Best Dispersed Camping near Spring Brook, PA

The Pocono Mountains region surrounding Spring Brook, Pennsylvania features primarily dispersed camping options with limited developed facilities. Nearby Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers drive-in access for primitive camping, requiring permits for overnight stays. Within reasonable driving distance, backpackers can access the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in neighboring New Jersey, which provides basic accommodations for hikers traversing this section of the famous long-distance trail. The camping landscape consists mainly of forested sites with minimal amenities, catering to those seeking more remote outdoor experiences.

Access to camping areas near Spring Brook varies significantly by location and season. Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides vehicle access, though roads in the region can be challenging, especially after rain or snow. As one camper noted about similar sites in the area, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Water availability presents a consistent challenge throughout the region. Campers at the Appalachian Trail site report "no water nearby," recommending visitors "stock up on water at Dunnfield Creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish Pond." Permits are required for many camping locations, with regulations enforced by local rangers and forest service personnel.

Campers frequently mention the natural beauty and solitude as primary attractions when staying near Spring Brook. Sites tend to be limited in number but offer good spacing for privacy. According to visitor reports, the Appalachian Trail campsite provides "plenty of space" with options to camp "nearer to others" or in "secluded spots." Bear boxes are available at some locations, indicating the presence of wildlife in the area. Hammock camping is popular due to the abundance of trees and sometimes sloped terrain that makes tent placement challenging. Most sites maintain strict fire regulations, with some areas prohibiting ground fires entirely. Cell service is unreliable throughout much of the region, requiring advance planning for safety and navigation.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Spring Brook, Pennsylvania (5)

    1. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    29 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
    33 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
    40 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
    39 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"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Spring Brook, PA

7 Photos of 5 Spring Brook Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Spring Brook, PA

4 Reviews of 5 Spring Brook 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 Spring Brook

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Spring Brook, Pennsylvania, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors while exploring the region's stunning landscapes.

Dispersed campers should check out Rest Area I-84

  • This location offers a safe and clean environment for solo travelers, making it a great choice for those looking for a peaceful overnight stay. Check it out at Rest Area I-84.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Spring Brook, Pennsylvania

Enjoy hiking while free camping near Spring Brook

  • The Thunder Swamp Trailhead is perfect for those who want to combine hiking with their camping experience, offering access to beautiful trails in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Spring Brook, PA?

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Spring Brook, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.