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Best Dispersed Camping near Pittston, PA

4 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within a 30-40 mile radius of Pittston, Pennsylvania. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers overnight parking in a gravel lot with shade. Reviews indicate it's suitable for vehicle camping, with "no one bothered me" and access to extensive hiking trails. A permit is required, and fires are not permitted. Similarly, Bake Oven Knob provides overnight options with two large parking lots where visitors can "park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent." Located on the Appalachian Trail near Germansville, it features a rocky hike to an overlook on the Blue Mountain ridge.

For backpackers, the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Columbia, New Jersey provides free primitive camping with bear boxes but no water source. A review noted there's "plenty of space" with both community and secluded spots, adding it has "good trees for hammocking." Hickok Brook in New York offers lakeside tent sites accessible via a rough road with "huge potholes" that requires good clearance. A ranger reportedly enforces camping in designated spots, and a permit is needed for camping on New York state land. These remote sites generally have a 14-day camping limit, though enforcement varies by location.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pittston, Pennsylvania (5)

    1. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    39 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    2. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    43 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "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!"

    3. Bake Oven Knob

    1 Review
    Andreas, PA
    40 miles

    "This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"

    4. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    49 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Appalachian Trail Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Palmerton, PA
    39 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pittston, PA

7 Photos of 5 Pittston Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pittston, PA

4 Reviews of 5 Pittston 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 Pittston

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pittston, Pennsylvania, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Safe and Clean Overnight Stays for Dispersed Campers

  • For those seeking a secure environment, Rest Area I-84 offers a well-maintained space where many travelers feel comfortable camping overnight, especially solo adventurers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Pittston, Pennsylvania

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Pittston

  • Enjoy breathtaking vistas at Hickok Brook, where you can set up your tent near the lake and soak in the natural beauty, though be prepared for a bit of a hike to reach this serene spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pittston, PA is Thunder Swamp Trailhead with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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

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