Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Tent Camping near Nanticoke, PA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
The northeastern Pennsylvania landscape surrounding Nanticoke offers several tent camping destinations within a 30-mile radius, with options ranging from primitive sites to established campgrounds. Mauch Chunk Lake Park near Jim Thorpe provides tent sites with picnic tables and access to a scenic lake, while Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center combines tent camping with rafting opportunities on the Lehigh River. Scrub Mountain Retreat and Manny Gordon Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest also offer tent-specific camping experiences in more secluded settings.
Tent sites throughout the region typically feature fire rings and basic amenities, though facilities vary significantly between locations. The more established campgrounds like Mauch Chunk Lake Park provide showers, toilets, and drinking water, while primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail offer minimal amenities with no water sources. Many tent campsites require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when lakeside spots fill quickly. Sites often feature a mix of wooded and open areas, with surfaces ranging from pine needle-covered forest floors to grassy clearings with occasional exposed roots and rocks that tent campers should prepare for with appropriate padding.
Several tent camping locations in the area provide direct access to recreational activities and natural features. The Appalachian Trail primitive tent sites near Lehigh Gap offer ridge-top camping with expansive valley views and connections to hiking trails. Sites along waterways provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, or paddling access. A camper noted, "The lake was beautiful, very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming," while others mentioned the benefits of waterfront tent sites for kayaking and paddle boarding. Tent campers should be aware that some campgrounds can become busy on summer weekends, with reviewers noting varying noise levels across different locations. Spring and fall camping offers more solitude with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors at most tent campgrounds in the region.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Nanticoke (24)
1. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
2. 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
3. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
5. Half Baked Homestead
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. Riverview Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
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. 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."
Drive Time
- 24 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 13 min from Williamsport, PA
- 1 hr 16 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 30 min from Reading, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nanticoke, PA
34 Photos of 24 Nanticoke Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Oh! Pear Orchards
Hillside Campgrounds
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Nanticoke, PA
842 Reviews of 24 Nanticoke 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.
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.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
Troy P.
TravelerShikellamy State Park Campground
meh
i mean meh with the most enthusiasm as you can live your entire life & be oki not going here. the trails are small & the overlook is fenced high for falls. it’s about as much scenery as going for a walk deer hunting. it’s beginner friendly if anyone wants to start getting into parks but i feel there’s more focus on pavilions & playgrounds than calling it a state park. for anything boating or canoeing on the river it’s a good place to be but your in town so it take it for what it is
- 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.
Daniel C.ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Guide to Nanticoke
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Pennsylvania, Nanticoke offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.
Tips for tent camping near Nanticoke
- Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center provides a lively atmosphere during rafting season, perfect for those who enjoy music and social gatherings while camping.
- Scrub Mountain Retreat is an excellent choice for a peaceful getaway, allowing pets and offering a serene environment for tent camping.
- Mauch Chunk Lake Park features flat tent spaces and clean facilities, making it ideal for families and first-time campers.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, you can enjoy paddle boarding and swimming in the beautiful lake, with easy access to local restaurants and bars in Jim Thorpe.
- Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground offers proximity to the Appalachian Trail, making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore the area.
- Riverview Park Campground is perfect for those wanting to camp along the Lehigh River, providing a great base for kayaking and fishing adventures.
Specific local attractions
- The AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap provides stunning views and a peaceful setting, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
- Backwoods Homestead LLC offers a rustic experience with essential amenities, making it a great spot for campers seeking a more secluded environment.
- AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap boasts breathtaking valley views, perfect for those who want to enjoy a picturesque camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Nanticoke, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nanticoke, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nanticoke, PA is Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Nanticoke, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Nanticoke, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Nanticoke, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring