Best Dispersed Camping near Stroudsburg, PA

Dispersed camping near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania concentrates along the Appalachian Trail corridor and in nearby state forest lands. The area features several primitive sites including Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 across the Delaware River in New Jersey, Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, and Bake Oven Knob further southwest. These primitive sites require no reservations but follow strict regulations. Camping in Worthington State Forest is limited to designated sites only, with signs indicating permitted camping areas.

Access routes to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality and maintenance. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides a gravel parking lot suitable for overnight stays in vehicles, though no amenities exist. Roads to sites like Hickok Brook feature large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed camping locations prohibit ground fires, and water availability is extremely limited. Campers must pack in all water or plan collection points carefully. Bear boxes are provided at some Appalachian Trail sites, but most areas require self-sufficient camping practices with no services.

The region attracts both day hikers and through-hikers seeking backcountry experiences. A camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 noted, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." Overnight parking at trailheads serves as a convenient option for van campers, with one visitor to Thunder Swamp Trailhead describing it as "a gravel parking lot, plenty of shade, no one bothered me." Some locations like Bake Oven Knob combine roadside parking with short hiking access to tent sites and scenic overlooks. Permits may be required for camping on New York state land near Hickok Brook, which features lakeside tent sites but very limited camping space.