Best Dispersed Camping near Paupack, PA

The Pocono Mountain region surrounding Paupack, Pennsylvania features a mix of dispersed camping options within driving distance, particularly for those seeking more primitive outdoor experiences. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers drive-in dispersed camping requiring permits, while nearby options extend into neighboring states with sites like Hickok Brook in New York and the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite in New Jersey. Most camping areas cater to tent campers and backpackers rather than RV travelers, with limited amenities and primarily hike-in or walk-in access points. The proximity to the Appalachian Trail provides backpackers with designated sites that serve as important waypoints for section hikers.

Road conditions and vehicle requirements vary significantly across the region's camping areas. As one camper noted about Hickok Brook, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping." Many dispersed sites have specific permit requirements that differ by state and land management agency. Water availability is often limited or nonexistent at backcountry sites, requiring advance planning. According to a visitor at the Appalachian Trail campsite, "There's no water nearby... Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond." Bear boxes are provided at some locations, particularly along the Appalachian Trail, indicating the need for proper food storage in this wildlife-rich area.

Campers report that many sites in the region are small but offer adequate privacy. At Hickok Brook, visitors mention "only 3 spots" that can fill quickly during holiday weekends. The lakeside settings provide scenic camping but often come with seasonal challenges like insects. Hammock camping is popular at several locations due to sloped terrain that makes tent placement difficult. As one Appalachian Trail camper explained, "We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. Well maintained with bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking." Fire regulations vary by location, with some areas prohibiting ground fires entirely. Most sites lack facilities, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Paupack, Pennsylvania (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Paupack, PA

7 Photos of 5 Paupack Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Paupack, PA

4 Reviews of 5 Paupack Campgrounds


  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.


Guide to Paupack

Primitive camping near Paupack, Pennsylvania focuses primarily on tent and backpack sites located on state forest and public lands. The region's elevation ranges between 1,200-1,800 feet with significant seasonal temperature variations. Temperatures can drop below freezing even in late spring and early fall, particularly at higher elevations where many dispersed sites are located.

What to do

Hiking access required: Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania serves as both a starting point for hiking and a primitive camping location. A camper reported, "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

Trail exploration: The Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides direct access to notable AT sections. Campers note the proximity to natural features: "No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

Water activities limited: Most primitive sites lack direct water access. At Hickok Brook, one camper mentioned being moved "next to the lake" by rangers, indicating limited waterfront camping options that require proper permits.

What campers like

Quiet seclusion: Small camping areas with limited usage attract those seeking solitude. One camper at Hickok Brook noted, "Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area."

Hammock-friendly terrain: The sloped ground at many sites makes hammocks preferable to tents. At Appalachian Trail Campsite 2, a reviewer mentioned, "The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find."

Shade coverage: The forested terrain provides natural cooling. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, a camper simply noted, "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

What you should know

Permit requirements vary: New York State lands require permits from county ranger offices. A Hickok Brook camper shared their experience: "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

Vehicle limitations: High-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing some sites. A visitor to Hickok Brook cautioned: "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

Fire regulations: No ground fires are permitted at many locations, particularly along the Appalachian Trail. A visitor to Russell Brook Road needs to check current fire regulations before each visit as these change seasonally based on drought conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Limited facilities: No drinking water, restrooms or trash service exists at these primitive sites. Plan accordingly with sufficient water supplies and waste management strategies.

Bear safety essential: Bear boxes are provided at some locations but not all. The Appalachian Trail sites feature bear protection: "Well maintained with bear boxes provided."

Space constraints: Family groups should consider site limitations. At Hickok Brook, a camper observed, "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town."

Tips from RVers

Not RV suitable: Most dispersed camping areas near Paupack are inappropriate for recreational vehicles. A Hickok Brook visitor warned, "Very gorgeous but not RV friendly."

Parking restrictions: Even smaller camper vans face challenges at these primitive sites. Trailhead parking areas like Thunder Swamp offer limited overnight options but with no hookups or facilities.

Alternative considerations: Appalachian Trail Campsite and similar backcountry locations are designed exclusively for tent and hammock camping with no vehicle access beyond designated parking areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Paupack, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Paupack, PA is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Paupack, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Paupack, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.