Best Dispersed Camping near Nazareth, PA

The Appalachian Trail corridor provides several dispersed camping options within driving distance of Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Bake Oven Knob offers primitive camping near the Blue Mountain ridge overlook, with two large parking lots where overnight stays in vehicles are permitted. The site requires no permits and functions as both a day hiking area and backpacking stop. Several miles northeast, Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia, New Jersey provides hike-in tent sites with bear boxes but no water sources or ground fires.

Thunder Swamp Trailhead, located in the Delaware Water Gap region, offers a shaded gravel parking area where overnight camping is tolerated, though a permit is required. The site provides drive-in access and serves as a gateway to extensive trail networks. One camper shared that the "trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking." None of these primitive sites offer amenities like drinking water, toilets or fire rings, so visitors must pack in all supplies and practice proper waste disposal techniques.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Nazareth, Pennsylvania (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Nazareth, PA

4 Photos of 4 Nazareth Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Nazareth, PA

2 Reviews of 4 Nazareth Campgrounds


  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!


Guide to Nazareth

Primitive camping near Nazareth, Pennsylvania offers backcountry access to the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,600 feet throughout the region. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer brings highs in the 80s. The Delaware Water Gap area features multiple trails through hardwood forests with limited cellular reception in many remote camping areas.

What to do

Hike to scenic overlooks: At Bake Oven Knob, a rocky trail leads to panoramic views of the valley. "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," notes Dani T. about this primitive camping spot.

Explore trail networks: Thunder Swamp Trailhead connects to extensive hiking paths. According to Benjamin H., "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade." Another camper adds, "Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

Set up hammocks: Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides excellent hammock camping opportunities. Renee Z. explains, "I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!"

What campers like

Bear protection systems: The Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 includes practical safety features. Katharine T. states, "We'll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking."

Balance of community and solitude: Backpackers appreciate the campsite layout. "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too," shares Katharine T. about her experience at the site.

Convenient vehicle access: Many dispersed sites allow for quick overnight stays. Jason R. found Thunder Swamp Trailhead "chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking."

What you should know

Limited water sources: Plan your water needs carefully when camping in this region. Renee Z. advises, "Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond," regarding the Appalachian Trail campsite.

Fire restrictions: Most primitive sites in the area prohibit ground fires due to forest protection regulations. Campsite 2 has "No ground fires," according to Katharine T.

Unmarked sites: Some designated camping areas can be difficult to locate. "The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find," explains Renee Z.

Tips for camping with families

Plan for terrain challenges: Tent sites in this region often have limitations. At Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, one camper noted it's "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping."

Research permit requirements: Some areas require permits for overnight stays, particularly in state forest land. Check regulations before arriving, especially during peak seasons.

Pack adequate supplies: No amenities exist at these primitive sites. When visiting Bake Oven Knob, remember there are "two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent," according to Dani T.

Tips from RVers

Limited parking space: Most primitive camping near Nazareth accommodates smaller vehicles only. Standard RVs will struggle with access and turnaround space.

Overnight parking regulations: Some trailheads permit overnight parking for self-contained vehicles. One camper reports, "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems" at Bake Oven Knob.

Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites may be unpaved or poorly maintained. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nazareth, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nazareth, PA is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Nazareth, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Nazareth, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.