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sorcha A.
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TravelerShady Oak Campground
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
Tent Camping near Mertztown, PA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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The Appalachian Trail corridor north of Mertztown, Pennsylvania offers several primitive tent camping options for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Boulder Ridge Farm provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities including fire rings and reservable spots. For backcountry tent camping experiences, the AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap, approximately 25 miles north of Mertztown, offer free hike-in tent sites with established fire rings but no water sources. Shambala at Mystic Hollow, located west of Mertztown, features 15 walk-in tent sites with drinking water, toilets, and shower facilities.
Tent campsites in this region typically feature dirt or grass surfaces with varying degrees of levelness. Most primitive tent camping areas provide stone fire rings but limited other amenities. According to reviews of nearby AT campsites, water availability is a significant concern, with campers needing to fill containers at trailheads or filter from streams before ascending ridgelines. The Lehigh Gap area tent sites are particularly dry, requiring hikers to carry all necessary water. Bear activity has been reported near several backcountry tent sites, so proper food storage is essential. Most walk-in tent sites permit pets, though regulations vary by location.
At the AT Overlook Campground, one camper described the site as "flat, dry, and not too rocky" with the ability to "set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door." The primitive tent sites along the ridge are surrounded by ferns and offer views from both sides with only a short walk. Visitors to Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park noted that tent spots "lack privacy" and are "lined up against one another facing a service road." For tent campers seeking solitude, the backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail provide greater separation from neighbors, though weekend crowds can diminish the wilderness experience during peak season.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Mertztown (34)
1. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
2. Rolling Hills Retreats
"Her boyfriend and I wanted to plan an outdoor camping trip but we’re completely over having no privacy, worrying about my reactive dog, feeling like we had to follow ridiculous rules when going camping"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $160 - $380 / night
3. Boulder Ridge Farm
"We'd like to welcome Joe, your host, to our platform! This property is close to town yet so serene. 2WD is fine but 4WD will make your experience getting to the property a bit more smooth."
"Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $30 / night
4. 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
5. Shambala at Mystic Hollow
"Shambala at Mystic Hollow offers great creekside campsites for anyone looking to pitch a tent and enjoy some time by the water. Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!"
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / 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. 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."
8. 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."
9. 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."
10. Evansburg State Park Campground
"Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek"
"You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently$9.90.The restroom facilities we're clean."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
Drive Time
- 23 min from Allentown, PA
- 29 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr from Lebanon, PA
- 1 hr 10 min from Philadelphia, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Mertztown, PA
60 Photos of 34 Mertztown Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Evansburg State Park Campground
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Round Valley State Park Campground
Wooded Campground
Mill Creek Camping Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Mertztown, PA
1035 Reviews of 34 Mertztown 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.
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!
Peggy C.TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
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!
- LLynn C.Scout
Old Mill Stream Campground
Never Again
The advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
- 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.
Guide to Mertztown
Primitive tent camping options abound within 30 miles of Mertztown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the eastern Appalachian foothills. The area features multiple camping locations along ridgelines and near water sources, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during day and drop to 60°F at night, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions but requires additional rain preparedness.
What to do
Paddleboarding on lakes: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers calm waters perfect for paddling sports. One visitor notes, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm... I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
Creek hiking exploration: Evansburg State Park Campground provides multiple creek access points for wading and exploration. A camper reports it's a "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully." The park's waterways are accessible via marked trails.
Wildlife watching: Multiple camping areas offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. At the AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap, one camper encountered "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 campers like
Pine forest camping: The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap features a natural cushion for tent setup. A reviewer explains, "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area... The pine trees also provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather."
Fern-filled landscapes: AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap offers a unique ecosystem setting. One camper describes sites "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."
Noise levels and crowd factors: Campgrounds vary significantly in terms of noise. While some sites provide solitude, others can be busy. One camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park noted it was "the LOUDEST campground I have ever been to" with "multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," suggesting weekday visits may be preferable for those seeking quiet.
What you should know
Water availability challenges: Most backcountry sites require water planning. A camper at AT Overlook Campground advises to "be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Fire ring conditions: Fire ring quality varies significantly between sites. At Green Lane Park, one camper found "the fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy."
Site spacing considerations: Privacy levels differ dramatically. A Green Lane visitor noted: "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors," while another observed that "tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road."
Tips for camping with families
Flat terrain selection: For the best tent camping near Mertztown with kids, prioritize level ground. At Boulder Ridge Farm, campers find "really cool huge rocks" that children enjoy exploring, and the site provides "plenty of fire wood" for evening activities.
Wildlife education opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to teach children about local wildlife. One camper at Boulder Ridge Farm mentioned "waking up to owls was awesome," creating memorable nature experiences.
Vehicle access considerations: Access varies significantly. While Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park has drive-up sites, one reviewer at Shambala at Mystic Hollow highlights their "great creekside campsites for anyone looking to pitch a tent and enjoy some time by the water," which require a walk-in approach.
Tips from RVers
Site grading and leveling: RV sites near Mertztown often require leveling equipment. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks," which can complicate setup.
Hookup limitations: Even at established campgrounds, hookups may be restricted. One Mauch Chunk Lake Park visitor found the campground "spacious and while it was likely full, it still felt secluded," but noted limited utility access compared to larger RV parks.
Seasonal accessibility: Road conditions impact RV access seasonally. A Boulder Ridge Farm visitor advised "2WD is fine but 4WD will make your experience getting to the property a bit more smooth," particularly relevant for larger vehicles during spring thaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Mertztown, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mertztown, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mertztown, PA is Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Mertztown, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mertztown, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Mertztown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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