Tent Camping near Schnecksville, PA

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    Tent camping options near Schnecksville, Pennsylvania include several primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail and established campgrounds within a short drive. Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe offers tent sites with amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, while Lehigh Gap features multiple primitive tent camping areas along the AT corridor, including the AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap.

    Most primitive tent sites in the Lehigh Gap area require hikers to pack in their own water, as drinking water is not available at most locations. Fire rings are common at established sites, though campers should verify current fire regulations before their trip. The AT Overlook Campground provides a flat, dry area for tent setup with stone fire rings constructed by previous visitors. Tent campers at Mauch Chunk Lake Park have access to more amenities including drinking water, showers, and reservable sites, though one visitor noted the campground can become "the LOUDEST campground I have ever been to" during peak summer weekends.

    The AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap offers a particularly scenic tent camping experience surrounded by fern fields with views from both sides of the ridge. Sites are typically flat with adequate space for multiple tents and established stone fire rings. According to one camper, "Sitting up on the mountain in this area is a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth." Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions and potential wildlife encounters, as several areas post warnings about high bear activity. The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides an alternative to tent camping with a raised covered platform, though nearby tent sites are limited due to uneven terrain.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Schnecksville (37)

      1. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

      4.0(10)16mi from SchnecksvilleTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 / night

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      2. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap

      4.5(2)8mi from SchnecksvilleTents

      "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."

      3. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap

      4.0(2)8mi from SchnecksvilleTents

      "The only downside was my sleeping pad sprung a leak, so it wasn't the best night's sleep. But the site itself was great and I would camp there again."

      "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area."

      4. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter

      5.0(1)8mi from SchnecksvilleTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      5. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap

      5.0(1)8mi from SchnecksvilleTents

      "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."

      6. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)

      4.0(1)8mi from SchnecksvilleTents

      "This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."

      7. Riverview Park Campground

      4.0(1)9mi from SchnecksvilleTents

      "The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit. They also have a bathroom facility up alongside the road."

      from $15 - $30 / night

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      8. Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground

      3.0(1)8mi from SchnecksvilleTents

      9. AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground

      3.0(1)8mi from SchnecksvilleTents

      10. Rolling Hills Retreats

      5.0(1)18mi from Schnecksville1 siteTents, Glamping

      "Her boyfriend and I wanted to plan an outdoor camping trip but we’re completely over having no privacy, worrying about my reactive dog, feeling like we had to follow ridiculous rules when going camping"

      from $160 - $380 / night

      Check Availability

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Schnecksville, PA

    1045 Reviews of 37 Schnecksville Campgrounds


    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 24, 2025

      Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

      History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

      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. 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. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

      Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

      Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

      Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 1, 2026

      Quakerwoods Campground

      Quaint Country Camping in Classic Bucks County

      Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.

      HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.

      LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.

      Happy Camping!

    • Ra F.
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

      OK, but camping gets a low rating.

      The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. I bike toured there. The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics. There was also a fair amount of road noise at night. Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road.

    • Doug W.
      Jul. 31, 2019

      Valley View Group Campground

      Beautiful River Site

      This is a great campsite right on the river. There are 5 different sites all nicely marked out. Each has its own fire ring. There is also a central area with a big fire ring for everyone to get together. Bear boxes at each site for food storage.

    • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 19, 2020

      Locust Lake State Park Campground

      Serenity on the lakes

      Pretty campground with lots of lake views. We arrived just before dark which was good because the sites were not level front to back. Most sites had a slope but there were some level sites. You can kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish on the lake. There are 2 boat launches. The store wasn’t much to speak of. Bath houses were clean. We walked around the lake on a paved level path. They advertise no alcohol. This is near the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine tour which we loved. It’s near the Yingling Brewery tour.

    • B
      Jul. 29, 2018

      Tohickon Valley County Park

      One stop shop for adventure!

      This place is amazing! everything you could want, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals. They also have a pool and playground. some of my favorite parts of this park are a good 100’ rack wall perfect for climbing, great fishing, trails for miles that even connects to the AT, and when scheduled they open the dam up stream for som world class whitewater rafting.

      As for some things that aren’t listed. this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park, however that all depends on how open you are about it and the Park rangers. Cell phone service is limited last time I was up there in 2012 only people with Verizon Wireless had any reception. Also there is no WiFi. No hookups or camp store.

    • Napunani
      Jun. 25, 2022

      French Creek State Park Campground

      Campsites Jammed Closely Together

      PROS 

      Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

      $13.50 senior discount 

      Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

      Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

      Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

      One hook lantern pole 

      Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

      Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

      Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

      Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

      CONS

      $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

      Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

      Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

      Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

      Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

      Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

      Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

      Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

      Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

      Lots of barking dogs 

      No wood sales in park 

      No WiFi 

      1 bar Verizon

    • Dwight D.
      Sep. 26, 2021

      Jenny Jump State Forest

      Cute Comfortable Shelter

      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"; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!

