Best Tent Camping near Whitehall Township, PA
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.
