Best Dispersed Camping near Palmerton, PA
Dispersed camping options near Palmerton, Pennsylvania include the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 and Thunder Swamp Trailhead. The Appalachian Trail site is accessible only by hiking in, while Thunder Swamp Trailhead permits drive-in access. Both locations offer primitive camping experiences with minimal amenities. Campers should be prepared for self-sufficient backcountry camping with proper gear for Leave No Trace practices.
The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 requires careful water planning as no drinking water is available on site. According to reviews, campers must "stock up on water at Dunnfield Creek natural area or wait until Sunfish Pond," which is approximately a one-mile round trip hike from the campsite. Bear boxes are provided at this location, and the site accommodates both tent and hammock camping, though some areas may be sloped. Ground fires are prohibited, and alcohol is not permitted.
Thunder Swamp Trailhead requires a permit for overnight stays. This regulation helps manage visitor impact and protect natural resources. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources monitors these areas closely, particularly during high-use seasons. Several campers noted that while the Appalachian Trail site offers "a perfect balance of community and space" with "plenty of room" for multiple parties, it remains the "only place you can sleep in Worthington State Forest" according to posted signs. The site itself is unmarked but recognizable as a designated camping area along the trail.
