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Tent Camping near Parryville, PA

33 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Tent campsites in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Gap area provide both primitive backcountry options and established grounds near Parryville, ranging from hike-in Appalachian Trail sites with no amenities to developed campgrounds with drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables. The Appalachian Trail corridor offers several primitive tent camping locations including AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground, both accessible via hiking trails. Mauch Chunk Lake Park in nearby Jim Thorpe and Lizard Creek Campground in Lehighton provide more developed tent camping facilities within a short drive of Parryville.

    Most primitive tent sites along the ridgeline require hikers to carry in all supplies, including water. The AT Ridge and Overlook campgrounds feature stone fire rings but no toilets or potable water sources. A recent review mentioned that "sitting up on the mountain in this area is a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth." These backcountry sites generally permit tent camping year-round but campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially during spring and fall when temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.

    The tent camping options in this region offer significant contrasts between primitive and established sites. AT Overlook Campground provides panoramic valley views directly from tent locations, with one camper noting it as "by far the best campsite option on this section of the AT" with "flat, dry, and not too rocky" terrain for setting up tents. Most ridge sites are surrounded by fern fields, providing natural privacy barriers between camping areas. Established campgrounds like Mauch Chunk Lake Park provide amenities including drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, though tent sites may be closely spaced with limited privacy. Tent campers seeking solitude will find the hike-in AT sites more secluded, while those wanting convenience might prefer the developed campgrounds with parking access near tent pads.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Parryville (33)

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      1. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

      4.0(10)7mi from ParryvilleTents, 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. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap

      4.5(2)4mi from ParryvilleTents

      "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."

      3. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap

      4.0(2)3mi from ParryvilleTents

      "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."

      4. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap

      5.0(1)4mi from ParryvilleTents

      "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."

      5. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter

      5.0(1)4mi from ParryvilleTents, 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."

      Check Availability

      6. Riverview Park Campground

      4.0(1)2mi from ParryvilleTents

      "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. Scrub Mountain Retreat

      5.0(1)7mi from ParryvilleTents

      from $30 - $35 / night

      8. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)

      4.0(1)4mi from ParryvilleTents

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

      9. AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground

      3.0(1)4mi from ParryvilleTents

      10. Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground

      3.0(1)4mi from ParryvilleTents
    View all 33 campgrounds

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Parryville, PA

    62 Photos of 33 Parryville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Tent Camping Reviews near Parryville, PA

    1162 Reviews of 33 Parryville Campgrounds

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      Hickory 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.

    • Tony F.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      100 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Round 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!

    • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 15, 2026

      Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

      Beautiful Falls!

      What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!

    • jThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 8, 2026

      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.

    • jThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 18, 2026

      Echo Valley Campground

      Big sites with lots of trees

      We only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.

    • Thomas B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Tohickon 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 15, 2026

      Hickory 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!

    • K
      Sep. 8, 2026

      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 Parryville

    The Lehigh Gap area provides access to tent camping at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet along the Appalachian Trail corridor and nearby valleys. Water sources near Parryville camping areas are primarily limited to the Lehigh River and scattered seasonal springs, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. Most primitive sites require visitors to carry all necessary supplies over varied terrain.

    What to do

    Water activities at Mauch Chunk Lake: The 330-acre lake offers multiple recreation options. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm... the water is so clean and clear," notes Lisa S. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

    White water rafting: The Lehigh River provides Class II-III rapids accessible from several campsites. Emma T. shares, "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away."

    Riverside camping access: Some sites provide direct river access for early morning adventures. "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," says Asher K. about Riverview Park Campground.

    What campers like

    Wildlife encounters: The ridge trails provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity," shares a camper about AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap.

    Proximity to town amenities: Nearby Jim Thorpe offers cultural diversions within minutes of camping areas. "You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars," says Lisa S.

    Group camping options: The region offers specialized sites for larger parties. "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," notes Asher K. about AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap.

    What you should know

    Water availability varies: Many primitive sites require carrying water. "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," warns a camper about the Overlook Campground.

    Weekend crowds at established campgrounds: Popular sites can get noisy during peak periods. "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... There are supposed to be quiet hours, but they were not enforced," reports Danielle F.

    Primitive site navigation: Some backcountry sites require careful navigation. "Just make sure to mark this on your map before you leave since it can be a tougher site to find especially in the summer when everything is so lush and green," advises a visitor about Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly options: Some locations specifically cater to first-time campers. "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," states Mackenzie B.

    Extra padding for tent sites: Rocky ground at some locations needs preparation. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M.

    Shelter backup options: Some AT sites offer alternatives to tents. "The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers," mentions a camper about George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for water views: When selecting RV sites, consider proximity to water. "If the weather is good I recommend planning to stay up on top of the mountain at one of the more scenic campsites," suggests a camper.

    Reservations required: Many locations fill quickly during summer weekends. "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," notes Asher K.

    Ground conditions after rain: Weather affects site usability dramatically. "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 visitor about one of the best tent camping areas near Parryville, Pennsylvania.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Parryville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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