The camping options near Bethlehem, New Jersey range from full-service RV resorts to more rustic accommodations. The region sits within the Lehigh Valley where elevations vary from 400 to 1,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments. Seasonal variations affect availability with winter camping limited to a handful of year-round facilities where water systems remain operational despite freezing temperatures.
What to do
Outdoor recreation at Blue Mountain Resort: This year-round resort in Lehighton offers mountain activities beyond typical campground amenities. "There were endless activities from hiking to mountain biking. We visited in fall so we had the entire place to ourselves," notes a camper at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort.
Fishing options: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for catch-and-release fishing. "There is a pond for fishing however we didn't have any luck. It had a lot of pond scum and there were a lot of duck families around," reports one visitor to Robin Hill Campground. Another camper at a different facility mentions, "Nice lake for fishing. About an hour from a motorbike riding park."
Explore historic sites: The region offers access to historical attractions within short driving distance. "We were here to use the bike trails and bop around Jim Thorpe…about 25 minutes away via pretty country roads," explains a camper from Stonybrook RV Resort. The area contains numerous Colonial-era structures and museums within 30 minutes of most campsites.
What campers like
Access to NYC: The strategic location of certain RV parks provides urban exploration opportunities. "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area," writes a guest at Liberty Harbor RV Park, noting its convenient location for city excursions.
Mountain views: The elevated terrain around some campgrounds creates scenic vantages. "What a view! Out the rear of the campground was a spectacular view! It's too bad it is mainly seasonal sites back there," shares a visitor to Robin Hill Campground. The hillier settings provide landscape perspectives not common to all regional parks.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "The laundry area and shower rooms are beautiful and clean," states a visitor to Stonybrook RV Resort. Another camper at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South appreciates that "Campground was clean, staff was friendly, sites were decent."
What you should know
Site conditions: Several campgrounds have reported drainage issues during rainy periods. "Sites are swampy if they've had rain! Took us over two hours to disconnect because of mushy, muddy site," reports one camper at Robin Hill. Another visitor to a different park notes, "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain."
Entrance challenges: Some RV parks feature difficult access points requiring careful navigation. One camper at Tri-State RV Park advises it's "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot." The highway proximity creates both access advantages and noise concerns.
Variable cellular connectivity: Cell service fluctuates significantly depending on specific campground location. "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity," reports a visitor to Timothy Lake South. Another camper noted "Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated children's play areas. "There's a nice playground and a GaGa pit. There's lots of space to walk your dog on leash but no dog park," reports a visitor to Jugtown Mountain Campsites. Families should verify playground availability when booking.
Seasonal activities: Check for family-oriented scheduled events. "We were here on Mother's Day weekend and the activity director organized a nice continental breakfast, free chair massages, and raffled off manicure and pedicures. They had an art activity for the children, BINGO on Friday night, and a live band on Saturday night," details a visitor to Robin Hill Campground.
Pool considerations: Swimming availability varies seasonally. "The pool was very nice and refreshing. I liked how the kid area wrapped around and connected to the deeper end," shares a camper at Robin Hill. Another visitor to a different park observed, "The ring in the pool suggests the water level has been low for a long time."
Tips from RVers
Water pressure awareness: RV parks have reported variable water pressure issues. "Water pressure was weirdly low," notes a camper at Jugtown Mountain Campsites. At another facility, a visitor had this experience: "There was some issue with the water pressure during the daytime. Only had 1psi of water pressure. Couldn't take a shower or wash dishes. Should have filled my tank."
Site selection strategy: Many Bethlehem area RV parks have mixed site types. "We choose Robinhill for our very first camping experience with our TT, we were not disappointed. Staff very friendly, it was nice and quiet and the bathroom was nice and clean," reports a first-time visitor to Robin Hill Campground. Another camper at Mountain Top RV Park advises, "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad."
Cost-value considerations: Price points vary significantly between properties with similar amenities. "For $80 bucks I expected more. The place is run down and almost feels abandoned," notes one visitor about their experience. Another camper at a different facility observed, "The price is way too high for this campground. Paying close to $70 a night is outrageous."
