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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 Martins Creek, PA
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Primitive tent camping near Martins Creek spans backcountry river islands, Appalachian Trail shelters, and walk-in tent campsites across the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and nearby state lands. Several backcountry sites are available for tent campers seeking seclusion, including Namanock Island in the Delaware River and Kirkridge Shelter along the Appalachian Trail. Round Valley State Park Campground in nearby Lebanon, NJ also offers dedicated walk-in tent sites approximately 25 miles from Martins Creek.
Most tent-only areas require self-sufficiency and preparation, as amenities are minimal. Sites typically feature basic fire rings with little additional infrastructure. Many primitive tent locations must be accessed by water or hiking trail, with no vehicle access available. The Delaware Water Gap sites like Alosa and Walter's River campsites are boat-in only, requiring paddling equipment and proper river safety knowledge. A visitor commented, "Stopping here is normally very simple as most of the island has a 3-4 foot shore around it of river rock, making for an easy landing and unloading of boats." Water availability varies significantly, with some locations having no potable sources, necessitating filtration equipment or carrying in water supplies.
Tent camping in this region offers exceptional solitude compared to developed campgrounds. The Appalachian Trail shelters and primitive sites along the Kittatinny Mountain ridge provide elevated perspectives with fern-filled surroundings and ridge-top views. Evening quiet is notable, especially at the river sites where minimal light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. A camper wrote, "Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." Sites near Lehigh Gap offer walk-in tent access with stone fire rings and flat areas suitable for multiple tents. Many backcountry tent areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some Delaware Water Gap sites require advance reservations. Spring and fall tend to offer the best tent camping conditions, with summer bringing higher humidity and insect activity.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Martins Creek (44)
1. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"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."
2. 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."
3. Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
"This location was about an hour and a half away from our home so it was far enough to feel like we were getting away but close enough that we could be home quickly in case of an emergency since we decided"
from $125 / night
4. Wooded Campground
"Perfect land for an overnight before hitting the trail. There’s open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn’t have been more accommodating."
Check Availabilityfrom $59 - $60 / night
5. 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
6. Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
7. Mohican Walk-In Campsites
"The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $40 / night
8. 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."
9. 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."
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 28 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 8 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 12 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Martins Creek, PA
88 Photos of 44 Martins Creek Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Wooded Campground
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Round Valley State Park Campground
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Tent Camping Reviews near Martins Creek, PA
1049 Reviews of 44 Martins Creek 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.
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
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!
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!
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
Guide to Martins Creek
Tent campsites near Martins Creek, Pennsylvania cluster around the Kittatinny Ridge area at elevations between 500-1500 feet, with river valleys flanking either side. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular due to moderate temperatures and reduced insect activity compared to the humid summer months.
What to do
Kayaking the Delaware River: Access boat-in only sites like Walter's River Campsite in the Delaware Water Gap. The river offers gentle Class I rapids suitable for beginners. "Upon leaving this site you will only travel down river about 30-45 minutes before you come upon Shawnee Golf Course. Its pretty neat to see, the last few holes of the course are on an island mid-river," notes reviewer John B.
Appalachian Trail hiking: Several primitive camping options connect directly to the AT. The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides a stopping point after the challenging Lehigh Gap climb. "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," writes Asher K.
Freshwater fishing: Several sites offer direct river access for anglers. The Delaware River contains smallmouth bass, walleye, and trout. Many locals frequent the campsites specifically for fishing access. At Walter's River Campsite, "as dusk fell, a small group of local fishermen came walking through the camp to access the river. It turns out the locals know this place well and it is very popular with the anglers."
What campers like
Relative seclusion: The hike-in or boat-in requirements for many sites create natural crowd control. At Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain, Nick E. notes, "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."
Natural water sources: Many tent camping locations offer springs or river access. At Camp Mohican Outdoor Center, the pond provides recreation options: "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries."
Wildlife viewing: The region's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife. At AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap, Asher K. encountered unexpected wildlife: "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity."
What you should know
Water access considerations: Most primitive sites require you to either filter water or carry it in. At Round Valley State Park Campground, Stuart K. advises, "While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don't get sick."
Boat-in site navigation: River campsites require paddling equipment and proper planning. For Alosa Campsites, Stephanie S. explains, "Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access. There is an emergency pick up/access road available as well with contact from the park."
Variable terrain conditions: Many sites feature rocky or uneven ground. At Jenny Jump State Forest, Seth K. reports, "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with accessible amenities: For newer campers with children, some locations offer more facilities. At Jenny Jump State Forest, Fransheska A. recommends, "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. The campgrounds and bathrooms were clean and well kept."
Pack appropriate gear for seasonal conditions: Weather varies dramatically by season. At Round Valley, James R. suggests, "There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
Evaluate hiking distances: Many tent campsites require significant hikes. At Round Valley State Park Campground, Janine W. cautions, "Some of the sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across. Beautiful peaceful and primitive."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options within 10 miles: Most primitive camping near Martins Creek accommodates tents only. The closest RV-friendly options require driving. At Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms, Jen R. explains the site's limitations: "We are avid campers ranging from our early days of remote, rustic tent camping with just the two of us and 20 years later upgraded to our travel trailer that houses our two kids and two dogs... This would be great for a family who are just starting to get interested in camping and would like to experience it first without making a large investment into buying your own equipment."
Consider tent platform sites for truck campers: Some locations that don't accommodate full RVs may work for truck campers. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers alternative structures: "Tent sites are either on the ground have wooden platforms. Cabins come in various sizes."
Base camping alternatives: Some campers use tent sites as a base while keeping their RV elsewhere. For accessibility between camping options, Wooded Campground provides flexibility: "Perfect land for an overnight before hitting the trail. There's open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn't have been more accommodating."
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Martins Creek, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Martins Creek, PA is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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Martins Creek, PA?
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TheDyrt.com has all 44 tent camping locations near Martins Creek, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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