Tent camping near Pitman, Pennsylvania sits within the Ridge and Valley section of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet throughout the region. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night, creating comfortable camping conditions. The area features mixed hardwood forests with oak, maple, and hickory trees providing natural shade at most campsites.
What to do
Creek exploration: Multiple campgrounds offer access to nearby waterways. At Ravensburg State Park Campground, campers can enjoy several hiking trails along the creek with "a couple of places deep enough to swim," as one visitor notes. The park is dog-friendly, making it ideal for bringing your four-legged companions.
Water activities: For paddlers, Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides excellent access for various water activities. One camper mentions, "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear." The park also offers kayak and canoe rentals for those without their own equipment.
Hiking options: Primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail offer direct trail access. At AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap, you can "set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door," according to a hiker who stayed there. The site features a stone fire ring and stone chair built by previous campers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between camping areas. One Ravensburg visitor notes, "There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private." This makes for a more secluded experience even at established campgrounds.
Hammocking opportunities: The wooded nature of many sites creates perfect hammock camping conditions. As a regular Ravensburg camper explains, "There are plenty of trees that are good for hammocking. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part."
Spacious campsites: Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center offers camping with more social activities. One visitor who stayed during Riverfest mentioned, "Bands throughout the night with beer and food. Nice showers." This makes it suitable for campers seeking a more lively atmosphere.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. Ravensburg State Park is only open "1st Friday in May to last Sunday in September," requiring planning ahead for camping trips.
Site-specific challenges: Some campgrounds have natural features that affect comfort. According to one camper at Mauch Chunk, "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters."
Reservation systems vary: Several campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservations. As noted by a camper at Rolling Hills Retreats, "We are so thankful for the host as he was very accommodating but also gave us privacy." Calling ahead is recommended even for non-reservation sites.
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly options: Several locations accommodate larger family gatherings. One visitor at Mauch Chunk notes, "I've stayed here a couple times with groups. 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."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds can be loud, especially on weekends. A Mauch Chunk camper observed, "The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers... It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight."
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at primitive sites. A camper at AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap reported, "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."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have steep access roads that can be difficult for RVs. A Ravensburg visitor warns, "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times." They also recommend using the correct route: "Make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road."
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Pitman offer minimal or no RV hookups. While some provide water spigots throughout the grounds, electrical connections are rare. The few campgrounds that do accommodate RVs typically have size restrictions and limited amenities.
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact camping conditions. A Rolling Hills visitor shared, "It rained the weekend we went but it didn't ruin our time what so ever, somehow the fire was still roaring in down pouring rain." Proper preparation for wet conditions is essential when camping in this region.
