Best Tent Camping near Union Dale, PA
Public lands surrounding Union Dale, Pennsylvania offer several tent camping options within a short drive of town. Oh! Pear Orchards provides five walk-in tent sites situated along a peaceful stream, with well-maintained fire pits and partial shade. Second District Brew Farm, located southeast of Union Dale, features 15 walk-in tent sites with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, Pinchot State Forest's Manny Gordon Recreation Area offers basic tent sites with previously stocked firewood from other campers.
Most tent campsites in the Union Dale region feature natural surfaces with minimal site preparation. Oh! Pear Orchards provides carts to transport gear to their walk-in tent sites, with hosts offering optional valet service for equipment. Sites may be set on dirt, gravel, or forest duff with basic amenities like fire rings, but limited services otherwise. Campers should be prepared for insects, particularly ticks, which are prevalent in the area. Firewood is available at several campgrounds, though availability varies seasonally. Cell service can be unreliable at more remote tent camping locations, and winter access may be restricted due to unmaintained roads.
In early fall, many tent sites offer more solitude and fewer crowds than during peak summer months. One camper described Oh! Pear Orchards as having "the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool" with "campsites next to a beautiful stream." The spacious sites allow tent campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. Tent campers at Manny Gordon Recreation Area noted "plenty of space" at the sites, making them suitable for groups. The proximity to state parks provides additional recreational opportunities, with Merli-Sarnoski Park and Lackawanna State Park within a half-hour drive offering hiking trails and fishing. For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides more remote options within a reasonable drive from Union Dale.