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 Tatamy, PA
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Several tent campgrounds offer primitive camping options around Tatamy, Pennsylvania, with the Appalachian Trail providing numerous backcountry tent sites within a short drive. The Lehigh Gap area features several hike-in tent sites along the AT, including the highly-rated AT Overlook Campground which provides panoramic valley views. Round Valley State Park Campground, approximately 30 miles east in Lebanon, New Jersey, offers boat-in and hike-in tent camping from April through October along its reservoir shoreline.
Tent sites in the region typically feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Most AT campsites provide stone fire rings but no drinking water, requiring hikers to pack in their supplies or filter from nearby springs when available. Sites around Lehigh Gap are generally situated on flat, sometimes rocky terrain with space for multiple tents. Several locations like George W. Outerbridge Shelter offer both tent spaces and three-sided shelters for hikers. At Round Valley, primitive tent sites include picnic tables and fire rings, but the 3-5 mile hike to reach campsites requires careful planning. A camper reported, "The hike in was a tough one with a couple of steep hills and rocky sections, but once we reached the campsite it was absolute perfection."
The backcountry tent camping experience varies significantly across locations. Sites on mountain ridges like the AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap provide tent spaces surrounded by fields of ferns with views from both sides of the ridge. One visitor noted these ridge sites are "a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth." Waterfront tent sites at Round Valley offer serene camping with crystal-clear water views, though swimming is technically prohibited. Many tent campers praise the solitude, especially at midweek when sites are less crowded. Tent-specific campsites throughout the region typically require visitors to follow carry-in, carry-out practices for all waste and supplies.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Tatamy (40)
1. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"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."
2. 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."
3. 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
4. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap
"You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky."
5. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter
"A single-level open-sided AT shelter near the Lehigh Gap trailhead. The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers."
6. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap
"This site is really 2 separate sites that are a short ways apart along the trail. They are both excellent spots to set up a tent if you plan on camping up on the ridge."
7. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap
"The only downside was my sleeping pad sprung a leak, so it wasn't the best night's sleep. But the site itself was great and I would camp there again."
"A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area."
8. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)
"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
9. 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
10. 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
Drive Time
- 20 min from Allentown, PA
- 52 min from Scranton, PA
- 59 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 12 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tatamy, PA
75 Photos of 40 Tatamy Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Wooded Campground
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Round Valley State Park Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Tent Camping Reviews near Tatamy, PA
1110 Reviews of 40 Tatamy 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.
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
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!
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon 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!
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
Sue B.RangerDelaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Great off season camping
We camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
Guide to Tatamy
Primitive camping options surround the Tatamy, Pennsylvania area with numerous trails and access points along the Appalachian Trail. The region features elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet with weather patterns that make spring and fall ideal for tent camping near Tatamy. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Set up base camp at AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap and explore the ridge trail. The campsite offers panoramic valley views that can't be beat. A camper noted, "You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky."
Wildlife watching: The ridge areas near Lehigh Gap feature diverse wildlife including wild turkey and bears. "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity," shared one tent camper at AT Overlook.
Water activities: Visit Round Valley State Park Campground for water sports on the 2,350-acre reservoir. "The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment—be careful," warns one visitor. The reservoir is 180 feet deep in the middle and offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for trout.
What campers like
Privacy and solitude: Tent camping near Tatamy provides genuine wilderness experiences. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "the space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," reported one camper.
Ridge camping experiences: The ridge areas offer unique tent camping environments. At AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap, campers enjoy "a magical field of ferns and you can get views of both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail."
Crystal clear water: The region's waterways provide exceptional clarity. At Round Valley, a camper mentioned, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
What you should know
Water access challenges: Many primitive sites require planning for water. At AT Ridge Campground, there's no water available, so hikers must carry in all supplies. Similarly, at AT Overlook, "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Hike-in difficulty levels: Some campsites require significant effort to reach. At Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite, the site is "a little removed from the trail so make sure to keep an eye out for it." For Round Valley, a visitor warned, "The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max."
Weather considerations: The ridgeline tent camping areas can experience significant wind and temperature fluctuations. One camper at Jenny Jump noted the campground is "high up on a mountain and affords lovely views," but also mentioned "the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Campsite selection timing: Many primitive sites fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Wooded Campground shared, "My husband and I got a late start coming down from Brooklyn to the DWG, and realized we'd need a place to stay. We found this site of HipCamp and it was a God send!"
Tips for camping with families
Site selection importance: Choose more accessible sites when tent camping near Tatamy with children. At Wooded Campground, "There's open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn't have been more accommodating. Mel brought firewood for the campfire and helped us load up on water."
Consider shelter alternatives: Jenny Jump State Forest offers shelters that work well for families. One visitor described them as "a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch."
Trail proximity: Sites with direct trail access simplify family activities. At Jenny Jump, a camper appreciated that they "allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground."
Water access planning: For families camping at water sites, prepare for boat or hike access. At Round Valley, a camper noted, "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: True tent camping near Tatamy dominates, with few developed RV sites. At Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms, options exist for both tent and small RVs, though most sites are primitive.
Transition from RV to tent: Some RVers enjoy hybrid experiences in the region. One camper shared, "We are avid campers ranging from our early days of remote, rustic tent camping with just the two of us and 20 years later upgraded to our travel trailer that houses our two kids and two dogs."
Access road conditions: Many campgrounds have rough access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. A Camp Starry Night visitor noted they "drove by a few times because I didn't see the small Tentrr sign on the mailbox post," highlighting the difficulty finding some sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Tatamy, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tatamy, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tatamy, PA is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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tent camping near
Tatamy, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Tatamy, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Tatamy, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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