33 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping options near Mountain Top, Pennsylvania include several primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail and established campgrounds in the surrounding area. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers tent camping with access to lake activities, while Riverview Park Campground provides tent-only sites along the Lehigh River. The Lehigh Gap area features multiple primitive tent sites accessible from the Appalachian Trail, including ridge-top locations with scenic views.
Most tent camping areas in the region have basic amenities, with established campgrounds providing more facilities than backcountry sites. Mauch Chunk Lake Park includes drinking water, showers, and toilets, while primitive AT sites typically have only fire rings with no water sources. A review mentioned, "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge." Tent campers should check seasonal availability, as some campgrounds like Lizard Creek operate only from April through October. The AT primitive sites are generally available year-round but may experience high bear activity, requiring proper food storage.
The tent camping experience varies significantly between established campgrounds and backcountry sites. Primitive tent locations along the Appalachian Trail offer solitude and natural settings, particularly at ridge-top sites. A camper wrote, "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." Sites like AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap provide scenic vistas, while pine forest group sites offer protection from weather. Established tent campgrounds like Riverview Park feature tent-only sites along the river with picnic tables and fire pits, making them convenient for water activities. Tent campers seeking more amenities might prefer Mauch Chunk Lake Park, though reviews indicate it can become crowded and noisy during summer weekends.
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Very open, plenty of space. most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. lots of ticks tho so get your spray"
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $35 / night
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"The only drawback is no alcohol allowed, but most State Parks are like that I think. All photos below are taken from my site."
from $24 - $53 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit. They also have a bathroom facility up alongside the road."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
TravelerOnly 3 sites along this stretch of road, and they're spaced nicely. Lots of tree cover for a nice shady camping spot. Tons of wild life, expect the bear to wander through camp. By far one of my favorite camping spots!
No electric, no water, no dump site, no shower, Vault toilets in walking distance.
TravelerThis is a great campsite right on the river. There are 5 different sites all nicely marked out. Each has its own fire ring. There is also a central area with a big fire ring for everyone to get together. Bear boxes at each site for food storage.
LegendPretty campground with lots of lake views. We arrived just before dark which was good because the sites were not level front to back. Most sites had a slope but there were some level sites. You can kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish on the lake. There are 2 boat launches. The store wasn’t much to speak of. Bath houses were clean. We walked around the lake on a paved level path. They advertise no alcohol. This is near the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine tour which we loved. It’s near the Yingling Brewery tour.
ScoutMy dog and I stayed for 2 nights in the rustic tenting area. We were the only campers Wednesday & Thursday. The family camp area features spaces (small areas for either RV campers or tents and cars) with a picnic table and fire ring and water (some have electricity). They also have shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers. However, they seemed a little too cramped fir me and I wasn’t looking for opportunities to socialize, so the remote tent site was my choice. The tent sites do not have water or electric, but do have picnic tables, a fire ring and share one large outhouse with clean pit toilets. There are 5 sites and they can accommodate (shared) multiple tent set ups. Also you need to park your vehicle in a designated lot which is very close to the sites. There are multiple easy hiking and biking trails that are well marked. A lake for fishing and a small sandy beach with a picnic area for families (unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the beach). There are 2 boat launch areas (one for the campers, and another for gen. public) which also has a boat rental business (dogs are allowed). There are black bears in the park so do not leave food out and dispose of all trash in the appropriate dumpsters.
ScoutBig sites with 30 amp service available for RVs and trailers. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grate. The pull-through sites don’t offer much in the way of privacy, but that’s the trade off for convenience. There are two potable water spigots in the campground. The bathhouse offers warm showers, 2 dishwashing sinks, and a coin-operated washer and dryer. The facilities are kept very clean. On the weekends it can get pretty crowded, so it tends to be louder at night then, but the camp hosts and the rangers do a good job of enforcing quiet hours. Access points to several trails are very near the campground. As with all PA state parks, alcohol is prohibited. The park doesn’t have a camp store, however, there is a small general store on Route 390 (The Lake Store) just north of the park that would have any essentials you may have forgotten, as well as ice for your cooler.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
GuidePros: -beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked.
Cons: -chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad! -has a beach but it's not much to look at -sites have nice sizable fire pits, but they are very tall. It's difficult to cook over them, and sitting around the campfire in the evening is a much less visually appealing experience than I'd like
We stayed in site 157. Accessible via a path from the designated parking space to the site about 2 minute walk. Lakeside, but visibility not great due to vegetation. All sites have little trails down to the water.
