R
Russell A.
Scout
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!
Tent Camping near Whitehall Township, PA
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Tent campsites along the Appalachian Trail near Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania offer multiple primitive camping options for hikers and backpackers. The Lehigh Gap area provides several established tent-only sites including AT Overlook Campground, AT Ridge Campground, and George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter, which are accessible primarily by hiking the trail. These primitive tent camping areas are situated within 15-20 miles of Whitehall Township, providing backcountry camping opportunities with minimal amenities.
Most tent sites in this region lack basic services, requiring campers to pack in all necessary supplies including water. The primitive campsites typically feature stone fire rings, flat areas for tent placement, and little else in terms of facilities. No drinking water is available at most ridge campsites, though some locations like the George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter have a nearby spring. Sites are predominantly hike-in access only, with no vehicle access to most camping areas. The terrain varies from pine needle beds to exposed rocky areas, with sites generally accommodating 1-3 tents. A visitor commented that "sitting up on the mountain in this area is a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth."
For tent campers seeking more amenities, Mauch Chunk Lake Park in nearby Jim Thorpe offers established tent campsites with more facilities. Sites there include picnic tables, drinking water, and access to showers and toilets. These walk-in tent sites provide a good middle ground between primitive backcountry camping and full-service campgrounds. Riverview Park Campground provides tent-only sites situated along the Lehigh River with picnic tables and fire pits, plus bathroom facilities accessible from the road. A camper wrote that "this is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night." Most locations in the region require advance reservations, particularly during peak season from late spring through early fall.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Whitehall Township (39)
1. AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap
"You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky."
2. AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap
"The only downside was my sleeping pad sprung a leak, so it wasn't the best night's sleep. But the site itself was great and I would camp there again."
"A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area."
3. George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter
"A single-level open-sided AT shelter near the Lehigh Gap trailhead. The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers."
4. AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap
"This site is really 2 separate sites that are a short ways apart along the trail. They are both excellent spots to set up a tent if you plan on camping up on the ridge."
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. Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite (group)
"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
7. Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead Primitive Campground
8. Riverview Park Campground
"The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit. They also have a bathroom facility up alongside the road."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
9. AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground
10. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
Drive Time
- 10 min from Allentown, PA
- 49 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 6 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 11 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Whitehall Township, PA
63 Photos of 39 Whitehall Township Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Tent Camping Reviews near Whitehall Township, PA
1044 Reviews of 39 Whitehall Township 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.
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
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.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- 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.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Big sites with lots of trees
We only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
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 Whitehall Township
Tent camping near Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania offers access to several primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail (AT) between elevations of 800-1,500 feet. This section of the trail traverses the rocky terrain of Blue Mountain Ridge, with campsites often situated on exposed ridgelines or protected pine forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during hiking season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Kayaking on Mauch Chunk Lake: The 330-acre lake at Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides excellent paddling opportunities with rentals available on-site. One visitor noted, "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
Prepare for Lehigh Gap hike: Camp at the AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap before tackling the challenging rocky climb. A camper shared, "Camped here the night before doing Lehigh Gap, it was less than a mile from the parking at Blue Mountain Rd. (Official A.T. parking)."
Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening hours are prime times for spotting local wildlife on the ridge trails. A hiker at AT Overlook Campground recounted, "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity."
What campers like
Pine needle camping surfaces: Many AT campers appreciate the natural cushioning at certain sites. A camper at Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite described, "A very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents. This would work well for a large group."
River access for early water activities: Proximity to water sports launch points is highly valued. One visitor to Riverview Park Campground explained, "This is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night."
Protective forest canopy: Several campsites offer sheltered spots during inclement weather. At AT/Bypass Trail Split Primitive Campground, a hiker noted the site is "shortly before you get to the AT shelter if you are headed north. It would work well if you are tent camping on the AT but want to be near the shelter."
What you should know
Limited marking on some sites: Trail sites can be difficult to locate in dense summer foliage. A camper at George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter commented, "If you are planning on tent camping there isn't really any flat area to set up around the shelter so you might want to keep moving to one of the next sites."
Advance reservations required for developed sites: Most established campgrounds near Whitehall Township fill quickly during peak season (May-October). A visitor to Green Lane Park advised, "Rangers will pass by and check that everyone is in the correct sites but that's about it."
Seasonal conditions affect site quality: Wet periods can impact tent placement options. One camper observed, "When I was here it had recently rained and the site was overall pretty boggy. The ground was relatively soft but without a good ground tarp, you might get a little wet."
Tips for camping with families
Pack in extra water for ridge sites: No reliable water sources exist on many sections of the ridge near Whitehall Township. A hiker noted, "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Consider partially developed campgrounds: For families new to tent camping near Whitehall Township, transitional options exist. As one camper at Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park explained, "Green Lane is a beautiful park with a small campground. The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors."
Plan for wildlife encounters: Teach children proper food storage and wildlife safety before your trip. A visitor mentioned, "I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity."
Tips from RVers
Tent-only restrictions: Most primitive sites along the AT near Whitehall Township cannot accommodate RVs of any size due to trail access limitations and site design. The closest RV options require driving to more developed facilities like Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Seasonal site limitations: RV camping options near Whitehall Township Pennsylvania are predominantly available from April through October. One camper noted, "The campground is as basic as they get. Sites are close to each other with absolutely no privacy."
Water and power planning: Pack additional water containers and portable power solutions for tent camping that transitions from RVs. A visitor recommended, "The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Whitehall Township, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Whitehall Township, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Whitehall Township, PA is AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Whitehall Township, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Whitehall Township, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Whitehall Township, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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