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 Saylorsburg, PA
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The Pocono Mountain region around Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania features multiple tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail. Jenny Jump State Forest in nearby New Jersey offers spacious tent sites with hiking trails accessible directly from the campground, while the Kittatinny Mountain area provides more rugged, backcountry camping experiences for hikers. Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms also accommodates tent campers with views of mountains and the nearby river.
Tent campsites in the Saylorsburg area typically feature fire rings and some level of terrain management, though amenities vary significantly by location. Appalachian Trail sites like Kirkrige Shelter and the George W. Outerbridge Shelter provide primitive camping with limited facilities—most have no drinking water sources on site, requiring campers to fill up before arrival. Drive-in tent camping is available at several locations, while others like Walter's River Campsite are exclusively boat-in access. Most primitive tent areas enforce "pack it in, pack it out" policies with no trash service available. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during dry summer months.
The tent camping experience near Saylorsburg offers exceptional views and varied terrain. The AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap provides sweeping vistas directly from tent sites. Several tent-only areas feature stone fire rings built by previous campers, adding character to primitive sites. Most walk-in tent locations require moderate hiking, creating natural buffers from crowds and noise. Tent campers frequently use the area as a starting point for section hikes along the Appalachian Trail or day trips to Delaware Water Gap. A camper noted about the Kittatinny Mountain site: "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."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Saylorsburg (43)
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 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
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. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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."
8. 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."
9. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
"Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone."
"Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
10. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap
"This site is really 2 separate sites that are a short ways apart along the trail. They are both excellent spots to set up a tent if you plan on camping up on the ridge."
Drive Time
- 31 min from Allentown, PA
- 41 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 10 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 22 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Saylorsburg, PA
88 Photos of 43 Saylorsburg Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Wooded Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Round Valley State Park Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Saylorsburg, PA
1099 Reviews of 43 Saylorsburg 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!
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
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!
Guide to Saylorsburg
Tent camping near Saylorsburg provides diverse options across Pennsylvania and nearby New Jersey terrain. Situated within the Appalachian Mountain range at elevations between 400-1500 feet, the region experiences typical northeastern seasonal variations with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Campsites range from primitive backcountry locations to more developed facilities within a 30-mile radius of Saylorsburg.
What to do
Paddle on reservoirs: Round Valley State Park Campground offers excellent water activities on its 2,350-acre reservoir. "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, Beautiful views," notes one camper at this park, which requires either hiking 3-6 miles or boating in to reach the wilderness campsites.
Hike sections of the Appalachian Trail: The AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap provides direct trail access with exceptional views. A camper reports, "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. Previous campers have also been kind enough to build up a sizable stone fire ring and construct a stone chair for enjoying the fire and view."
Explore nearby towns: Mauch Chunk Lake Park serves as a convenient base for visiting Jim Thorpe, PA. As one visitor explains, "You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Jenny Jump State Forest offers spacious, secluded camping. "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," one camper notes.
Stone fire rings: Many primitive sites throughout the region feature well-constructed stone fire rings. At the AT Overlook site, campers appreciate that "Previous campers have also been kind enough to build up a sizable stone fire ring and construct a stone chair for enjoying the fire and view."
Water activities: The best tent camping near Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania often includes water access. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, campers can "get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm."
What you should know
Water availability varies significantly: Many backcountry sites require carrying water. At AT Overlook Campground, campers must "be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while on the ridge."
Bathroom facilities range widely: From primitive pit toilets to modern facilities. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."
Campsite terrain challenges: Some sites have uneven ground or obstacles. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters."
Seasonal changes affect experience: Summer weekends are busiest, while weekdays offer more solitude. "If you go during the week, it's quite calm," notes a Mauch Chunk Lake Park camper.
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity is common in some areas. At AT Overlook Campground, "there are several signs warning of high bear activity."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with amenities: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center provides excellent facilities for families. "The Group Campsite was really big. 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," reports one visitor.
Look for water recreation options: Many families prefer sites with swimming access. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming. The campsites were adequate size."
Consider noise levels on weekends: Popular campgrounds get louder Friday-Saturday. A camper at Mauch Chunk noted, "We visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers."
Verify pet policies: Rules vary significantly between campgrounds. While Jenny Jump State Forest allows pets for an additional $5 fee, Mauch Chunk Lake Park does not permit pets despite some online listings suggesting otherwise.
Tips from RVers
Limited hook-up options: Most tent-focused campgrounds offer minimal RV amenities. Jenny Jump State Forest does provide electric hookups and water hookups, though without sewer connections or dump stations.
Site access challenges: Many camping areas near Saylorsburg have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. While Jenny Jump State Forest accommodates RVs, it's not considered big-rig friendly according to campground information.
Consider cabin alternatives: For those seeking more comfort without bringing an RV, several campgrounds offer cabins. At Camp Mohican, visitors note "Cabins come in various sizes" providing alternatives to tent camping in the best camping areas near Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Saylorsburg, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Saylorsburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Saylorsburg, PA is Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Saylorsburg, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Saylorsburg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near Saylorsburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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