks, alcohol is prohibited. The park doesn’t have a camp store, however, there is a small general store on Route 390 (The Lake Store) just north of the park that would have any essentials you may have forgotten, as well as ice for your cooler.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
GuidePros: -beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked.
Cons: -chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad! -has a beach but it's not much to look at -sites have nice sizable fire pits, but they are very tall. It's difficult to cook over them, and sitting around the campfire in the evening is a much less visually appealing experience than I'd like
We stayed in site 157. Accessible via a path from the designated parking space to the site about 2 minute walk. Lakeside, but visibility not great due to vegetation. All sites have little trails down to the water.
Site 174 by the road and less private, but prettily overhung by evergreens.
The cabins look very nice inside.
ScoutKnoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins.
There is electricity at every site but not water. There are fill stations throughout the campgrounds. Most sites are level and shaded. There are nice sturdy wooden platforms for tent campers.
The bath houses are clean and well maintained. There are outside sinks with mirrors, laundry facilities, shower stalls, and toilet stalls. Or if you prefer there are also traditional bathrooms with showers.
Quiet hours are enforced between 10p and 8a.
Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Wood is available by the bucket near the check in building. Sites are inexpensive and are all a short walk, or free shuttle ride, to the park!.
Tent camping around Luzerne, Pennsylvania centers around the Pocono Mountain region with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet. The area experiences humid continental climate with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most primitive sites in state forests close during Pennsylvania's regular deer hunting season from late November through early December.
Water activities on Mauch Chunk Lake: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking access. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," notes Lisa S.
Mountain biking nearby: The Lehigh River area features converted rail trails perfect for cycling enthusiasts. "The park itself is located along the D&L biking trail that is on the bed of an old railroad," mentions Asher K. about Riverview Park Campground.
Rafting adventures: Book guided river trips from camp-and-raft outfitters. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing. The campground is definitely great for Girl Scout or school groups," says Katie S.
Ridgeline camping with views: Many campers appreciate elevated sites with panoramic vistas. "Each has a stone fire ring and plenty of room for multiple tents. They are surrounded by a magical field of ferns and you can get views of both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail," notes a camper at AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap.
Peaceful creek-side sites: Locations beside running water provide natural white noise. "This is a special place! Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool," writes Heather T. about Oh! Pear Orchards.
Established fire rings: Many sites feature well-constructed fire pits. "Previous campers have also been kind enough to build up a sizable stone fire ring and construct a stone chair for enjoying the fire and view," mentions a reviewer at AT Overlook Campground.
Tick prevention essential: Lyme disease-carrying ticks are common in Pennsylvania forests. "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. at Manny Gordon Recreation Area.
Weekend noise levels vary: Some campgrounds become lively 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 weekend stays at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Water availability limited: Many primitive sites require carrying water. "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," advises a camper about AT Overlook Campground.
Group-friendly sites: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate family gatherings. "I've stayed here a couple times with groups. 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," recommends Mackenzie B.
Entertainment options: Some sites offer organized activities. "There was a movie shown at night, as well as music played late into the night," notes a visitor at Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center.
Beach access for kids: Lakeside swimming areas provide supervised water play. "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming," writes Danielle F.
Limited hookup options: Most primitive tent camping areas near Luzerne don't accommodate large RVs. "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M.
Reservation requirements: Book lakeside spots early during peak season. "If you go during the week, it's quite calm. You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars," suggests Lisa S.
Site terrain challenges: Uneven grounds may require leveling. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," notes a reviewer at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Luzerne, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Luzerne, 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 Luzerne, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Luzerne, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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