Top Free Dispersed Camping near Matamoras, PA

Want to go dispersed camping near Matamoras? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Pennsylvania excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Matamoras, PA (6)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Matamoras

6 Reviews of 6 Matamoras Campgrounds


  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    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.

  • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite

    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!

  • Ali B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    Dispersed primitive camping

    Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).

  • Cory D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
    May. 28, 2019

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    A place to sleep near the gunks

    This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite

    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.



Guide to Matamoras

Camping near Matamoras, Pennsylvania, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hickory Run State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We took the short drive to Hawk Falls Trail and also completed the Orchard Trail Loop." The area is known for its scenic views and well-marked paths.
  • Fishing: Spend a day at Keen Lake Resort Campground where the lake is perfect for fishing. A camper shared, "Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park, you can enjoy nature talks and spot local wildlife. One visitor noted, "We went to a bald eagle talk this morning which was very informative and enjoyable."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park said, "Bathrooms with showers were just what we needed and easy to walk to."
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "This place is amazing! ... providing plenty of privacy and enjoyment."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Camp Taylor Campground offer fun for kids. One family shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Worthington State Forest Campground expressed frustration, saying, "I'm typing this at 2:22 AM as the group site next to us has been playing amplified music into the wee hours of the morning."
  • Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together, which may affect privacy. A review from Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park noted, "Camp sites are very close together. I could hear the neighbors' conversation."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, lack certain amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There are two water pumps... The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities for kids. At Keen Lake Resort Campground, one parent said, "The amount of activities they had planned for all group ages was nothing short of amazing."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer some privacy and space for kids to play. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground noted, "Our campsite was very spacious and backed up to a creek."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games and outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. One family shared, "We spent four days at Camp Taylor, never left the grounds, and filled our days with the perfect amount of activity and relaxation."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "Careful which site you choose. Some sites are grouped in open areas."
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have hilly or uneven terrain. A visitor at Stokes State Forest said, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Hickory Run State Park Campground noted, "It would have been nice to have a big tree between ours and site 195."

Camping near Matamoras, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences, from peaceful nature walks to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Matamoras, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Matamoras, PA is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Matamoras, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.