R
Russell A.
Scout
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Tent Camping near Tannersville, PA
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites near Tannersville, Pennsylvania primarily cluster within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with additional options at Jenny Jump State Forest and Pinchot State Forest. Kirkridge Shelter on Kittatinny Mountain offers primitive tent camping along the Appalachian Trail just off Bangor Mountain Road, while Camp Mohican Outdoor Center provides established tent sites with platforms approximately 10 miles from the Delaware Water Gap. Most tent locations in this region require advance planning as many are designated sites rather than dispersed camping areas.
The terrain at most tent camping areas varies considerably, with sites typically featuring dirt or gravel surfaces and moderate tree cover. Many locations within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, such as Walter's River Campsites and Bushkill Creek Campsite, are only accessible by boat, requiring canoes or kayaks for access. Tent campers should note that facilities are generally minimal, with most sites offering fire rings but limited or no potable water. Vault toilets are available at some locations, while others require pack-it-in, pack-it-out practices. Seasonal restrictions apply in certain areas, with Jenny Jump State Forest operating primarily from April through October.
Tent camping experiences near Tannersville often provide excellent access to hiking trails, particularly for those seeking connections to the Appalachian Trail which crosses through several campgrounds in the region. The Kirkridge Shelter area features multiple tent sites with established fire rings and spectacular mountain views. According to one visitor, "This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire." Boat-in tent sites along the Delaware River offer peaceful riverside camping with good swimming access in some areas, though tent campers should be prepared for rocky and occasionally steep terrain when moving between the water and campsite locations.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Tannersville (42)
1. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
2. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $75 / night
3. Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
4. Wooded Campground
"Perfect land for an overnight before hitting the trail. There’s open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn’t have been more accommodating."
Check Availabilityfrom $59 - $60 / night
5. Mohican Walk-In Campsites
"The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $40 / night
6. Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
"This location was about an hour and a half away from our home so it was far enough to feel like we were getting away but close enough that we could be home quickly in case of an emergency since we decided"
from $125 / night
7. Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side. "
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
8. Rivers Bend Group Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding. To your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large “U” bend of the Delaware river."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $100 / night
9. Alosa Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"Primitive site for multi day river trips. There’s usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $16 / night
10. Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest
"Very open, plenty of space. most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. lots of ticks tho so get your spray"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 31 min from Scranton, PA
- 41 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 20 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 28 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tannersville, PA
87 Photos of 42 Tannersville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Wooded Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Tannersville, PA
1128 Reviews of 42 Tannersville Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
- Thomas B.Ranger
Tohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Kathy L.RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
Guide to Tannersville
Tent camping near Tannersville, Pennsylvania offers access to a mix of mountainous terrain within the Pocono region, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most tent sites in this region sit on rocky soil with mixed hardwood forest cover, requiring campers to bring appropriate tent stakes and ground pads.
What to do
Hiking the AT sections: Access portions of the Appalachian Trail directly from Camp Mohican Outdoor Center in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. As one camper noted, "The AT runs right through the camp. I love this place!" This location provides direct trail access without needing to drive to a separate trailhead.
Paddling and fishing: The Delaware River offers multiple kayaking routes near boat-in campsites. At Bushkill Creek Boat In Campsite, one visitor shared: "The only site on the PA side of the at the start of the S-bend in Zone 4 - great to have no neighbors, though we could hear some noise across the water from the 6 Peters sites on the other side." Local anglers frequently visit river campsites, especially in early morning and evening hours.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural Pocono setting provides good night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. At Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms, a camper described: "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos." The site offers unobstructed views facing away from developed areas.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Jenny Jump State Forest provides private tent camping spots with natural buffers. A camper reported: "It's so peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely. The last time we were there we were at site 28 which was nice and secluded." Most sites have enough space between them that campers don't see their neighbors through the trees.
Group camping options: Larger parties can reserve dedicated group areas at Rivers Bend Group Campground which includes specific amenities for larger gatherings. According to one visitor: "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally located and a pump well that did not work." The site can accommodate multiple tents with open layouts.
Mountain views: Many campsites in the region sit at higher elevations providing scenic vistas. One tent camper at Jenny Jump State Forest mentioned: "This campground is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean." Sites on the western edges typically provide the best sunset views over the valley.
What you should know
Proximity to highways: Some campgrounds in the region have ambient road noise despite feeling remote. A Jenny Jump State Forest camper noted: "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night." Sites deeper in the forest generally have less noise impact than those near the boundaries.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Many tent camping locations offer minimal amenities. For boat-in sites like Bushkill Creek Campsite, expect no toilets or potable water. One camper reported: "No privy that we found, but a good fire ring and plenty of space for tents. The path up to the campsite from the river gets a little steep, but not bad."
Weather considerations: The Pocono Mountain region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. Temperatures at Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground in Pinchot State Forest can drop significantly at night, even in summer. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.
Tips for camping with families
Supply access limitations: Many camping areas near Tannersville have limited access to stores for forgotten items. One camper at Jenny Jump State Forest shared: "The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials, although the main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!"
Swimming spots: When tent camping with children, look for sites with water access. At Bushkill Creek Campsite, a visitor noted: "One downside - all the water directly off the campsite is pretty rocky and shallow, so not great for swimming." Better swimming spots can be found at designated beach areas within Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area.
Tick prevention: The wooded areas around tent sites require diligent tick checks. A camper at Manny Gordon Recreation Area mentioned: "Very open, plenty of space. Most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient. Lots of ticks though so get your spray." Light-colored clothing makes tick spotting easier during daily checks.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Tannersville that allow RVs offer primitive camping without utilities. At Wooded Campground, spaces accommodate smaller RVs but with minimal services. The terrain often requires leveling blocks on the uneven ground.
Alternative shelters: For those seeking an option between tent and RV camping, several locations offer cabin alternatives. A visitor to Camp Mohican Outdoor Center explained: "We hosted group camping trips here for years. Excellent spot! The lodge has bathrooms and a small store. Tent sites are either on the ground have wooden platforms. Cabins come in various sizes."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Tannersville, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tannersville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tannersville, PA is Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Tannersville, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Tannersville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near Tannersville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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