Best Dispersed Camping near Tannersville, PA

Dispersed camping options near Tannersville, Pennsylvania include several primitive sites within driving distance. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in nearby New Jersey provides free hike-in camping with bear boxes and hammock-friendly trees. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers drive-in access but requires permits. Hickok Brook in New York features lakeside tent sites accessible by foot. These locations serve backpackers seeking minimal amenities and natural surroundings.

Water access is limited at these sites. The Appalachian Trail campsite has no water source nearby; campers report needing to stock up at Dunnfield Creek Natural Area or hiking to Sunfish Pond. According to reviews, the terrain at the AT site is "small and sloped for tent camping but great for hammocks." Bear boxes are provided, and ground fires are prohibited. Prepare for self-sufficient camping with no facilities, toilets, or trash service.

Road conditions vary significantly between locations. Hickok Brook access requires high-clearance vehicles due to rough roads with large potholes. As one camper noted, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Thunder Swamp Trailhead permits drive-in access but has minimal parking. New York state land requires camping permits; contact the appropriate county ranger office before arrival. The Appalachian Trail site is unmarked but recognizable as the only obvious camping spot along that section of trail. Camping near Sunfish Pond is strictly prohibited.