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 Schnecksville, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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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.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Schnecksville (36)
1. 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
2. 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."
3. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap
"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
"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
"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)
"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
7. Riverview Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
8. Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground
9. AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground
10. Rolling Hills Retreats
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $160 - $380 / night
Drive Time
- 17 min from Allentown, PA
- 45 min from Reading, PA
- 54 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 3 min from Lebanon, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Schnecksville, PA
61 Photos of 36 Schnecksville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
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Tent Camping Reviews near Schnecksville, PA
1081 Reviews of 36 Schnecksville 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.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Big sites with lots of trees
We only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
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!
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
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campsite near Schnecksville, PA?
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.
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tent camping near
Schnecksville, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Schnecksville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Schnecksville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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