Best Tent Camping in Pennsylvania

Fireflies illuminate Pennsylvania summer nights. Cricket song fills the air. In Autumn, a motley blaze of red and yellow leaves streaks the hillsides as a rich, earthy scent permeates the woods. Through all seasons, gurgling brooks and creeks weave their way through the countryside. Secret glens and mossy pools await. For centuries this landscape has attracted lovers of the outdoors, and there's no limit to opportunities for camping in Pennsylvania.

An indescribable yet unmistakably ancient energy fills Pennsylvania's wildernesses. It can be felt clearly in places like Bushkill Falls. There, in the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," explorers of all ages find fun and discovery.

A broad network of trails leads to and around eight beautiful waterfalls. The Twin Lakes wait for anglers. Curious travelers can explore three different historical exhibits, sluice for gemstones, or try their luck in the Bushkill Falls Mining Company Maze. Some people claim that if you stand still, close your eyes, and listen, you can feel the history ebbing and flowing around your feet at Bushkill Falls.

Pennsylvania's enormous population of majestic whitetail deer offer great surprises for nature-lovers camping in Pennsylvania. With a closely monitored population ranging from 1 to 1.5 million, Pennsylvania's white tail are famous for their size, grace, and beauty. Alert hikers and campers will likely catch a glimpse of these wonderful animals.

The Pennsylvania landscape is diverse and full of variety. With the Appalachian Mountains bisecting the state, the eastern and western halves are distinctive both culturally and geographically, but neither is lacking for natural wonders.

To the east, you can find camping near popular destinations like the Delaware Water Gap at the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To the west, there's the fantastic Laurel Caverns, where visitors can experience a three-hour-long tour that goes 46 stories deep into the mountainside.

Pennsylvania has plenty of rivers for the aquatically inclined. Chief among them is the Susquehanna, the longest East Coast river draining into the Atlantic Ocean. This impressive waterway offers many opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploration. Folks camping in Pennsylvania may enjoy pitching their tent or parking their camper on the Susquehanna riverside.

All of this is just a small part of what the Keystone State offers to explorers of all kinds. Many more secrets wait nestled in the countryside, waiting to be discovered.

Best Tent Sites in Pennsylvania (135)

    1. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "Terrific space for exploring"

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    2. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA

    "Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all.   There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road."

    "Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley."

    3. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

    10 Reviews
    Nesquehoning, PA
    Website
    +1 (570) 325-3669

    $20 / night

    "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."

    4. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA

    "Great little roadside campsite to get away. We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!"

    "This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy."

    5. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."

    "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There’s running water available, porta potties are very clean and don’t smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."

    6. Colton Point State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Gaines, PA
    Website
    +1 (570) 724-3061

    "The campsites are private and you get to hike in (varying amounts of distance.)"

    "I love the walk in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack! There is so much that this park has to offer. So many hikes, so many scenic overlooks. I highly suggest this parks Turkey trail."

    7. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    8 Reviews
    Perkiomenville, PA
    Website
    +1 (215) 234-4528

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"

    "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"

    8. Ravensburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Loganton, PA
    Website
    +1 (570) 745-7770

    "It's our favorite place to tent camp. It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve."

    "Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads."

    9. Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Milroy, PA
    Website
    +1 (717) 667-3622

    $22 / night

    "Then I go find a deserted section and a picnic table and just sit down. Immediately I can feel every bit is stress or anxiety dissipate."

    "Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites. We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."

    10. Evansburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Skippack, PA
    Website
    +1 (610) 409-1150

    $43 / night

    "Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek"

    "You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently$9.90.The restroom facilities we're clean."

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Showing results 1-10 of 135 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Pennsylvania

3440 Reviews of 135 Pennsylvania Campgrounds



Guide to Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of tent camping experiences, from serene wooded sites to bustling family-friendly parks. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there's a perfect spot waiting for you.

Tent campers should check out Parker Dam State Park Campground

  • Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and ample amenities at Parker Dam State Park Campground, where you can find drinking water, showers, and picnic tables.
  • This campground is pet-friendly and features fire pits, making it ideal for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • With access to hiking trails and a nearby lake, there's plenty to explore right from your campsite.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Experience the thrill of paddle boarding at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, where you can rent equipment and enjoy the scenic views.
  • For those who love hiking, Susquehannock State Park Campground offers trails that lead to stunning overlooks of the Susquehanna River.
  • Families will appreciate the playground and fishing opportunities at Hibernia County Park, making it a great spot for kids to enjoy the outdoors.

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $30

  • Camping at Reeds Gap State Park Campground is budget-friendly at around $15 per night, offering a peaceful escape in nature.
  • For a slightly higher rate, Green Lane Park provides a lovely setting with basic amenities for about $30 per night.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain offers free tent camping along the Appalachian Trail, perfect for those seeking adventure without the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tent camping sites in Pennsylvania for beginners?

For beginners, Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground offers an ideal introduction to tent camping with well-spaced, peaceful sites near water. This primitive campground is tent-only with basic amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site. Another excellent option is Hibernia County Park, which provides wooded sites perfect for newcomers at just $15 per night. The park features a children's pond, Brandywine Creek access, and a playground, making it family-friendly. Both locations offer the right balance of amenities and natural setting without overwhelming first-timers, and their proximity to water features adds to the classic camping experience.

When is the best season for tent camping in Pennsylvania's mountains?

Late spring through early fall (May to October) is generally the best season for tent camping in Pennsylvania's mountains. Summer (June-August) offers warm days and mild nights, with temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F. However, Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park can be enjoyed even into October when fall foliage creates spectacular views from the Adirondack shelters positioned throughout the forest. Early fall (September-early October) is particularly magical with colorful foliage and fewer insects, while Colton Point State Park Campground showcases some of the state's most impressive autumn scenery. Be prepared for occasional rainfall throughout the camping season and cooler mountain temperatures at night, especially at higher elevations.

What amenities are available at Pennsylvania's tent-only campgrounds?

Pennsylvania's tent-only campgrounds typically offer basic amenities while preserving a more natural camping experience. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park provides picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, though sites lack privacy and electrical connections. For more primitive options, Danner Primitive Campground is accessible only by hiking or paddling in, offering a true wilderness experience. Most tent-only sites provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets or restroom facilities without showers. Potable water availability varies significantly by location. These campgrounds focus on minimalist accommodations, so campers should prepare to be self-sufficient with water filtration options and proper food storage. Cell service is typically limited at more remote locations.

Are there any free tent camping options in Pennsylvania state parks?

Pennsylvania offers limited free tent camping options. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run provides free camping directly on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail around Mile 99. This site is particularly convenient for hikers and cyclists traversing the GAP Trail. For those seeking more remote options, Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest offers roadside sites that are secluded and peaceful, with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. While most Pennsylvania state parks charge fees, these free dispersed camping areas provide budget-friendly alternatives for tent campers willing to forgo some amenities.