Best Tent Camping near Morrisville, PA
Tent camping options near Morrisville, Pennsylvania include a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites, with several located along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run and Dravo's Landing Campground offer free tent camping specifically designed for hikers and cyclists, accessible only by trail or river. Both sites feature basic tent pads, vault toilets, and picnic tables in natural settings along the Youghiogheny River.
Most tent sites in this region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly those along the GAP Trail. Sites typically have dirt or gravel tent pads with minimal leveling, and campers should filter water from nearby rivers or bring their own supplies. Vault toilets are standard at established sites, though maintenance can vary seasonally. Fire rings are available at most locations, but campers must follow posted fire restrictions, especially during dry summer months. As one camper noted, "The only negative was the train traffic on the opposite side of the River...it is loud when they rumble through."
Areas farther from Pittsburgh offer more seclusion for tent campers. The Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground provides raised tent pads, Adirondack shelters, and firepits in a peaceful setting where "the river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail." Tent campers particularly appreciate the spaciousness of sites like Dravo's Landing, which has "plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars." The GAP Trail campgrounds create natural boundaries between camping areas and often feature river access, making them popular bases for multi-day hiking or biking adventures. Wildlife encounters are common, so proper food storage is essential to prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing supplies overnight.
