Tent campsites near Paupack, Pennsylvania are scattered throughout state forests and along waterways in the Pocono Mountains region. The area sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation and experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping months. Many primitive sites remain accessible through mid-October when fall foliage creates dense canopies of red and orange above campsites.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 15-minute walk from Hornbeck's sites to Hornbeck Creek waterfall via the McDade Trail. "After pitching your tent, a short walk upriver on the trail will bring you to the Dingman's Campground, whose store has ice cream and cold drinks and to Hornbeck Creek waterfall trail," notes Ross R. in a Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites review.
Packrafting trips: 4-mile route from Milford Beach to Namanock Island. "I have now taken my packraft to the island twice and have had a fantastic trip each time! The sites are maintained by the NPS and are available on a first come first served basis," explains Derek W., who recommends starting early in the day to secure a spot.
Trail connections: Access Appalachian Trail from several campgrounds. At Steam Mill Campground, "The campground is along the Blue Loop trail, providing either an easy walk along the stream or an easy/moderate hike that connects to the AT with views at Sunrise Mountain. I made a fairly easy 9-mile loop," reports Kristan V.
What campers like
Isolation on river islands: Campers value the seclusion of water-accessible sites. "Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness," writes John B. about Sandyston Boat In Campsites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers abundant animal sightings. "Lots of nature and animal sounds day and night, saw deer, doves, robins, woodpeckers, quail(?), chipmunks, squirrels, skunk(?), and heard frogs," notes Dwight D. about Steam Mill Campground.
Night sky visibility: Without light pollution, stars are exceptionally visible. "The camp site is VERY spacious, we have used 5 tents at one time here, 6 or more boats, and when you add the main campfire as well as the couple minor fires through-out the camp that were burning, there was no feel of crowding at all," describes one camper at Namanock Island.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols required: Bears are active throughout the camping areas. "There are bears in this area, and while I've not seen one in the campground, I have seen them on the trails while staying here. I store my food in my car overnight and toss garbage bags in the dumpster nightly as well," advises Kristan V.
Island camping time limits: Most river sites have one-night stay restrictions. "People found camping at this site that are not on a river trip or that are camped at the site for longer than one day can expect to receive hefty fines from the NPS," warns John B. in a Namanock Island review.
Water level fluctuations affect access: River sites can be challenging to reach during certain seasons. "Due to fluctuating water levels all of the islands that are used for camping have a cut wall cliff style approach, but these sites have a very steep and above average height to the shoreline making unloading both more tiring and more of a hazard than I prefer," explains a Sandyston Boat In Campsites review.
Tips for camping with families
Group sites available: Larger families should consider designated group areas. "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work," writes Christopher W. about Rivers Bend Group Campground.
Shelter options for beginners: State forest cabins provide comfort for families new to camping. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "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!!" shares Dwight D.
Off-peak timing reduces crowds: Weekday trips significantly increase site availability. "I have only ever gone during the week so I have not had any issue securing one of the four available sites but would recommend getting their earlier if you intend to go during the weekend," advises a Namanock Island reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for tent campers with vehicles: Choose campgrounds with flat, clear tent sites close to parking. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," warns Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Supply run planning: No stores exist near many primitive camping areas. "The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials, although the main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!" advises Kelsey K.
Boat-in sites with emergency access: Some primitive river sites have emergency road access. At Alosa Boat In Campsites, "There is an emergency pick up/access road available as well with contact from the park. Reservations are required for this site," notes Stephanie S.
