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 Wind Gap, PA
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The Appalachian Trail corridor provides several backcountry tent camping options within 10 miles of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania. Kirkridge Shelter and surrounding tent sites on Kittatinny Mountain offer primitive camping for hikers, while locations near Lehigh Gap provide ridge-top tent sites with expansive views. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, located northeast of Wind Gap, contains additional tent campgrounds including Camp Mohican Outdoor Center.
Most tent campgrounds in the area are primitive with minimal amenities. Established fire rings are common at sites along the Appalachian Trail, though water sources are limited and seasonal. According to one visitor, "You can park on the side of Bangor mountain road where the Appalachian Trail crossed the road," making some backcountry tent sites more accessible than others. Walk-in tent locations typically require hikes ranging from a few hundred yards to several miles. Tent campers should prepare for varying terrain conditions—sites may feature packed dirt, rocky surfaces, or forest duff depending on elevation and location.
Tent-only sites on the ridge near Lehigh Gap offer exceptional views that vehicle-based campers cannot access. One camper described the AT Overlook site as "by far the best campsite option on this section of the AT" with flat terrain and a stone fire ring. For those seeking water access, Walter's Boat In Campsites in the Delaware Water Gap area provide riverside tent camping, though they're accessible only by canoe or kayak. The pine forest group site near Lehigh Gap creates a "quiet and secluded spot" with pine needle ground cover that provides natural padding for tent setups. Most walk-in tent locations remain less crowded than established campgrounds, particularly on weekdays and during shoulder seasons.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Wind Gap (42)
1. Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"This spot is right next to a beautiful view on the side of Kittany Mountain and just off the Appalachian trail. There is 4 spots to set up at all of which have a spot for a fire."
2. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"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."
3. Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
"This location was about an hour and a half away from our home so it was far enough to feel like we were getting away but close enough that we could be home quickly in case of an emergency since we decided"
from $125 / night
4. Wooded Campground
"Perfect land for an overnight before hitting the trail. There’s open field and wooded options, and the hosts Mel and Jeff couldn’t have been more accommodating."
Check Availabilityfrom $59 - $60 / night
5. Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away."
"You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $75 / night
6. 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."
7. Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
8. 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."
9. 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."
10. 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."
Drive Time
- 27 min from Allentown, PA
- 45 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr 6 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 19 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wind Gap, PA
75 Photos of 42 Wind Gap Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Wooded Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Ratcliff's River Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Round Valley State Park Campground
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Wind Gap, PA
1074 Reviews of 42 Wind Gap 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.
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!
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
Guide to Wind Gap
Tent campsites near Wind Gap, Pennsylvania sit at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet along the Kittatinny Ridge system. The area features rocky terrain with pine forests and oak woodlands that remain accessible from April through October. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August.
What to do
Hike the ridgeline trails: AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap offers access to spectacular fern-filled terrain. "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," notes one camper who found the site ideal for ridge hiking exploration.
Water activities at Round Valley: Round Valley State Park Campground offers paddle-in camping with crystal-clear water access. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," explains one visitor who enjoyed the pristine conditions.
Wildlife observation: The tent camping areas near Lehigh Gap contain diverse wildlife. "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," reports one camper at AT Overlook Campground.
What campers like
Protected shelter options: The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides structure for those who prefer not to tent camp. "The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers. There is also a spring nearby for filling up water," notes a recent visitor who appreciated the shelter's amenities.
Flat, dry tent sites: Sites on the ridge offer practical advantages for tent setup. One camper at AT Overlook describes it as having space that is "flat, dry, and not too rocky. Previous campers have also been kind enough to build up a sizable stone fire ring and construct a stone chair for enjoying the fire and view."
Private camping experiences: Jenny Jump State Forest receives high marks for solitude. "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," explains one tent camper who stayed at site #34.
What you should know
Water access varies significantly: Many ridge sites have no water sources. "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," advises a camper from AT Ridge Campground.
Bathroom facilities differ by location: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers proper facilities unlike many primitive sites. "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away," reports a visitor who appreciated these amenities.
Hiking difficulty to sites: Some tent camping requires significant effort. One camper at Round Valley notes: "It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort! If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Wind Gap, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wind Gap, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wind Gap, PA is Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Wind Gap, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wind Gap, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near Wind Gap, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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