      There are eight shelters at Jenny Jump State Park. Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk? The dead end means there isn't too much traffic, though the road is right there so you can wave to the other campers heading to the restroom or for hikes. There is a trail head at one of the parking lots. During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road. We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us! Otherwise, this shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private.

      We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies. There was a picnic table and benches inside. We brought camping chairs for relaxing on the porch. We spent most of our time on the porch; cooking, chatting, and crafting while enjoying the sunshine and breeze.

      Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not.

    • D
      Jul. 5, 2020

      Tobyhanna State Park Campground

      Good campground for families.

      My dog and I stayed for 2 nights in the rustic tenting area. We were the only campers Wednesday & Thursday. The family camp area features spaces (small areas for either RV campers or tents and cars) with a picnic table and fire ring and water (some have electricity). They also have shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers. However, they seemed a little too cramped fir me and I wasn’t looking for opportunities to socialize, so the remote tent site was my choice. The tent sites do not have water or electric, but do have picnic tables, a fire ring and share one large outhouse with clean pit toilets. There are 5 sites and they can accommodate (shared) multiple tent set ups. Also you need to park your vehicle in a designated lot which is very close to the sites. There are multiple easy hiking and biking trails that are well marked. A lake for fishing and a small sandy beach with a picnic area for families (unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the beach). There are 2 boat launch areas (one for the campers, and another for gen. public) which also has a boat rental business (dogs are allowed). There are black bears in the park so do not leave food out and dispose of all trash in the appropriate dumpsters.


    Guide to Schnecksville

    Tent campsites near Schnecksville, Pennsylvania are nestled within the Blue Mountain ridgeline, which forms part of the eastern section of the Appalachian Mountains. This area sits at elevations ranging from 400 feet in the valleys to over 1,600 feet along the ridgeline. Camping options include waterfront sites at Mauch Chunk Lake where summer temperatures average 80-85°F, and more remote sites along the Appalachian Trail where temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months.

    What to do

    Paddle boarding on Mauch Chunk Lake: Launch directly from lakeside campsites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park where the water is exceptionally clear. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. 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," notes Lisa S.

    Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access multiple sections of the AT from AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap, a primitive camping area surrounded by fern fields. The trailhead at Blue Mountain Road provides parking for day-hikers and backpackers. "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," reports Asher K.

    River camping and cycling: Book a tent site at Riverview Park Campground for direct access to both the Lehigh River and the D&L biking trail built on an old railroad bed. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits at $10 additional fee for unplanned stays. "This is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night," shares Asher K.

    What campers like

    Quiet weekday camping: Many campers recommend mid-week visits to Mauch Chunk Lake Park for a more peaceful experience. "If you go during the week, it's quite calm," notes one camper, contrasting with weekend experiences when the campground fills up.

    Protected ridge views: The AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap offers strategic positioning for both sunrise and sunset views from your tent. "By far the best campsite option on this section of the AT! 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," recommends Asher K.

    Group camping facilities: The pine forest at AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap creates a comfortable environment for larger parties. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area. This site sits a little ways back from the trail but is a nice quiet and secluded spot," according to Asher K.

    What you should know

    Wildlife encounters: Bear activity warnings are posted throughout the Lehigh Gap area. "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity," reports one camper at the AT Overlook Campground.

    Water availability: Most primitive camping along the AT requires bringing your own water. "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," advises one hiker. Springs near shelters may provide water but require filtration.

    Ground conditions: Rain can significantly impact tent camping comfort at primitive sites. The Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground can become particularly wet after rainfall. "When I was here it had recently rained and the site was overall pretty boggy. The ground was relatively soft but without a good ground tarp, you might get a little wet," notes Asher K.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly options: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers excellent amenities for first-time campers. "I believe it is a great spot to go with people who haven't camped much before. It has flat tent spaces, generally clean bathrooms, and access to tons of things to do on the campground and nearby," recommends Mackenzie B.

    Family activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation. "GREAT first trip! The campgrounds were nice and there was a lot to do. Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals," shares Danny M. about his camping experience.

    Noise considerations: Weekend camping at established campgrounds can be louder than expected. Pack earplugs for light sleepers, especially during summer peak season. One camper noted Mauch Chunk can get very busy: "It's a busy place, a lot of weekenders with excited kiddos."

    Tips from RVers

    Limited RV options: Traditional RV sites near Schnecksville are limited mainly to Mauch Chunk Lake Park, which offers electric hookups and water connections. Most AT camping sites are tent-only with hike-in access.

    Surface considerations: Even at established campgrounds, be prepared for natural terrain. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M., which applies equally to RV campers setting up outdoor living spaces.

    Size restrictions: Large RVs face challenges at most area campgrounds. Mauch Chunk Lake Park is not big-rig friendly according to campground features, making it better suited for smaller Class B or C motorhomes and pop-up campers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Schnecksville, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Schnecksville, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Schnecksville, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Schnecksville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.