Best Dispersed Camping near Reeders, PA

Dispersed camping options near Reeders, Pennsylvania include several primitive sites within driving distance. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in nearby New Jersey provides free hike-in camping with bear boxes and hammock-friendly trees. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers drive-in access but requires permits. Hickok Brook in New York features lakeside tent sites accessible by foot. These locations serve backpackers seeking no-fee camping experiences in the region.

Water access is limited at these sites. The Appalachian Trail campsite has no water source nearby; campers must stock up at Dunnfield Creek Natural Area or plan a round-trip hike to Sunfish Pond. According to reviews, the terrain at the AT site is "small and sloped for tent camping but great for hammocks." Bear boxes are provided, and ground fires are prohibited. Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions typical of the Pocono Mountains region.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Hickok Brook access requires high-clearance vehicles due to rough roads with large potholes. Several campers noted it is "not RV friendly" with "very limited camping area" consisting of only three spots. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers more accessible drive-in options but still requires appropriate vehicles for forest roads. New York state land camping requires permits obtained from the county ranger's office. Visitors should pack out all trash as facilities are minimal or nonexistent at these primitive sites.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Reeders, Pennsylvania (5)

    1. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    13 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!"

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    16 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."

    3. Bake Oven Knob

    1 Review
    Andreas, PA
    28 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"

    5. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    41 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Reeders, PA

7 Photos of 5 Reeders Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Reeders, PA

4 Reviews of 5 Reeders 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 Reeders

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Reeders, Pennsylvania, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of options, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the simplicity of nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

  • This site offers a unique experience with plenty of space for campers, allowing for both community and solitude, making it a great choice for those hiking the Appalachian Trail. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 features bear boxes and good trees for hammocking.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Reeders, Pennsylvania

  • When visiting the Rest Area I-84, you can enjoy a safe and clean environment, perfect for solo travelers or those looking for a quick stop while exploring the area.

Enjoy hiking and nature while free camping near Reeders

  • The Hickok Brook area is ideal for those who appreciate a quiet lakeside experience, but be prepared for a hike as there are no motor vehicles allowed beyond the camping spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Reeders, PA is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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