Best Tent Camping near Scranton, PA
Tent campers visiting Scranton, Pennsylvania can find diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius, including established campgrounds in state forests and primitive sites along waterways. The Manny Gordon Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest offers tent-specific sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while more remote options like Oh! Pear Orchards provides walk-in tent camping with access to natural areas just north of the city.
Most tent campgrounds near Scranton feature basic amenities tailored to tent campers, with varying levels of services. Campsites at Pinchot State Forest include toilets and electrical hookups, while primitive tent setups at areas like Namanock Island in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area require complete self-sufficiency. Tent sites are typically situated on natural terrain with minimal grading, and many require campers to bring their own water or filter from nearby sources. During summer months, backcountry tent camping areas can fill quickly, particularly at riverside locations where sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Areas farther from Scranton provide deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quieter experiences. The Delaware Water Gap region offers multiple primitive tent camping options accessible by water or hiking trails. Tent sites on Namanock Island provide a unique camping experience with complete isolation from road access and development. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "camping on an island is such a treat. You totally feel that your party is alone out on the river, the entire world is yours and yours alone." Many tent campers use these sites as bases for multi-day hiking trips or paddling excursions, with opportunities to explore nearby trails and waterways. Sites in the Lehigh Gap area provide access to the Appalachian Trail and offer ridge-top views from backcountry tent sites.