The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Shohola, PA

7 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Shohola, Pennsylvania include several primitive sites within driving distance. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania requires permits and offers drive-in access. Nearby in New York, Hickok Brook provides lakeside tent sites with limited capacity. According to recent visitors, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Hickok Brook is not suitable for RVs or large vehicles. Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in New Jersey serves hikers on the AT with walk-in tent sites.

Most dispersed sites in this region have minimal or no amenities. Water sources are scarce at many locations. At the Appalachian Trail site, campers report "no water nearby" and recommend "stocking up on water at Dunnfield Creek natural area or waiting until Sunfish Pond." Bear boxes are provided at some AT sites. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed in New York features a small parking area accommodating 4-6 vehicles and allows camping 150 feet from the trail. The standard Leave No Trace principles apply throughout these areas.

Permits are required for camping on New York State land, including at Hickok Brook. Contact the appropriate county ranger office before your trip. Fire regulations vary by location; fires are prohibited at some sites while permitted at others. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping offers spots "about 1.5 mile hike in from the trailhead" with "a lot of spots right by the river." These remote sites provide access to hiking trails and natural features while maintaining the primitive camping experience. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, particularly in mountainous areas, so appropriate preparation is essential.

Map showing campgrounds near Shohola, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Slumberland at the River's Edge

Slumberland at the River's Edge

4 min away

Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

28 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Shohola Contest

Enter to Win

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shohola, Pennsylvania (7)

Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Shohola Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Shohola, PA

10 Photos of 7 Shohola Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shohola, PA

7 Reviews of 7 Shohola 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.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    A place to sleep near the gunks

    This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night

  • 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.

  • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    Dispersed primitive camping

    Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).

Guide to Shohola

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shohola, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Shohola

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Thunder Swamp Trailhead, which offers access to scenic trails and beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness.
  • For those looking to relax by the water, the Hickok Brook provides a peaceful lakeside setting, perfect for fishing or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.
  • Birdwatching is a popular activity in the area, with diverse wildlife often spotted near the Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Hickok Brook

  • This location features a few spots that are accessible only by hiking in, ensuring a quiet and secluded experience away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Campers should be prepared to bring all necessary supplies, as there are no amenities available at Hickok Brook, making it essential to plan ahead.
  • The area is well-reviewed for its peaceful atmosphere, especially during busy weekends, providing a great escape for those looking to unwind.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Shohola, Pennsylvania

  • Always check for any required permits before heading to places like the Thunder Swamp Trailhead, as regulations can vary by location.
  • Be mindful of the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed.
  • Prepare for rough access roads when visiting spots like the Hickok Brook, as good clearance is necessary for vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shohola, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shohola, PA is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Shohola, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Shohola, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring