Best Dispersed Camping near White Haven, PA

The Appalachian Trail corridor offers several primitive camping options near White Haven, Pennsylvania. Bake Oven Knob provides overnight parking for vans and vehicles, with two large lots where visitors can either sleep in vehicles or access hiking trails to find tent sites. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers a shaded gravel parking lot that serves as a simple overnight spot with access to extensive hiking trails. Both locations are no-frills with no facilities, water sources, or amenities.

Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia offers free hike-in camping with more formal accommodations including bear boxes. One camper shared, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." No ground fires are permitted at any of these dispersed sites, and water availability is limited—the nearest source to the Backpacker Campsite is Sunfish Pond, approximately a one-mile round trip hike. Permits are required for Thunder Swamp Trailhead, while Bake Oven Knob and the Appalachian Trail sites don't require permits but have strict no-fire policies.

Best Dispersed Sites Near White Haven, Pennsylvania (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near White Haven, PA

4 Photos of 4 White Haven Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near White Haven, PA

2 Reviews of 4 White Haven Campgrounds


  • R
    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.
    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 White Haven

Dispersed camping near White Haven, Pennsylvania presents options for primitive overnight stays in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and surrounding Pocono Mountains. The region sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet with a humid continental climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. The forested areas primarily consist of mixed hardwood stands featuring oak, maple, and pine throughout the accessible public lands.

What to do

Trail exploration: The Thunder Swamp Trail system offers extensive hiking opportunities from the Thunder Swamp Trailhead. "Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes camper Jason R., highlighting the diverse ecosystems accessible from this trailhead.

Rock scrambling: The rocky terrain at Bake Oven Knob provides challenging terrain for hikers seeking elevation gain. "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," reports Dani T., who frequently overnights at this location in a van.

Hammock camping: The forested areas near the Appalachian Trail offer suitable trees for hammock setups. Renee Z. shares about the Backpacker Campsite, "I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!" The sloped terrain at some sites makes hammocks more practical than tents in certain areas.

What campers like

Convenience for section hikers: Free camping near White Haven, Pennsylvania provides strategic stopping points for long-distance hikers. Katharine T. notes about Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2: "We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There's plenty of space."

Safety features: Bear boxes at designated sites add security for food storage. "Well maintained w bear boxes provided," reports Katharine T. about the Backpacker Campsite, addressing wildlife concerns common in the region.

Privacy options: The layout of dispersed sites allows campers to choose between community and seclusion. Katharine T. explains, "We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too," showing the flexibility available at established backcountry sites.

What you should know

Water logistics: Reliable water sources are limited and require planning. At the Appalachian Trail Backpacker Campsite, Renee Z. advises, "There's no water nearby... Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond."

Fire regulations: No-cost camping near White Haven adheres to strict fire policies. Katharine T. confirms, "No ground fires," reinforcing the need for alternative cooking methods when staying at these primitive sites.

Unmarked locations: Some designated campsites lack clear signage despite being official. Renee Z. shares about the Appalachian Trail Campsite, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose more developed designated sites when camping with children. Katharine T. recommends the Backpacker Campsite because it's "well maintained" with safety features like bear boxes that benefit family groups.

Water preparation: Families need to carry additional water or plan for filtration. Renee Z. cautions about the nearest water source: "wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed."

Terrain assessment: Benjamin H. describes Thunder Swamp Trailhead as "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade," indicating its suitability for families using vehicles as a base camp before shorter day hikes.

Tips from RVers

Overnight parking options: Vans and small RVs can utilize designated trailhead parking. Dani T. shares, "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems," regarding Bake Oven Knob, which provides two large lots for vehicles.

Shade availability: Summer heat management is possible at certain locations. Benjamin H. notes about Thunder Swamp Trailhead, "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," indicating comfort for overnight vehicle stays.

Activity access: RVers can use trailhead parking as a base for day activities. Jason R. describes the Thunder Swamp location as "chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking," highlighting the accessibility of trails from vehicle-friendly areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near White Haven, PA?

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

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

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