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 Union Dale, PA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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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.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Union Dale (28)
1. Oh! Pear Orchards
"Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped"
"We're excited to have this property on our platform. This listing has peaceful tent sites located against the creek."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $45 / night
2. Hillside Campgrounds
3. Quilted Woods
Check Availabilityfrom $55 / night
4. Second District Brew Farm
Check Availabilityfrom $110 / night
5. Twin Falls
6. Belden Hill Campgrounds
"Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."
Check Availabilityfrom $53 - $65 / night
7. Hankins
8. Callicoon
9. Ft Delaware Museum
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 33 min from Scranton, PA
- 49 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 36 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 45 min from Ithaca, NY
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Union Dale, PA
18 Photos of 28 Union Dale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Oh! Pear Orchards
Hillside Campgrounds
Second District Brew FarmS
Private Campsite on 50 AcresC
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Alder lake
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Union Dale, PA
714 Reviews of 28 Union Dale 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.
- fferrall D.
ScoutAlder lake
October leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
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.
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.
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.
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
Little Pond Campground
Nice quiet lil campground
We went the 2nd week of October and seems like we had just missed the foliage peak but it was still beautiful.
Everyone minded their business and most sites were 2-4 people, showers were clean and warm but the kind where you gotta push the button every 30 seconds. Toilets were clean and running smoothly (we were in the southernmost loop, closest to the camp office)
No cellphone reception but we could get satellite signal to text our loved ones that we were alive and well!
We loved the hiking and especially kayaking on the pond
Guide to Union Dale
Union Dale, Pennsylvania sits at an elevation of approximately 1,680 feet in the northeastern part of the state, experiencing cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The area's tent camping options extend beyond established campgrounds into the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where primitive riverside sites offer alternatives to the local private campgrounds. Winter camping isn't widely available as most facilities close from late October through April due to freezing temperatures.
What to do
Waterfalls exploration: 10-30 minute hikes from Namanock Island camping area. "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," reports John B.
Fishing: Variable seasonal conditions in local waterways. River fishing near tent sites can be challenging during summer. "The fishing here is decent, but it's a shallow part of the river so in the summer months the fish seek deeper waters," notes a Namanock Island camper.
Historic sites: Easy access to local landmarks. Dingman's Ferry area offers glimpses into 300+ years of regional history. "Make sure to meet the older couple that work the tolls on the bridge at Dingman's, they actually know 90% of their traffic on sight and by name. They enjoy sharing tons of history with those interested."
What campers like
Island camping: Complete seclusion at Delaware Water Gap sites. "Let me say that of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else," writes John B. Island sites generally remain clean with minimal litter.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution at primitive sites. River camping provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "No lights means an incredible view of the night sky," notes one camper about Namanock Island.
Spacious tent sites: Room for larger groups at Belden Hill Campgrounds. "Room for pop up canopy and games. Great views of the mts," explains Tim W. Sites accommodate multiple tents without feeling crowded.
What you should know
Water access challenges: River levels affect campsite accessibility. "Spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry," cautions a regular Namanock Island camper.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for nighttime visitors at tent sites. "You can expect to be visited by a masked robber or two during the night, but a bear bag hanging will eliminate any issues," advises a camper.
Firewood considerations: Availability varies by location. At Second District Brew Farm, firewood is provided, while primitive sites require collection or pre-purchase. "I was a bit nervous about collecting fire wood being the place was so clean but collected enough. Definitely would stop at one of the many places along the way to buy fire wood," recommends Sean M.
Upstream paddling difficulty: Return trips against current require planning. "I also thought it would a good idea to paddle down stream and back up to Milford beach, Boy was I wrong! Took about 4.5 hours to paddle 3 miles," warns a Namanock Island camper.
Tips for camping with families
Island exploration: Natural trails perfect for barefoot walking. "Beautiful trails criss-cross the island and not a rock to be tripped over. I do not think I have worn shoes there even once," shares a camper about Namanock Island.
Wildlife watching opportunities: Bird spotting along waterways. "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddled birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!" notes Sean M.
Gear transport assistance: Some sites offer equipment moving help. "There is a cart provided which made it pretty easy. The hosts also offer valet service to your site," reports Heather T. about Oh! Pear Orchards.
Tips from RVers
RV campground selection: Belden Hill Campgrounds accommodates larger rigs. "Stayed in 38ft motorhome," confirms Tim W. The campground offers pull-through sites with full hookups.
Level sites availability: Some area campgrounds provide suitable terrain for larger units. "Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious," notes an RVer at Belden Hill.
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Be aware of long-term campers at RV-friendly facilities. "Majority is seasonal. The views for the pull through weekender sites are to die for," explains Michelle S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Union Dale, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Union Dale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Union Dale, PA is Oh! Pear Orchards with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Union Dale, PA?
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