34 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campers exploring the area around New Tripoli, Pennsylvania will find several backcountry options along the Appalachian Trail, with multiple primitive tent sites clustered near Lehigh Gap. The AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground provide ridge-top camping experiences with established fire rings and space for multiple tents. These primitive tent campsites are accessible only by hiking in from the Lehigh Gap trailhead, making them suitable for backpackers rather than car campers.
The primitive tent sites near Lehigh Gap feature stone fire rings but lack amenities like running water or toilets. Campers must pack in all water or filter from limited seasonal sources along the trail. Most sites have flat, cleared areas for setting up tents, though some locations like the Woodpecker Trailhead site can become boggy after rainfall. The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides a covered sleeping platform for through-hikers, with a nearby spring for water. No reservations are required for these walk-in tent sites, but campers should follow Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for high bear activity as noted on trail signage.
Tent campers at the ridgeline sites enjoy expansive valley views and unique natural settings. The AT Overlook Campground is particularly well-situated, offering tent sites with direct views of the valley from your tent door. The area features fields of ferns surrounding the campsites, creating a distinctive camping environment. Sites vary in their level of tree cover, with some offering hammock opportunities and others providing more open settings. Hikers should be prepared to carry all gear and supplies up sometimes steep and rocky trails to reach these backcountry tent camping locations. One camper noted, "This site is flat, dry, and not too rocky. 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."
"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"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."
"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."
"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."
"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 appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
from $30 - $35 / night
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.
LegendTucked 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!
ScoutThe 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.
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.
ScoutThis 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.
LegendPROS
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
RangerThis 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.
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.
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.
Campers visiting New Tripoli, Pennsylvania can explore additional tent camping options beyond the Appalachian Trail. The region sits in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. Seasonal weather varies dramatically, with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winters dropping below freezing, impacting camping conditions and water availability throughout the year.
Water activities at Mauch Chunk Lake: Launch kayaks or paddleboards directly from lakefront campsites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. "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 to primitive sites: Access secluded tent camping at Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite with multiple established fire areas. "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," notes Asher K.
River camping and biking: Camp alongside the Lehigh River at Riverview Park Campground with direct access to the D&L biking trail. "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," explains a reviewer.
Protected shelter access: The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides hikers with covered sleeping during inclement weather. "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. There is also a spring nearby for filling up water," mentions Asher K.
Secluded group camping: Find pine-covered tent areas at AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap when camping with multiple people. "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," says one camper.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers amenities that make tent camping New Tripoli more accessible. "I've stayed here a couple times with groups. 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.
Water availability varies: Most primitive sites require carrying all water or filtering from limited sources. At the Woodpecker Trailhead campground, "There is no water available at the site itself but there were some small creeks along the trail coming up the hill or you can fill up at the nature center near the trailhead," notes a camper.
Site conditions after rain: Some tent camping areas near New Tripoli become wet after precipitation. "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," warns a reviewer about the Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead.
Weekend crowding: Popular established campgrounds can become noisy during peak times. "We visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers. It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," reports Danielle F.
First-time camper friendly: Beginners find Mauch Chunk Lake Park accessible for introducing children to tent camping. "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," shares Danny M.
Beach access for kids: Swimming areas provide recreational options for families. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" notes Annette M., making this a good alternative to more rugged tent camping around New Tripoli.
Pack extra padding: Tree roots and rocks can make tent sleeping uncomfortable without preparation. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters. Plenty of space away from neighbors," advises Amber M.
Limited RV options near primitive areas: The immediate Lehigh Gap area primarily serves tent campers rather than RVs, with most sites requiring hiking access. Nearby established campgrounds like Mauch Chunk Lake Park offer some RV sites with hookups.
Reservations required: For RV camping at developed campgrounds, plan ahead. "Our site was for the most part clean, the fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived," explains one reviewer, highlighting maintenance issues that can arise at busy campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Tripoli, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Tripoli, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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