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 Riegelsville, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campers visiting the Riegelsville, Pennsylvania area can access several primitive camping options within a short drive. Round Valley State Park Campground in Lebanon, New Jersey offers true wilderness tent camping accessible only by hiking 3-6 miles or boating across the reservoir. Boulder Ridge Farm provides a more secluded tent-only experience with walk-in access and primitive amenities. For hikers seeking backcountry tent sites, the Appalachian Trail's Kirkridge Shelter on Kittatinny Mountain offers free primitive camping with basic toilet facilities.
Most tent-only sites in the region require campers to pack in their own supplies, including water and waste disposal tools. Boulder Ridge Farm features tent sites set among large boulders with limited infrastructure—no drinking water, electricity, or toilets are available, making it suitable for self-sufficient campers. Round Valley's primitive tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though the quality varies between locations. Water pumps are scattered throughout the camping area, but visitors report some are frequently non-functional. Many campers filter water directly from the reservoir instead. Vault toilets are available but often poorly maintained, with trash receptacles nearby.
The primitive tent camping experience around Riegelsville rewards those willing to make the effort with relative solitude and natural surroundings. At Round Valley, waterfront tent sites offer views of the reservoir and cooling breezes during summer months. Sites are spaced to provide some privacy, though sound carries between neighboring campsites. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly at Boulder Ridge Farm where tent campers report hearing owls at night. The hiking trail to Round Valley's tent sites is challenging with rocky, uneven terrain that requires proper footwear and light packing. According to one visitor, "This is definitely not a walk through the park easy trail, pack light and don't bring coolers or wagons if you are hiking it."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Riegelsville (39)
1. 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."
2. Boulder Ridge Farm
"We'd like to welcome Joe, your host, to our platform! This property is close to town yet so serene. 2WD is fine but 4WD will make your experience getting to the property a bit more smooth."
"Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $30 / night
3. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
4. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping."
"The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / 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. 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."
7. Evansburg State Park Campground
"Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek"
"You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently$9.90.The restroom facilities we're clean."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
8. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap
"You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky."
9. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"
"The give you firewood—-if you bring your own, leave with any left over."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
10. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter
"A single-level open-sided AT shelter near the Lehigh Gap trailhead. The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers."
Drive Time
- 31 min from Allentown, PA
- 58 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 7 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 8 min from Reading, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Riegelsville, PA
75 Photos of 39 Riegelsville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Round Valley State Park Campground
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Wooded Campground
Evansburg State Park Campground
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Tent Camping Reviews near Riegelsville, PA
1039 Reviews of 39 Riegelsville 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.
RangerTohickon 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!
Sue B.RangerDelaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Great off season camping
We camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
Guide to Riegelsville
Dispersed camping options around Riegelsville, Pennsylvania range from riverside sites to wooded mountain terrain. The region spans elevations from 200-1,600 feet, creating diverse microclimates and camping experiences throughout the year. Autumn camping between September and November offers the best combination of moderate temperatures and minimal rain, with overnight lows typically between 45-65°F.
What to do
Water activities at Round Valley State Park: Access the 2,350-acre reservoir for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. The clear water supports excellent trout fishing. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean... If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place," notes camper James R.
Bird watching at Fort Washington: The observation deck provides excellent views of seasonal raptor migrations. "From this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn... birds include: Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles," according to Stuart K.
Disc golf and hiking: Fort Washington State Park offers a dedicated disc golf course plus 3.5 miles of hiking trails ranging from beginner to difficult. The multi-purpose trail parallels Wissahickon Creek for scenic water views while hiking.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Boulder Ridge Farm campsites are set among large rock formations that create natural barriers between tent sites. "Great place to escape the stress of every day life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome," reports Jnear139.
Accessible wilderness: Green Lane Park offers tent camping with less hiking required than other primitive sites. "Green Lane Park is a lovely park with several well marked trails for hiking. The campgrounds are clean but the sites are way too close together," notes Katrina Z..
Historical significance: Camping near Washington Crossing State Park connects you to Revolutionary War history. "Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history," explains a visitor.
What you should know
Challenging access: Many tent sites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, "It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort! If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to to your site," explains Agbi B..
Limited bathroom facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal facilities. "Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road," reports a camper at Green Lane Park.
Water quality concerns: While reservoir water may look clean, treatment is necessary. "While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw."
Site selection timing: The best tent camping near Riegelsville books quickly between May and September. Reserve primitive sites at least 4-6 weeks in advance for weekend camping.
Tips for camping with families
Easier access options: Jenny Jump State Forest offers more accessible camping for families. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground... The campgrounds and bathrooms were clean and well kept," writes Fransheska A..
Pack appropriate supplies: Most primitive sites require bringing your own water, water filters, and waste disposal bags. For Round Valley camping trips, "Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible—packing too much to come here just isn't worth the work."
Weather considerations: Spring camping often brings muddy conditions. "I find Evansburg to be the muddiest State Park I've every experienced; I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots, as well as shoes and change of clothes for the little guy."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most primitive tent-only camping areas near Riegelsville do not accommodate RVs. For RV camping, Green Lane Park offers basic facilities without full hookups. "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors," notes Tara T..
Alternate camping styles: For a hybrid camping experience, consider the canvas tent structures at Camp Starry Night. "We are avid campers ranging from our early days of remote, rustic tent camping with just the two of us and 20 years later upgraded to our travel trailer... Already provided was a large canvas tent that housed a queen bed with two night stands."
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive camping areas are often unpaved and may be difficult for larger vehicles. Many require parking in designated lots and hiking to actual camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Riegelsville, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Riegelsville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Riegelsville, PA is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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