Camping options near Albrightsville, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to developed campgrounds across the Pocono Mountains region, with elevations between 1,300 and 1,600 feet. Multiple state parks offer camping within 10-15 miles of Albrightsville, with seasonal availability typically running April through October due to the area's cold winters that average 20°F in January.
What to do
Boulder exploration: Hickory Run State Park offers unique geological features beyond the well-known boulder field. As visitor Mike M. notes, "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown."
Wildlife watching: Camp Taylor Campground provides a unique wildlife experience with its adjacent wolf preserve. According to camper Jean T., "The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers. Small swimming pond with paddleboat and kayak rentals. Clean Bathrooms. We walked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river."
Water recreation: Tobyhanna State Park Campground centers around its lake for swimming, fishing, and paddling. One visitor reports, "You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths. There are at least two parking lots(no parking fees). Both are easily accessible from State Route 423."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort maintains well-kept washrooms. One camper states, "The bath houses were great! Showers clean. Love the area of Jim Thorpe."
Lakeside camping: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides waterfront sites that appeal to paddlers and water enthusiasts. A regular visitor explains, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. You are in beautiful Jim Thorpe that has white water rafting in town, plus great restaurants and bars. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
Wooded privacy: Hickory Run State Park offers secluded camping spots among trees. According to Bridget D., "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers. Some bathrooms are latrines, but they also have beautiful, fully updated showers and restrooms available. The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven."
What you should know
Bear activity: Several campgrounds report active bear populations. At Tobyhanna State Park, one camper warns, "As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent. Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car."
Campsite spacing: Sites at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort can be tight. A visitor notes, "The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is cause the spots were a little tight."
Alternative glamping options: For upscale glamping in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, The Woods Camping Resort provides a unique experience. A visitor describes it as "Adult only campsite that is LGBTQ friendly and clothing optional... The campsite has a pool, cafe, volley ball courts, lanai, yoga, Friday and Saturday night events with great music and an even better crowd. It honestly felt like a resort at times even though we were camping in our tent."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Albrightsville operate from April through October, with Hickory Run and Tobyhanna both closing after the third Sunday in October.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mount Pocono Campground offers multiple play areas. A camper mentions, "This campground was very scenic and clean. There are two different playgrounds and a pool that could use some updating."
Entertainment options: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort provides additional activities. A visitor shares, "There is a general store on site, an arcade, a pool, bathrooms with clean showers, and sinks with potable water. The mauch chunk stream runs through the back of the campground."
Hiking with kids: Tobyhanna State Park features accessible trails. One family notes, "You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths. The beach area is part of the hiking trail so you can easily start a hike before or after you take a dip."
Wildlife education: Camp Taylor's wolf preserve offers educational opportunities. A visitor shares, "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site specifications carefully. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, one RVer noted, "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right."
Hookup availability: Allentown KOA provides convenient full-hookup options. A camper states, "When I arrived, check-in was easy and professional. A host had me follow him to a super convenient pull-through site, and stayed to make sure I was all set. The gravel site was level, so I didn't even have to unhook from my truck."
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space for tow vehicles. According to one RVer's experience at Jim Thorpe, "We were always looking for a place to park our tow because we had no extra space in front or back."
Off-season availability: For glamping in Albrightsville during shoulder seasons, consider that most campgrounds close by late October and don't reopen until mid-April.
