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 Nazareth, PA
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The Appalachian Trail corridor near Nazareth, Pennsylvania offers several primitive tent camping options, particularly along the ridgelines of Lehigh Gap and Kittatinny Mountain. AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground provide tent-only sites with stone fire rings and views of the valley below. Round Valley State Park Campground, located about 40 miles east in Lebanon, New Jersey, features hike-in and boat-in tent campsites along a reservoir. These backcountry tent sites require either a challenging 3-5 mile hike or boat access, making them ideal for campers seeking seclusion.
Most primitive tent sites in the region have minimal amenities, with campers needing to pack in their own water or filter from natural sources. The Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground sits directly off the Appalachian Trail with a large stone fire ring, but no water is available at the site itself. Tent campers should bring water filters, as many sites rely on seasonal creeks or springs. Fire rings are common at most locations, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter area has a spring nearby for water, but limited flat areas for tent setup. Bear activity is reported throughout the region, requiring proper food storage.
Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for multi-day backpacking trips along the Appalachian Trail. According to reviews, the AT Overlook Campground offers "flat, dry space that's not too rocky" with views directly from your tent door. One visitor noted that the AT Ridge Campground is "surrounded by a field of ferns" creating a peaceful experience where "you can hear the wind blowing through the trees." For those willing to make the journey to Round Valley, campers report that weekday visits provide significantly more solitude than weekends. The terrain at most sites consists of forest duff with occasional rocky patches, requiring careful tent placement and a good ground tarp, especially after rain when some areas become boggy.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Nazareth (40)
1. 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."
2. 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."
3. 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."
4. 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."
5. 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."
6. 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
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. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)
"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
9. Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground
10. 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
Drive Time
- 21 min from Allentown, PA
- 57 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 15 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nazareth, PA
75 Photos of 40 Nazareth Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Wooded Campground
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Round Valley State Park Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Nazareth, PA
1052 Reviews of 40 Nazareth 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!
- 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.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon 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 Nazareth
The Appalachian Trail corridor near Nazareth, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 500-1,600 feet, with rocky ridgelines dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during day hours, dropping into the 50s at night. The region's mixed hardwood forests provide partial shade for most primitive camping areas, though many ridge campsites are exposed to direct sun.
What to do
Wildlife watching: Early mornings at Jenny Jump State Forest offer prime opportunities to spot local wildlife. One visitor reported, "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off."
Kayaking and canoeing: The reservoir at Round Valley State Park Campground offers water recreation opportunities with crystal clear water. A camper noted, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
Hiking with elevation: Trails near the primitive campsites combine moderate to difficult terrain. Many sites connect directly to the Appalachian Trail, with one camper at Jenny Jump State Forest explaining, "It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany. The campgrounds and bathrooms were clean and well kept."
What campers like
Seclusion factor: Many tent camping areas near Nazareth offer significant privacy. At AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap, a camper described, "They are surrounded by a magical field of ferns and you can get views of both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail."
Fire amenities: Most sites feature established fire rings, with some offering enhanced options. One camper at AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap shared, "Previous campers have also been kind enough to build up a sizable stone fire ring and construct a stone chair for enjoying the fire and view."
Natural padding: Pine needle ground cover creates comfortable tent sites at some locations. A review for AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap mentions, "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area."
What you should know
Water planning requirements: Water access varies significantly between sites. For primitive Appalachian Trail sites, one camper warns, "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Weather protection considerations: Some sites offer better protection than others. At AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap, "The pine trees also provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather."
Tent site selection challenges: Ground conditions can be variable at sites near Nazareth. A camper at Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground observed, "When I was here it had recently rained and the site was overall pretty boggy. The ground was relatively soft but without a good ground tarp, you might get a little wet."
Tips for camping with families
Start with partially-equipped sites: For families new to tent camping near Nazareth, gradually transition to primitive camping. One camper suggested, "I think this would be great for a family who are just starting to get interested in camping and would like to experience it first without making a large investment into buying your own equipment."
Choose sites with easier access: Some locations offer more family-friendly approaches. At Round Valley State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site."
Plan for night temperature drops: The Nazareth region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. One camper reported, "It went down to 40 degrees that night so we had to make due with extra layers and bundle up but we made it through the night."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: True tent camping is the dominant form near Nazareth, Pennsylvania, with few full-service RV sites. At Jenny Jump State Forest, one visitor noted, "You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake). 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."
Consider alternative shelters: Several locations offer cabin or shelter options that provide more comfort than tenting but less than RVs. A camper at Jenny Jump State Forest described, "The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch."
Weekend timing considerations: Weekday visits often provide more solitude and space for any type of camper. A visitor advised, "During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nazareth, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nazareth, PA is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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