Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Tent Camping near Tobyhanna, PA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent camping near Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania includes several primitive and established sites within state forests and recreation areas. Manny Gordon Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest offers tent sites with fires allowed and picnic tables, while the Appalachian National Scenic Trail provides more remote options like Kirkrige Shelter on Kittatinny Mountain. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 30 miles east of Tobyhanna, features multiple tent camping options including boat-in sites along the Delaware River.
Most tent sites in the region require campers to pack in their own water or filter from nearby streams, as drinking water is limited at primitive locations. Fire rings are common at established sites, though fire bans may be implemented during dry periods. The Appalachian Trail shelters and campsites typically feature primitive toilets but lack other amenities. Sites at Manny Gordon Recreation Area include picnic tables and designated fire rings, while more remote locations may have only basic stone fire rings. One camper noted that "the sites are maintained by the NPS and are in excellent shape" when describing island camping at Delaware Water Gap.
Tent campers in the Tobyhanna region experience varying levels of seclusion depending on location choice. Areas within Delaware Water Gap provide exceptional privacy, especially at boat-in sites like Namanock Island where, according to a reviewer, "you totally feel that your party is alone out on the river." Walk-in sites along the Appalachian Trail offer a true backcountry experience with access to extensive hiking networks. Most primitive tent sites feature natural forest cover providing shade during summer months. Wildlife sightings are common, with bears active throughout the region, particularly in Stokes State Forest where campers report seeing them on trails. Seasonal considerations include higher usage during summer weekends and fall foliage season, when securing first-come, first-served sites requires earlier arrival.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Tobyhanna (43)
1. 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
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 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
4. 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
5. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
6. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
"Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone."
"Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
7. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
8. Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"They are a first come, first camped, set up, but I have not once in 6 years, (multiple trips per year), ever found anyone in the site ahead of me."
9. 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
10. 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
Drive Time
- 20 min from Scranton, PA
- 53 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 20 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 32 min from Reading, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tobyhanna, PA
70 Photos of 43 Tobyhanna 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
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Wooded Campground
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Tobyhanna, PA
1159 Reviews of 43 Tobyhanna Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
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!
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!
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- 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.
Daniel C.ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Guide to Tobyhanna
Dispersed camping opportunities near Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania extend beyond traditional state forests, with several primitive and basic tent campsites within an hour's drive. The region sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation in the Pocono Mountains, creating cooler overnight temperatures even in summer months. Most primitive sites require self-sufficiency with water and waste management.
What to do
Paddle boarding on clean waters: At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, campers can launch directly from lakeside sites. "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," notes Lisa S., who appreciates the calm weekday waters.
Island exploration and wildlife viewing: River camping allows unique wildlife encounters. "I saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas," reports Sean M. from his solo paddling trip to Namanock Island.
Nearby waterfall hikes: Multiple waterfalls exist within short hiking distance of river campsites. "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here," advises John B.
What campers like
Night sky viewing without light pollution: River island camping provides exceptional star-gazing. "The island is situated in a way that once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river... no lights means an incredible view of the night sky," explains John B. about camping at Namanock Island.
Spacious, secluded sites: Walter's Boat In Campsites offers multiple camping levels. "There are two different levels to the campsite, which is nice for boaters. We were able to leave the boats on the lower level and camped on the upper level," notes a camper about the Eagle Scout project site.
Multi-activity options: Proximity to outdoor adventure centers creates versatile trip planning. "Stayed here for Riverfest and it was great. Bands throughout the night with beer and food. Nice showers," says Emma T. about Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center, where camping combines with nearby rafting.
What you should know
Tick precautions required: At primitive tent campsites near Tobyhanna, ticks present a persistent challenge. "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," warns Gavin S. about Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground.
Fire availability varies seasonally: Fire rings at established sites may not always be usable. "The fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived," reports one camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Prepare for basic amenities at best. "This is a primitive campsite. There is a fire ring suitable for cooking on as well as allowing you a small fire. You will also have access to a privy style toilet a short distance in the woods behind your site," explains a Walter's River Campsite review.
Tips for camping with families
Consider group-friendly sites: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate larger family groups. "The Group Campsite was really big. 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," notes Shawn B. about Camp Mohican Outdoor Center.
Check noise levels for family comfort: Campgrounds vary significantly in quietness. "The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers. It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," warns a reviewer about weekend stays at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Select sites based on terrain: Tent site conditions vary widely across the region. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," explains Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Check site accessibility carefully: Many campsites near Tobyhanna have challenging terrain for larger vehicles. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," notes Amber M. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, highlighting terrain challenges that also affect RV leveling.
Plan for limited hookup options: Most campgrounds offer partial hookups at best. "Pets are allowed with electric hookups, fifty-amp hookups, thirty-amp hookups, and water hookups available at select sites," indicates information from Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground.
Consider weekday scheduling: Weekend crowding affects RV site availability and quality. "If you go during the week, it's quite calm," advises Lisa S. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, noting the difference between weekday and weekend camping experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Tobyhanna, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tobyhanna, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tobyhanna, PA is Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Tobyhanna, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Tobyhanna, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near Tobyhanna, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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