Best Dispersed Camping near Wilkes-Barre, PA
Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, primarily along the Appalachian Trail corridor and in nearby state forests. These primitive sites include Bake Oven Knob, Thunder Swamp Trailhead, and designated Appalachian Trail campsites in both Pennsylvania and neighboring New Jersey. Most locations offer minimal amenities and follow strict regulations regarding use, with some requiring permits for overnight stays.
Access to these dispersed sites varies considerably by location. Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides drive-in access with a gravel parking lot that serves as a base for overnight stays. As one camper noted, "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me." The Appalachian Trail sites typically require hiking in, with no vehicle access. Fire restrictions are common, particularly at the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in New Jersey where ground fires are prohibited. Most locations lack drinking water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies or collect from natural sources when available.
These backcountry camping areas attract hikers and those seeking primitive outdoor experiences with varying levels of seclusion. The Appalachian Trail campsites offer a balance of community and privacy. According to one visitor, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. Well maintained with bear boxes provided." Bake Oven Knob serves dual purposes as both an overnight spot and day hiking area, featuring a notable overlook. A camper described it as having "two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent." Water sources are limited at most locations, with the nearest water to some Appalachian Trail sites being at Sunfish Pond, requiring additional hiking to access. Most sites have no facilities, making them suitable for self-sufficient backcountry campers prepared for primitive conditions.
