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Tent Camping near Nesquehoning, PA

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    Tent camping options surround Nesquehoning in eastern Pennsylvania's Carbon County, with established tent sites along the Appalachian Trail corridor and at developed campgrounds like Mauch Chunk Lake Park. Walk-in tent sites are particularly abundant near Lehigh Gap, where primitive campsites provide access to ridgeline views and forested settings. Several tent campgrounds in this region serve as popular base camps for hikers exploring the Appalachian Trail's Pennsylvania section.

    Most walk-in tent locations require hikers to carry all necessary supplies, as amenities are minimal at primitive sites. The AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap offer stone fire rings but no water sources, requiring campers to fill up before ascending the mountain. A visitor commented, "By far the best campsite option on this section of the AT - you can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door." Tent sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park provide more amenities, including drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, though some campers report exposed tree roots and rocks that necessitate extra padding for tent floors.

    Tent campers experience varied terrain across these locations, from the pine needle-padded forest floor at the AT Group Campsite to the sometimes muddy conditions at sites near trailheads. The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter area includes a spring for water access, though flat tent sites near the shelter are limited. A recent review noted, "The pine trees provide nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather." Riverside tent camping is available at Riverview Park Campground, offering convenient access for paddlers with dedicated tent-only sites along the Lehigh River. Most walk-in tent locations on the Appalachian Trail remain uncrowded during weekdays, though prime viewpoint sites may fill on weekends as they attract both overnight campers and day hikers.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Nesquehoning (32)

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      1. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

      4.0(10)2mi from NesquehoningTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      2. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center

      4.5(2)8mi from NesquehoningTents

      from $10 / night

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      3. Scrub Mountain Retreat

      5.0(1)8mi from NesquehoningTents

      from $30 - $35 / night

      4. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap

      4.0(2)12mi from NesquehoningTents

      "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."

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      5. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap

      4.5(2)12mi from NesquehoningTents

      "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."

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      6. Riverview Park Campground

      4.0(1)11mi from NesquehoningTents

      "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

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      7. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap

      5.0(1)12mi from NesquehoningTents

      "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."

      8. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter

      5.0(1)13mi from NesquehoningTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      9. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)

      4.0(1)13mi from NesquehoningTents

      "This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."

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      10. AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground

      3.0(1)13mi from NesquehoningTents
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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nesquehoning, PA

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Nesquehoning, PA

    1066 Reviews of 32 Nesquehoning Campgrounds

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 1, 2026

      Quakerwoods Campground

      Quaint Country Camping in Classic Bucks County

      Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.

      HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.

      LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.

      Happy Camping!

    • Doug W.
      Jul. 31, 2019

      Valley View Group Campground

      Beautiful River Site

      This 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.

    • Ra F.
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

      OK, but camping gets a low rating.

      The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. I bike toured there. The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics. There was also a fair amount of road noise at night. Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road.

    • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 19, 2020

      Locust Lake State Park Campground

      Serenity on the lakes

      Pretty 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.

    • B
      Jul. 29, 2018

      Tohickon Valley County Park

      One stop shop for adventure!

      This place is amazing! everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100’ rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT, and when scheduled they open the dam up stream for som world class whitewater rafting.

      As for some things that aren’t listed. this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park, however that all depends on how open you are about it and the Park rangers. Cell phone service is limited last time I was up there in 2012 only people with Verizon Wireless had any reception. Also there is no WiFi. No hookups or camp store.

    • Napunani
      Jun. 25, 2022

      French Creek State Park Campground

      Campsites Jammed Closely Together

      PROS 

      Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

      $13.50 senior discount 

      Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

      Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

      Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

      One hook lantern pole 

      Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

      Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

      Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

      Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

      CONS

      $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

      Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

      Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

      Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

      Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

      Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

      Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

      Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

      Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

      Lots of barking dogs 

      No wood sales in park 

      No WiFi 

      1 bar Verizon

    • Dwight D.
      Sep. 26, 2021

      Jenny Jump State Forest

      Cute Comfortable Shelter

      This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! 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. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!

      There are eight shelters at Jenny Jump State Park. Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk? The dead end means there isn't too much traffic, though the road is right there so you can wave to the other campers heading to the restroom or for hikes. There is a trail head at one of the parking lots. During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road. We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us! Otherwise, this shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private.

      We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies. There was a picnic table and benches inside. We brought camping chairs for relaxing on the porch. We spent most of our time on the porch; cooking, chatting, and crafting while enjoying the sunshine and breeze.

      Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not.

    • D
      Jul. 5, 2020

      Tobyhanna State Park Campground

      Good campground for families.

      My 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.

    • Angel A.
      Aug. 20, 2018

      Lower Lake Campground Northwoods Area — Promised Land State Park

      Northwoods Campground

      Big 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.

    Guide to Nesquehoning

    Primitive campsites near Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania cluster along the Lehigh River valley and surrounding ridges at elevations between 400-1,600 feet. Temperatures average 45-80°F from spring through fall with typical Appalachian precipitation patterns. Many tent camping areas require advanced planning due to limited space and seasonal access restrictions at primitive sites.

    What to do

    Water activities on Mauch Chunk Lake: Paddle sports are popular at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, where campers can bring or rent equipment. "You can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," notes Lisa S. The beach area provides swimming opportunities during summer months.

    Whitewater rafting excursions: The Lehigh River offers class II-III rapids accessible from nearby campsites. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing," reports Katie S. about her stay at Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center, which combines camping with river adventures.

    Mountain biking access: The D&L Trail follows an old railroad bed and connects directly to several campgrounds. "The park itself is located along the D&L biking trail that is on the bed of an old railroad," explains Asher K. about Riverview Park Campground, making it convenient for cyclists exploring the region.

    What campers like

    Riverside campsites: Sites at Riverview Park Campground position campers directly beside the Lehigh River. "The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit," writes Asher K., highlighting the straightforward amenities.

    Protected forest settings: Pine forest camping areas offer natural shelter and comfort. "The pine trees provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather," notes Asher K. about AT Group Campsite, describing the cushioned pine needle ground cover.

    Group-friendly spaces: Many areas accommodate larger parties with multiple tent sites. "A very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents. This would work well for a large group," observes Asher K. about Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite, noting its established fire ring and sitting areas.

    What you should know

    Water availability varies: Many primitive sites require carrying water. "There is no water access at the site so make sure to fill up before coming up the mountain," warns Asher K. about Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite. Plan accordingly for your water needs.

    Site reservations: Some campgrounds require advance booking. "Just make sure if you are going to stay here that you reserve a site in advance since they will charge you an additional $10 if you show up without planning," advises Asher K. about Riverview Park Campground.

    Noise levels at established campgrounds: Busier campgrounds experience more activity noise. "It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," reports Danielle F. about her stay at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, noting that quiet hours weren't enforced during her visit.

    Tips for camping with families

    Lake activities for children: Scrub Mountain Retreat provides access to water recreation suitable for various ages. "GREAT first trip! The campgrounds were nice and there was a lot to do. Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals," shares Danny M. about nearby recreational options.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nesquehoning, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nesquehoning, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Nesquehoning, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Nesquehoning, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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