Tent campsites near Ono, Pennsylvania range from primitive creek-side pitches to established group camping areas. Located in the ridge-and-valley section of the Appalachian Mountains, this region sits at approximately 500 feet of elevation with moderate summer humidity and cooler nights. Most primitive sites don't require reservations during weekdays, though weekend availability becomes limited from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Paddle and camp: Lower Allen Community Park offers kayak-in tent sites along Yellow Breeches Creek where paddlers can "put in a few miles up and float down to your site" according to Joann&WellsThePup I. The park provides parking, portapotties, fire pits and picnic tables, though they "lock the park at dusk" so plan accordingly.
Creek swimming: Shambala at Mystic Hollow offers "great creekside campsites for anyone looking to pitch a tent and enjoy some time by the water" as noted by Jake C. The creek provides natural cooling during hot summer days, with water suitable for wading and swimming when temperatures climb above 85°F.
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Visitors to Susquehannock State Park Campground can access "lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River" as David G. describes. The park offers "a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
What campers like
Peaceful water sounds: Many primitive camping options allow you to pitch tents very close to flowing water. One reviewer, Meagan J., appreciated that the "campsite is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience" and enjoyed "the sound of water flowing at night."
Seclusion in wooded areas: Hibernia County Park earns praise for its natural setting. Jennifer S. describes it as "tiny, quiet, heavily wooded" with "plenty of hammock hanging opportunities" and notes "there is NOTHING to do except walk or bike the beautiful trails, spend time on Chamber's Lake, spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire."
Affordable rates: Tent camping areas near Ono maintain reasonable pricing. John Z. notes that Hibernia County Park charges an "inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups." Similarly, Mill Creek Camping Area offers a simple flat rate structure, making budgeting straightforward.
What you should know
Trail traffic through campsites: Several camping areas have hiking trails that pass directly through or alongside camping areas. At Mill Creek Camping Area, Sakina P. warns that "hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas" and suggests the campground should "post this info for the people on the trails."
Primitive facilities: Most tent sites within 40 miles of Ono offer basic amenities only. According to John Z., you typically get a "picnic table and fire ring" with "no hook ups." At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, fire pits were noted as problematic by one camper who found theirs "so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived."
Reservation systems vary: Each camping area has its own booking process. Jennifer S. explains that Hibernia County Park is "only open on the weekends, in season" and sites "can be reserved online, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration" except during special events when reservations become mandatory.
Tips for camping with families
Try lake-based options: Mill Creek Camping Area offers cooling creek access that's particularly valuable during summer months. Anna reports: "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Check for playgrounds: Several camping areas include playground facilities. John Z. notes that Hibernia County Park has a "great playground" along with a "great children's pond for 12 and under" where young anglers can fish in a controlled environment.
Consider weekday visits: Family campers seeking quieter experiences should avoid weekends at popular sites. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Danielle F. reported that during summer weekends "the campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers" with noise continuing "until after midnight" despite posted quiet hours.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive tent sites near Ono aren't suitable for RVs, but Jennifer S. notes that at Rolling Hills Retreats, "though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."
Bring full water tanks: Water access points are limited at most primitive campgrounds. Jennifer S. advises that "water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
No dump stations: RV campers should plan accordingly since most primitive tent camping areas lack dumping facilities. As Jennifer S. warns, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
