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Best Dispersed Camping near Scranton, PA

4 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Scranton, Pennsylvania centers on several primitive sites within the surrounding Delaware Water Gap and Pennsylvania state forest areas. Public land camping exists at locations like Thunder Swamp Trailhead and Bake Oven Knob, while the Appalachian Trail corridor provides additional backcountry camping options. These areas typically require permits for overnight stays, with most sites situated on rough forest service roads or accessible via hiking trails. The region features minimal development and few designated facilities, characteristic of true dispersed camping.

Most access roads leading to these primitive sites contain significant potholes and uneven terrain. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead consists of a shaded gravel parking area where overnight stays appear tolerated, though no formal amenities exist. High clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching many sites, particularly at Hickok Brook. No potable water sources exist at most locations, and campers must pack out all waste. Several sites prohibit campfires, particularly along the Appalachian Trail. One camper noted that "it's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me" regarding Thunder Swamp Trailhead.

The dispersed camping experience near Scranton provides access to extensive hiking networks, particularly around the Appalachian Trail system. Proximity to natural features like Sunfish Pond and Blue Mountain ridge creates opportunities for day hikes from camp. Reviews indicate these areas remain relatively uncrowded outside peak weekends. According to feedback on The Dyrt, the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 offers "plenty of space" with "secluded spots" and "bear boxes provided." Many locations lack cell service and campers must be self-sufficient. Hickok Brook provides lakeside tent sites, though one visitor cautioned it has "only 3 spots" and campers "need a permit on NY state land." Those seeking vehicle-accessible dispersed camping should note that Bake Oven Knob lots have been used for overnight van camping with "no problems."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Scranton, Pennsylvania (5)

    1. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    35 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."

    2. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    41 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!"

    3. 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."

    4. Bake Oven Knob

    1 Review
    Andreas, PA
    46 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. Appalachian Trail Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Palmerton, PA
    43 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Scranton, PA

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Scranton, PA

4 Reviews of 5 Scranton 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 Scranton

Dispersed camping options near Scranton, Pennsylvania range from remote forest service sites to primitive Appalachian Trail campsites. Most locations sit at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet along the Blue Mountain ridge, creating varied seasonal conditions. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer nights typically in the 50s-60s°F range.

What to do

Hike to scenic overlooks: From Bake Oven Knob parking area, follow a short but rocky trail to exceptional views along the Blue Mountain ridge. "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," notes one visitor to Bake Oven Knob.

Hammock camping options: Many AT camping areas provide excellent trees for hammock setups rather than traditional tent sites. A camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 notes "Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn't) but it was fine."

Explore marsh ecosystems: Several trails from Thunder Swamp Trailhead lead to unique wetland environments. According to one camper, they "Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh" during their stay, providing opportunities for wildlife observation.

What campers like

Bear-safe storage availability: Several AT camping areas provide critical bear boxes for food storage. "We'll maintained w bear boxes provided," reports a camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, addressing a key safety consideration for overnight stays.

Lakeside camping spots: Though limited in number, Hickok Brook offers waterfront camping opportunities. As one camper describes, "Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

Overnight vehicle camping tolerance: For those seeking free camping near Scranton, Pennsylvania without hauling gear on foot, some parking areas permit overnight stays. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, one camper reports "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking."

What you should know

Limited water sources: Many dispersed sites require planning for water needs. Regarding AT Campsite 2, a camper advises "No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip)."

Permit requirements: Free primitive camping near Scranton often requires permits depending on jurisdiction. At Hickok Brook, a camper learned this firsthand: "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger...Need a permit on NY state land."

Road condition challenges: Access to some sites requires appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Hickok Brook cautions: "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping."

Tips for camping with families

Space considerations: Some sites offer better group options than others. At Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, a visitor found "Perfect balance of community and space" and "We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."

Seasonal insect preparation: Waterside camping areas experience higher insect activity, particularly in summer months. One Hickok Brook visitor described the area as "Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites."

Limited site availability: Plan to arrive early at small primitive sites, especially on weekends. A Hickok Brook camper notes "There are only 3 spots where we are" and wondered about Labor Day weekend when people might "try to cram in to the very limited camping area."

Tips from RVers

High-clearance vehicle requirements: Standard RVs cannot access most dispersed camping areas near Scranton. A visitor to Hickok Brook learned this firsthand: "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup...Very gorgeous but not rv friendly."

Van camping opportunities: Smaller camper vans may find suitable overnight parking at certain trailheads. One frequent visitor to Bake Oven Knob reports: "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems...There are two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent."

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities should I expect when boondocking near Scranton?

When boondocking near Scranton, expect minimal to no amenities. At Hickok Brook, you'll find very primitive conditions with no facilities - bring everything you need including water. The road access can be challenging with large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles. Similarly, at Thunder Swamp Trailhead, you're essentially staying in a gravel parking lot with shade but no services. Most dispersed sites have no restrooms, running water, trash collection, or electrical hookups. Cell service is spotty at best. Prepare to be fully self-sufficient with your own water, waste management system, and power source.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Scranton?

Dispersed camping around Scranton follows typical northeastern woodland regulations. Most sites require staying on designated areas only, like at Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 where camping is restricted to maintained spots. Bear safety is mandatory, with bear boxes provided at some sites. Many areas prohibit motorized vehicles beyond certain points, requiring hikers to pack in all supplies. Check with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or Pennsylvania State Forests for specific regulations, as rules may include fire restrictions, maximum stay limits (typically 14 days), and proper waste disposal requirements. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find free camping spots near Scranton, PA?

Free camping near Scranton can be found at several locations within a reasonable drive. Bake Oven Knob offers overnight parking for vans and vehicles with easy access to the Appalachian Trail and scenic views from the Blue Mountain ridge. This spot doubles as both an AT section and day hiking area. For those willing to drive a bit further, the Delaware Water Gap area offers several free dispersed camping options along the Appalachian Trail. Most free sites are primitive with no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need. Check the Pennsylvania State Forest website or local ranger stations for current regulations and to confirm these areas remain open for dispersed camping.

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