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Best Dispersed Camping near Wind Gap, PA

4 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Wind Gap, Pennsylvania centers around several primitive sites in the surrounding region. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in nearby Columbia, New Jersey provides hike-in backcountry camping opportunities, while Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania allows drive-in access for primitive camping. Bake Oven Knob offers additional dispersed camping options approximately 20 miles southwest of Wind Gap. These areas typically require permits or adherence to specific regulations regarding camping locations and duration.

Access conditions vary significantly between sites. Thunder Swamp Trailhead accommodates vehicles but may have rough roads with potholes requiring adequate clearance. The Appalachian Trail site requires hiking in and prohibits alcohol, fires, and pets. Most dispersed camping areas in this region lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Permits are required for camping on certain state lands, particularly in New York and Pennsylvania forest areas.

The camping experience in these areas combines solitude with natural surroundings. The Appalachian Trail site offers "plenty of space" with "good trees for hammocking" according to visitors, though water must be obtained from Sunfish Pond, about a mile round trip. Bake Oven Knob provides both overnight parking options and hiking access to tent sites, with "a really lovely short and rocky hike to the overlook." Thunder Swamp Trailhead serves as a convenient base for extensive hiking opportunities, with one visitor noting it was "chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking." Hickok Brook in New York, though further away, features lakeside tent sites but requires awareness of regulations as "need a permit on NY state land."

Map showing campgrounds near Wind Gap, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wind Gap, Pennsylvania (5)

    1. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    15 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "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!"

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    23 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    3. Bake Oven Knob

    1 Review
    Andreas, PA
    24 miles

    "This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"

    4. Appalachian Trail Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Palmerton, PA
    18 miles

    5. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    50 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wind Gap, PA

7 Photos of 5 Wind Gap Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wind Gap, PA

4 Reviews of 5 Wind Gap 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.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • 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!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

Guide to Wind Gap

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Hiking Opportunities While Free Camping Near Wind Gap

Essential Amenities for Dispersed Campers

  • While the Rest Area I-84 does not require a permit, it provides clean facilities and a safe environment, making it a convenient stop for dispersed campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wind Gap, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wind Gap, PA is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wind Gap, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Wind Gap, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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