Little Tinicum Island

Just did an overnight dispersed camping trip on Little Tinicum Island. Located on the Delaware River across from Governor Printz Park in Essington Pa. The island itself is approximately 3 miles long. Although the side facing Pennsylvania is mainly tidal marsh, the side facing New Jersey has some wonderful Beach area. My friends and I frequent the island as we kayak there from time to time.

So we planned an overnight stay on the Island. I strongly suggest getting to the island early with the first high tide. As you set up camp as the tide rolls out you will have plenty of time to collect firewood as you stroll along the beach. Now this island falls under the Pennsylvania forestry Commission, but subsequently it is not maintained. Another thing as the sun goes down the bugs come out. So long with a fire for cooking also build a fire that will create a lot of smoke, this will deter most bugs. There is one thing we didn't think of which were sand fleas. So as long as you bring some kind of sand flea deterrent or ointments you should be fine. 

 To get the most out of your little get away bring only the essentials (what will fit in your backpack) small camping stove and your collapsible pots and pans and plenty of water and small tents would be ideal for there is not a lot of room in these small niches throughout the island. I know most people will say swimming in that river is nasty but at low tide it looks and is clean, at least as much to swim in. So get out there enjoy yourself. 

And remember be aware be safe, and most of all leave it how you found it!

Lots of love to you from the camping guys!

Camping Pennsylvania State Forest

I Just recently three friends and I went overnight camping at a campground, it was $70 for one night. Yes it was a privately run camp ground with modern facilities and very clean, but the price was outrageous! It was not much different then camping at a state park whereas it is only $15 per site with the same facilities. Now both places

Are what I call generic camping. To truly have a meaningful experience try a State Forest. Rustic camping is the best way to go. Yes you have to park your car at the trailhead and Hike your way in, but you don't have the crowds nor the lights out policy. If you do a little bit of research you may find a diamond in the rough. We found a great spot Lakeside and the Pinchot State Forest, it cost nothing but a little work. The best part is you don't have people walking through your campsite because most likely it's only going to be you and the people you arrived with. Now usually when dispersed camping with the group, you may want to go out a few weeks before, either by yourself or with a friend to check out the area. Now remember with the Spurs camping there are no facilities but they do have small pop ups that run from 20 $30 and just pop a portable toilet in it. And there are many styles of portable toilets very reasonably priced. All in all I find the Spurs camping the way to go.

Primitive, Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is not about luxurious amenities. It is about beautiful natural places, camping in an area that is not a designated Campground. However you'll need to do a little extra planning. Make sure to bring everything you need - most importantly remember to bring plenty of water. Since there is no way to reserve a dispersed Camp spot, prepare to arrive with plenty of daylight. And as I have said research ahead of time finding an ideal campsite can still take some time!

 Google Maps
Look for green areas on Google Maps that signify public lands. Demarcation of National Forest and other public areas, so be sure to respect private lands at the fringes. Take note of what's available in the region you plan to explore. Use Google Earth mode and zoom function to get an idea of roads and Landscape.

Look up rules and regulations for the area you plan to visit.

Talk to a Ranger
Call or stop by the local National Forest office. These folks are full of useful information and are usually happy to share advice. Get first hand tips on where to go and what to avoid. Plus, it's always a good idea to let someone know where you'll be when you head off the grid.

Mauch Chunk Lake Park

• The Mauch Chunk Lake Park is located in the Boroughs of Jim Thorpe and Summit Hill and earned recognition as the National Watershed of the Year in 1978. The park began as a flood control project because of the mountainous terrain and confinement of the Mauch Chunk Creek that flows beneath the town of Jim Thorpe. Major flooding occurred here frequently that resulted in the destruction of property. The flood control phase of the Mauch Chunk Creek Watershed Project was completed in 1972 about one month prior to record rainfall amounts attributed to Tropical Storm Agnes. It was estimated at the time that the completion of the dam prevented over $2 million in damages to the local residents and community. County government officials viewed the flood control project as an opportunity to also provide recreation and the Mauch Chunk Lake Park was later dedicated in August of 1974. Today the park exceeds 150,000 visitors annually and has become a popular vacation destination for many families. The park has facilities for camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

CAMPGROUNDS

1. The Mauch Chunk Lake Park camping area has modern restroom and shower facilities with hot water.
2. The camping area is comprised of 135 sites including lakefront tent, camping cottages, and organized group camping for scout troops and other non-profit organizations. Pavilions with kitchen areas are also available to rent.
3. The Camp Store is conveniently located in the campgrounds and sells firewood, camping supplies, snacks, and novelty items.
4. All vehicles must be registered with the park office. One vehicle is permitted at each camp site. Additional vehicles must park in the overflow parking lots.
5. Admission to the beach and swimming area is included with camping reservations. Campers must display their vehicle pass.
6. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and are strictly enforced. Campers that cannot arrive by 10:00 p.m. should plan to arrive early the next morning.
7. The night entrance to the camping area is available between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
8. Mauch Chunk Lake Park is an ideal camping experience. The sites are spacious, well kept and beautiful. Cabins are available but the lake front tent sites are my choice! There is no water or electric hook up but fill water, bath and dish washing facilities are available at the bathhouse. The accessibility for kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and hiking cannot be beat! Boat rentals are accessible and the swimming beach is a delight in the hot summer months. Approximately 1.5 hours from Philadelphia this escape is a little piece of heaven!
   • Beach and swimming area is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
   • Beach and swimming hours are 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily.
   • Swimming is permitted only while lifeguards are on duty.
   • Beach area includes play equipment for children, a food and refreshment stand, and a beach pavilion.
   • Admission fee is $3.00/adult, $2.00/child for Carbon County residents and $7.00/adult, $5.00/child for Non-County residents. Children 3 and under, those with disabilities, and individuals 65 and over are admitted free. A child is considered 12 and under.
   • Summer beach tags can be purchased at the main park office.
   • Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Pets are also not permitted.
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