Site 174 by the road and less private, but prettily overhung by evergreens.
The cabins look very nice inside.
ScoutKnoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins.
There is electricity at every site but not water. There are fill stations throughout the campgrounds. Most sites are level and shaded. There are nice sturdy wooden platforms for tent campers.
The bath houses are clean and well maintained. There are outside sinks with mirrors, laundry facilities, shower stalls, and toilet stalls. Or if you prefer there are also traditional bathrooms with showers.
Quiet hours are enforced between 10p and 8a.
Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Wood is available by the bucket near the check in building. Sites are inexpensive and are all a short walk, or free shuttle ride, to the park!.
ScoutSet on a hillside, the campground has three levels. The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded. Facilities were neat & clean, and there was a covered verandah with string lights, chairs & picnic tables outside the bathroom area.
Campground staff were friendly, and there was a store with firewood, ice and many other conveniences. Wifi was available, and connection was good the entire time I was there.
The campground is convenient to many hikes in the Delaware Water Gap area.
Be aware that the campground doesn't have credit card facilities, but does have an ATM in the store if absolutely necessary.
Tent camping options near Mountain Top, Pennsylvania center around the Lehigh River corridor and surrounding state forests. This area sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,600 feet, creating varied camping experiences from riverside flats to ridgeline sites. Weather patterns typically include humid summers with temperatures reaching 85°F and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing, making seasonal preparation essential.
Water sports on the Lehigh River: Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center combines camping with river adventures. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing. The campground is definitely great for Girl Scout or school groups, but if you are looking for a peaceful campground look elsewhere," notes Katie S.
Paddle boarding on calm waters: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers direct water access for paddlers. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm... I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," reports Lisa S.
Hiking the pine forests: The AT Group Campsite area features extensive pine groves perfect for day hikes. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area. This site sits a little ways back from the trail but is a nice quiet and secluded spot," according to Asher K.
Direct river access: Riverview Park Campground offers tent-only sites with essential amenities. "This is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night. The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit," writes Asher K.
Protected camping in adverse weather: AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap provides natural shelter. "The pine trees also provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather. Although it doesn't have the views of the other parts of the trail it makes up for it in coziness," mentions Asher K.
Accessibility for beginners: Some of the best tent camping near Mountain Top offers amenities suitable for first-time campers. "I believe it is a great spot to go with people who haven't camped much before. It has flat tent spaces, generally clean bathrooms, and access to tons of things to do on the campground and nearby," shares Mackenzie B. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Varied noise levels: Campgrounds near Mountain Top can range from serene to lively. "There were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight. There are supposed to be quiet hours, but they were not enforced. I am not sure if this is typical or if we hit a bad weekend, but it was the LOUDEST campground I have ever been to," reports Danielle F. about a summer weekend at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Site preparation needs: Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite requires minimal setup. "A very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents. This would work well for a large group. This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire. It also was less muddy than some of the other options," notes Asher K.
Wildlife encounters: Tent camping near Mountain Top includes areas with active 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," shares one camper about the AT trails.
Choose sites with amenities: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides family-friendly facilities. "GREAT first trip! The campgrounds were nice and there was a lot to do. Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals. Also a lot to do in the nearby town. Would definitely recommend!" says Danny M.
Plan for entertainment: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "There was a movie shown at night, as well as music played late into the night," mentions Katie S. about Whitewater Challengers.
Check pet policies: Policies vary significantly between campgrounds. "This is listed as pet friendly on thedyrt.com but if you go to the park's website, pets are not allowed," warns Blythe A. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Site surface considerations: George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter and surrounding areas have varied terrain. "If you are planning on tent camping there isn't really any flat area to set up around the shelter so you might want to keep moving to one of the next sites," advises Asher K.
Prepare for primitive conditions: Bring appropriate supplies when visiting remote locations. "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large. Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," suggests Amber M.
Seasonal variations: Some of the best tent camping near Mountain Top requires seasonal planning. "Sitting up on the mountain in this area is a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth. Overall if it works with your distance goal I highly suggest taking a night and camping up on this ridge," recommends a hiker about the AT ridgeline sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mountain Top, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mountain Top, PA is Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Mountain Top, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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