R
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 Mount Bethel, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites in the Delaware Water Gap region near Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania offer backcountry and established campground options within a short drive. Kirkridge Shelter on Kittatinny Mountain along the Appalachian Trail provides primitive tent sites with fire rings and basic facilities. Jenny Jump State Forest offers more developed tent camping with spacious sites, water access, and bathroom facilities. Several boat-in tent camping options are available within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, including Walter's River Campsite and Bushkill Creek Campsite, which can only be reached by water.
Surface details at tent campgrounds vary significantly across the region. Kirkridge Shelter area features four tent sites, three of which are more secluded in wooded areas, while one is positioned near an open viewpoint. Many walk-in tent sites require moderate hiking from parking areas, particularly along the Appalachian Trail corridor. Most primitive tent sites include basic fire rings but no water sources or modern facilities. Jenny Jump State Forest provides more amenities for tent campers, including picnic tables, fire pits, access to water spigots, and bathroom facilities with showers. Campers should verify seasonal availability as many sites operate only from April through October.
Areas farther from main access points offer deeper seclusion and less noise for backcountry tent camping experiences. The Appalachian Trail corridor provides multiple opportunities for overnight tent camping with scenic mountain views. One camper noted the Kirkridge Shelter area has "a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail." Tent sites at Jenny Jump State Forest offer more privacy than typical campgrounds, with a visitor commenting that "it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves." Walk-in tent sites typically offer more seclusion than drive-in options, though some campers report occasional highway noise at higher elevation sites. Primitive boat-in tent campsites along the Delaware River provide excellent riverside camping opportunities but require paddling equipment and proper planning.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Mount Bethel (45)
1. 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."
2. 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."
3. 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
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 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
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. Rivers Bend Group Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding. To your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large “U” bend of the Delaware river."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $100 / night
9. Alosa Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Primitive site for multi day river trips. There’s usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $16 / night
10. Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side. "
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
Drive Time
- 42 min from Allentown, PA
- 50 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 14 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 19 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Mount Bethel, PA
88 Photos of 45 Mount Bethel Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Wooded Campground
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Round Valley State Park Campground
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Steam Mill Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Mount Bethel, PA
1048 Reviews of 45 Mount Bethel 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.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
- Thomas B.Ranger
Tohickon 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!
Guide to Mount Bethel
Tent camping near Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania centers around the Delaware River valley, where forested ridges rise 1,200 feet above the water. Camping elevations range from 300 feet along riverbanks to 1,500 feet on mountain ridges, with seasonal temperature variations from 85°F summer days to 40°F nights in spring and fall. Most campgrounds close from November through March due to winter conditions.
What to do
Kayak rentals and river access: At Round Valley State Park Campground, the 2,350-acre reservoir offers excellent paddling opportunities. One visitor noted, "If you come with your own boat, you can access by water—and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir." Another camper highlighted that "the water is crystal clear, and the area is clean."
Mountain hiking: Explore Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. A camper described the location: "You can park on the side of Bangor mountain road where the app trail crossed the road, and then walk down kittany road (private road) all the way to the end where it turns into dirt." The trail offers various difficulty levels with connections to longer routes.
Wildlife viewing: Many riverside campsites provide opportunities to see native wildlife. At Alosa Boat In Campsites, the river setting attracts diverse wildlife. These primitive sites feature "multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access" according to a visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Jenny Jump State Forest, the layout provides excellent separation. One camper reported, "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." Another visitor appreciated that "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy."
Water access: Riverside camping along the Delaware River offers direct water access. A visitor to Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite described it as "the only site on the PA side at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side."
Night sky viewing: Mountaintop locations provide excellent stargazing. One camper at Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms shared, "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos." The elevated location offers minimal light pollution.
What you should know
Access difficulty: Many campsites require effort to reach. At Round Valley State Park Campground, "you will want to bring as little with you as possible—packing too much to come here just isn't worth the work." Another camper warned, "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. Walter's Boat In Campsites offers no drinking water, and one visitor explained, "This site is only accessible by canoes or kayaks. There is no public road access to the campsite." Know that riverbank sites may flood during heavy rain.
Early office closings: At Jenny Jump State Forest, a camper noted "the main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!" Many campgrounds have limited staff hours, requiring advance planning for supplies and check-in.
Tips for camping with families
Group campsite options: Rivers Bend Group Campground provides spacious areas for family gatherings. A visitor described it as "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site." The open layout allows families to spread out while maintaining proximity.
Kid-friendly hiking: Jenny Jump State Forest features trails suitable for children. A parent recommended the campground because "they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground." Another visitor confirmed it's "close to other local hikes."
Swimming options: Round Valley Recreation Area offers swimming opportunities. One visitor mentioned "the beach is well-maintained and gradual for younger swimmers." However, note that swimming is prohibited at some riverside campsites despite proximity to water.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most primitive sites near Mount Bethel don't accommodate large RVs. Jenny Jump State Forest offers some RV options but with limitations. A camper noted "Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot."
Parking constraints: Many locations have restrictions on vehicle size. At Mohican Outdoor Center, RVs must use designated parking areas. The center is "about 10 miles from the Gap" and offers good access for smaller RVs and vans.
Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region prohibit generators. Alternative power sources are necessary for extended stays. Solar charging options work well during summer months when daylight hours extend from 5:30am to nearly 9pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Mount Bethel, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Bethel, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Bethel, PA is Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Mount Bethel, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Bethel, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Mount Bethel, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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