Best Tent Camping near Sunbury, PA
Tent campers near Sunbury, Pennsylvania can explore several established campgrounds within a reasonable drive. Shikellamy State Park is closest to town but reviews indicate it does not actually offer camping despite being listed as a campground. Better options include Ravensburg State Park Campground, located near Jersey Shore, and Reeds Gap State Park Campground in Milroy, both offering tent-friendly sites with natural surroundings. Several primitive tent sites are also available in both Tiadaghton and Bald Eagle State Forests.
Most tent sites in the region feature raised tent pads to keep campers dry during wet weather. Ravensburg State Park offers first-come, first-served tent camping with water access points throughout the grounds but no electrical hookups. Toilet facilities are generally clean and well-maintained at established parks. A review mentioned that "there are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private" at Ravensburg. State forest sites typically have fewer amenities, with many lacking drinking water, proper toilets, or trash service. Campers should come prepared with sufficient water and supplies, especially when using the more remote roadside sites.
The tent camping experience in this region provides a true escape into nature. Reeds Gap State Park features a creek running through the campground and offers only tent camping, making it quieter than mixed-use facilities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here!" - highlighting the disconnected experience many seek. Several state forest camping areas provide secluded sites where visitors might go days seeing few if any other campers. Sites at Ravensburg State Park are noted for their stream-side locations, with some campers able to set up tents directly beside the water. During weekdays especially, many tent campgrounds remain nearly empty, providing excellent opportunities for solitude and wildlife observation.