R
Russell A.
Scout
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Tent Camping near Portland, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites near Portland, Pennsylvania range from developed sites with fire rings and picnic tables to primitive walk-in and boat-in tent camping, with options concentrated along the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Jenny Jump State Forest, about 30 miles east, provides tent campers with sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables, while Kirkridge Shelter on the Appalachian Trail offers more primitive walk-in tent camping with stunning mountain views.
Most tent campgrounds in this region require reservations, particularly during the peak summer months when sites fill quickly. The Delaware Water Gap area features several boat-in tent sites including Alosa Campsites and Walter's River Campsite, which are accessible only by canoe or kayak. According to one visitor, "Walter's site was very clean with quite a bit of room, though local fishermen occasionally pass through." Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and campers should check current regulations before arrival. Many sites provide basic amenities like fire rings and tent pads, though facilities like potable water and toilets vary significantly between locations.
Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. At Kirkridge Shelter, walk-in tent sites provide access to panoramic views along Kittatinny Mountain. A reviewer noted that "there are four spots to set up, all with fire rings, with three being more secluded in the woods." Jenny Jump State Forest campsites feature reasonable privacy between sites and direct access to hiking trails. The region experiences moderate to heavy use during summer weekends and fall foliage season, so midweek tent camping often provides a more solitary experience. Tent campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, particularly at higher elevations where temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Portland (45)
1. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
2. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $75 / night
3. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"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."
4. Wooded Campground
"Perfect land for an overnight before hitting the trail. There’s open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn’t have been more accommodating."
Check Availabilityfrom $59 - $60 / night
5. Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
"This location was about an hour and a half away from our home so it was far enough to feel like we were getting away but close enough that we could be home quickly in case of an emergency since we decided"
from $125 / night
6. Mohican Walk-In Campsites
"The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $40 / night
7. Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
8. Rivers Bend Group Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding. To your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large “U” bend of the Delaware river."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $100 / night
9. Alosa Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Primitive site for multi day river trips. There’s usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $16 / night
10. Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side. "
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
Drive Time
- 46 min from Allentown, PA
- 47 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 11 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 17 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Portland, PA
88 Photos of 45 Portland Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Wooded Campground
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Round Valley State Park Campground
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Steam Mill Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Portland, PA
1042 Reviews of 45 Portland Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory 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.
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Tony F.
Guide100 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.LegendRound 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!
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
- Thomas B.Ranger
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.RangerHickory 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!
- KKelly B.Guide
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 Portland
Tent camping opportunities within the Delaware Water Gap area vary in accessibility and remoteness. The area contains multiple camping zones ranging from drive-in sites with basic facilities to boat-in locations accessible only via the Delaware River. Most sites are seasonal, operating from April through October, with elevations ranging from 300-1,600 feet and summer temperatures typically reaching 80-90°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night.
What to do
Kayak to riverfront sites: Access Alosa Boat In Campsites for a unique camping experience. These primitive sites feature emergency access roads and portable toilets. "Primitive site for multi day river trips. There's usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access," notes camper Stephanie S.
Hike and swim at Round Valley: Round Valley State Park Campground offers clear water recreation options with backcountry-style camping. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," reports Ryan M. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet, making it popular for swimming and fishing.
Observe wildlife at Kittatinny Mountain: The Appalachian Trail section near Kirkridge Shelter provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire," explains Nick E.
What campers like
Primitive camping with water access: At Bushkill Creek Campsite, paddle-in campers appreciate the seclusion. "The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side," mentions Anna M.
Privacy between sites: Jenny Jump State Forest receives positive reviews for site layout. "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," writes Kelsey K.
Camping platforms: Many sites throughout the region feature wooden platforms for tent setup. "Tent sites are either on the ground have wooden platforms. Cabins come in various sizes," notes Dan X. about Mohican Outdoor Center.
What you should know
Campsite accessibility challenges: Some of the best tent camping near Portland, Pennsylvania requires significant effort to reach. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir," explains Stuart K., who adds, "I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear."
Limited supplies nearby: Plan to bring all needed supplies. "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. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Highway noise at some sites: Some campgrounds experience road noise despite their natural setting. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)," notes Seth K.
Tips for camping with families
Group campsite options: Rivers Bend Group Campground provides specialized facilities for families camping together. "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. Quiet surrounding," reports Christopher W.
Beginner-friendly sites: Some locations provide good starting points for families new to camping. "I was looking forward to a Worthington State Park campgrounds visit but that day they were all packed and I was suggested to Jenny Jump State. I enjoyed the overnight camp out with my kids and they had a blast. Nice size primitive tent site we had and was nice for beginner camping," shares Scott O.
Shelter options for easier camping: For families wanting a camping experience without tents, consider shelter options. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'," explains Dwight D.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers facilities but limited RV amenities. "The MOC is about 10 miles from the Gap and it was my destination for the 1st day. The staff is friendly and the facilities were what I expected. I stayed in one of the bunkhouses and I had a private room with bunk beds," shares Richard M.
Site selection critical: RVers should carefully research specific sites. "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," explains Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV-accessible campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October. Plan accordingly as temperatures vary significantly throughout the camping season, with summer highs in the 80s and lows that can drop into the 40s during spring and fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Portland, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Portland, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Portland, PA is Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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tent camping near
Portland, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Portland, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Portland, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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