Overnight camping in Pennsylvania is one of the best opportunities to get back to nature, and you might be surprised that you can get off of I-81 and be in the forest wilderness in minutes. It’s truly a haven away from traffic and noise, and you can have a lovely, rustic time in what seems like the backwoods but is only minutes from the road.

I-81 camping is among the best tent camping in Pennsylvania, and you’ll find State Parks; modern and rustic cabins; deluxe cottages and yurts; campsites for tents, cottages, and RVs; and group sites.

Where Is Interstate 81 in Pennsylvania?

Interstate 81 (I-81) is a north-south highway that runs from Dandridge, Tennessee, to Fisher’s Landing, New York (at the Canadian border). The section that runs through Pennsylvania runs 232 miles starting near Greencastle and exiting near Hallstead. It has been dubbed the American Legion Memorial Highway.

How do I find camping locations?

You can find Pennsylvania Camping Near Me by using the Tentrr Search Nearby tool. Zoom into any place on the map, all across the United States, and you will be shown the Tentrr sites that have been setup and are waiting for you to form wonderful memories. You can find that map here.

Glamping Sites Along Interstate 81 in Pennsylvania, from North to South

In between the towns of Harford and Gibson, you’ll find two beautiful, secluded campsites.

Hannah’s Haven Campsite 3

Located between two streams, you’ll be camping in the backcountry in endless pear orchards of many varieties: Olympic Giants, Hosui, Bartlett, 21st Century and more. The owners of this land are committed to zero energy and a negative carbon footprint.

The campsite is a short walk from the parking area, downhill to a rugged, majestic spot alongside a stream. With an escarpment on one side and a mountain on the other, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of the hustle and bustle of Pennsylvania and back in time to a simpler age.

Hannah’s Haven Campsite 2

A little further to the east, you’ll find more of the great pear orchards and more of the simple and breathtaking seclusion of this wonderful landscape. You can truly get away from it all, detach from city life, turn off your phone, and simply enjoy nature in all its beauty.

Each campsite has a Big Horn 47” Wood Burning Ranch Fire Pit, and a picnic table. And everywhere you look there’s the opportunity for adventure.

Endless Mountain Escape at Camp Bluestone

Taking a longer detour from I-81, you’ll find yourself near Thompson, PA, at the highest point in Ararat. The mountain views are gorgeous, and you have all the conveniences you’d expect from a glamping adventure. Everything is included at this mountaintop camp, including canvas tent, queen bed with memory foam mattress, propane heater–and of course the fire pit, picnic tables and campfire grill.

All you need to bring to this adventurous locale is yourself and your food, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Slippery Creek Farm

Further south, near the town of Orwigsburg, PA, you’ll be camping in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch culture. From the hill where your glamping site is located, you’ll be overlooking the orderly beauty of a Christmas tree farm. There’s so much to do, from hiking and bike trails to swimming and kayaking in the private pond. You can even visit the farmhouse to say hello to the horses.

On day excursions, you can tour coal mines, and see Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery. There's farmers market, and great birdwatching.

A PA Dutch Dromijn - Coleman Cooking Site

Just a few more minutes down the road to the southwest and you’ll be in the Pennsylvania Dutch hills. You’ll be camping on a farm that has been passed down from generations of Pennsylvania Dutch to the youngest member of the family, who has been working this land all his life.

Especially good for stargazing, bring a telescope and you’ll be far enough away from light pollution that you can enjoy a starry wonderland every night. Hike, fish, and enjoy the fireflies in this quant and unforgettable camp.

And That’s Just the Start!

We haven’t made it through half the state yet. Hop on our camp finder map to discover where you could be camping alongside Pennsylvania’s I-81. See all the wonders hiding in the Allegheny National Forest, the Pocono Mountains, the many state parks and state forests, and the Appalachian Trail. Outdoor activities abound with miles of hiking trails beside these luxurious tent sites.