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 Waverly, PA
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites near Waverly, Pennsylvania range from established campgrounds to primitive sites along waterways, with several options within a 30-mile radius. Oh! Pear Orchards offers walk-in tent sites situated alongside a stream, while Manny Gordon Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest provides more developed tent camping with electric hookups and toilet facilities. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, though farther from Waverly, contains numerous primitive tent camping opportunities accessible by water or trail.
Most tent sites in the region require some preparation, as amenities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites at Oh! Pear Orchards feature well-constructed fire pits but require campers to transport gear from parking areas using provided carts. A visitor commented, "Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool." At Pinchot State Forest, tent campers find more established facilities with toilets and electric hookups, though the open layout offers limited privacy. Primitive boat-in tent sites along the Delaware River have no facilities beyond fire rings, requiring complete self-sufficiency for overnight stays.
The tent camping experience near Waverly emphasizes natural settings and relative seclusion compared to developed RV campgrounds. Areas within Pinchot State Forest provide open spaces with previously collected firewood often available at campsites. A camper noted that these areas have "plenty of space" but warned about ticks, recommending appropriate spray. Tent sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, though farther south, offer lake access with swimming opportunities and proximity to outdoor activities in Jim Thorpe. Primitive tent camping along the Delaware River provides the most immersive experience, with island camping on Namanock Island described as offering complete seclusion where "you totally feel that your party is alone out on the river." These water-accessible tent sites require paddling equipment but reward campers with pristine natural settings.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Waverly (35)
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. Half Baked Homestead
3. Hillside Campgrounds
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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."
7. Caffrey Recreation Area
8. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
9. 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
10. Scrub Mountain Retreat
from $30 - $35 / night
Drive Time
- 16 min from Scranton, PA
- 50 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 24 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 38 min from Elmira, NY
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Waverly, PA
48 Photos of 35 Waverly Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Oh! Pear Orchards
Hillside Campgrounds
Second District Brew FarmS
Private Campsite on 50 AcresC
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Sandyston Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Waverly, PA
775 Reviews of 35 Waverly 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.
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.
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!
Guide to Waverly
Tent camping near Waverly, Pennsylvania presents several rustic options in a region dominated by the Endless Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,000-2,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with July temperatures averaging 70-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. Water accessibility varies significantly between sites, with some requiring campers to bring their own supply.
What to do
Kayaking on the Delaware River: At Namanock Island, campers can paddle through clear waters along the Delaware. One visitor noted, "There are a few spots where you can launch a kayak and the lakes connecting rivers/streams are very cool and jungly."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent opportunities for spotting native species. A camper at Namanock Island mentioned, "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!"
Swimming at Mauch Chunk Lake: During summer months, the lake provides refreshing swimming options about 45 minutes from Waverly. A camper shared, "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming."
Paintball adventure: Oh! Pear Orchards is located near EMR Event Park, which offers paintball activities for more adventurous visitors looking for an adrenaline rush between camping sessions.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Oh! Pear Orchards receives praise for its ample camping room. A visitor mentioned, "Spacious & lovely sites... wide, open undeveloped space... It is a short walk in to the sites, but there is a cart provided which made it pretty easy."
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution makes night viewing exceptional. A Namanock Island camper reported, "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."
Fire pits: Multiple campgrounds feature quality fire rings. At Manny Gordon Recreation Area, a visitor noted, "Most campgrounds have previously stocked wood from other people, makes setting up very convenient."
Accessibility for beginners: Mauch Chunk Lake Park accommodates those new to camping. A regular visitor explained, "I believe it is a great spot to go with people who haven't camped much before. It has flat tent spaces, generally clean bathrooms, and access to tons of things to do."
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Ticks are common in the area, particularly at Manny Gordon Recreation Area Campground where a visitor warned, "Lots of ticks tho so get your spray."
Variable site accessibility: Some campgrounds require physical effort to reach. At Oh! Pear Orchards, "The hosts also offer valet service to your site, though we did not need that with the cart."
Primitive facilities: Many sites lack modern amenities. Namanock Island offers a basic camping experience where "This is PRIMITIVE camping.... No bathrooms, no facilities of any sort.. Everything must be packed in and out, or you wont have it."
Firewood availability: While some sites offer firewood, others require bringing your own. A camper at Namanock Island suggested, "Definitely would stop at one of the many places along the way to buy fire wood."
Weekend crowding: Peak season weekends see higher occupancy. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, one visitor observed, "We visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers."
Tips for camping with families
Choose beginner-friendly sites: For those new to camping with children, select established campgrounds. A visitor to Mauch Chunk Lake Park noted, "The campground was spacious and while it was likely full, it still felt secluded. Beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals."
Plan water activities: Lakes provide entertainment for kids. Another Mauch Chunk visitor shared, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm."
Bring insect protection: The region has significant bug activity, especially for ground-level sleeping. A camper at Namanock Island warned, "Very buggy spot, LOTS of centipedes and other creatures at night, so bring a chair instead of sitting on the bench or log."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. At Hillside Campgrounds, a visitor mentioned it's "Generally fun and where people can be themselves," though note this is an adults-only campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: Belden Hill Campgrounds offers full electrical service for RVs. A camper confirmed, "Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious. Room for pop up canopy and games."
Cell service considerations: Digital connectivity varies by location. At Belden Hill, a visitor reported, "Good enough for web surfing on phone but no streaming on TV. Great at&t service."
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Many RV campgrounds near Waverly have long-term residents. At Belden Hill, a visitor observed, "Very nice couple, mostly older campers in year round RV's. Very quiet, good showers, very clean."
Honor system amenities: Some campgrounds operate on trust for supplies. A Belden Hill camper mentioned, "Wood/ice honor system. Would visit again. Stayed in 38ft motorhome."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waverly, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waverly, PA is Oh! Pear Orchards with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Waverly, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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