Best Dispersed Camping near Walnutport, PA

Several dispersed camping areas exist in the vicinity of Walnutport, Pennsylvania, primarily along sections of the Appalachian Trail. Bake Oven Knob offers overnight van parking in two large lots with access to hiking trails. This area serves as both an Appalachian Trail section and day hiking destination to reach the overlook on Blue Mountain ridge. Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides a shaded gravel parking lot suitable for overnight stays, with extensive hiking options including the Saw Creek trail leading to a marsh area.

The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia, NJ (approximately 25 miles from Walnutport) is accessible only by hiking in. This free camping area includes bear boxes and suitable trees for hammocking but lacks water sources and prohibits ground fires. A camper noted, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." Fire restrictions apply at all these dispersed sites, and most lack basic amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, or drinking water. Permits may be required for Thunder Swamp Trailhead camping.

Map showing campgrounds near Walnutport, Pennsylvania

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Walnutport, Pennsylvania (4)

1. Bake Oven Knob
1 Review
Andreas, PA
7 miles
"This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"
2. Appalachian Trail Campsite
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Palmerton, PA
3 miles

3. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
2 Reviews
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
32 miles
Website
"I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

"We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"
4. Thunder Swamp Trailhead
2 Reviews
Unity House, PA
38 miles
"Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

"Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Walnutport, PA

4 Photos of 4 Walnutport Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Walnutport, PA

2 Reviews of 4 Walnutport Campgrounds

R
Renee Z.
Scout
Jul. 12, 2017
Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
Small but kind of your only option
I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.
Katharine T.
Guide
May. 31, 2022
Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
Perfect balance of community and space
We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

Guide to Walnutport

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Walnutport, Pennsylvania, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be sure to find the perfect place to pitch your tent or hang your hammock.

Scenic Views for Nature Lovers while free camping near Walnutport

The Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 offers stunning views and well-maintained areas, making it a great choice for those who appreciate picturesque landscapes.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Walnutport, Pennsylvania

When visiting the Thunder Swamp Trailhead, remember that a permit is required, so plan ahead to ensure a smooth camping experience.

Essential Water Sources for Dispersed Campers

If you're camping at the Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, be sure to stock up on water at nearby Sunfish Pond, as there are no water sources directly at the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Walnutport, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Walnutport, PA is Bake Oven Knob with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Walnutport, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Walnutport, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Best Dispersed Camping near Walnutport, PA

Best Dispersed Sites Near Walnutport, Pennsylvania (4)

1. Bake Oven Knob

2. Appalachian Trail Campsite

3. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

4. Thunder Swamp Trailhead