French Creek State Park Campground provides numerous camping opportunities near Alburtis, Pennsylvania, approximately 25 miles southwest in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The area's rich forest ecosystem supports abundant wildlife including white-tailed deer, foxes, and numerous bird species throughout its mixed hardwood terrain. With elevations ranging from 400-700 feet, the region offers moderate temperatures that typically range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer, making camping possible most of the year.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: At French Creek State Park Campground, multiple well-maintained trails accommodate various skill levels. "There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained," reports one visitor. The park features 44 miles of trails rated from easy to difficult.
Disc golf course access: Boulder Woods Campground offers a popular disc golf course that attracts enthusiasts from throughout the region. A visitor notes, "They have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf." The course weaves through wooded terrain, creating natural obstacles and challenges.
Waterfront activities: Multiple parks provide lake access for fishing and paddling. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," shared a French Creek camper. For paddlers, canoe and kayak rentals are available seasonally at several locations.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers secluded spots nestled among trees. "Private and spaced out primitive sites. One mile off the Appalachian trail," mentions one reviewer. The natural setting provides shade and separation between campsites.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at most campgrounds. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," notes a French Creek visitor. Facilities typically include hot water showers and regularly serviced restrooms.
Creek access: Several campgrounds feature water access directly from camping areas. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field. Upon arrival we realized that our camper was not going to fit on the site we reserved. The office was very easy to work with and we easily traded sites," explains a Blue Rocks camper who appreciated both the scenery and service.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds near Alburtis operate from April through October. At Allentown KOA, seasons run "April 1 to November 1," with limited facilities during shoulder seasons. Weather can significantly impact comfort during early spring and late fall visits.
Site conditions after rain: Several campgrounds have drainage issues during wet periods. "Muddy and not terribly tent-friendly. The rain made the dirt in the tent campground turn to pure mud and the picnic table was unusable because it was in the middle of it," reports one camper at Tohickon Campground. Consider elevated sites during wet seasons.
Variable cell service: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds and even within the same property. At Allentown KOA, one visitor reported, "WiFi good. ATT poor," indicating the unpredictable nature of connectivity. Some campgrounds have WiFi in common areas only.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Hickory Run State Park Campground features multiple play areas for children. "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," noted one visitor. Several campgrounds have dedicated children's recreation areas with modern equipment.
Weekend activity schedules: Many campgrounds offer organized events, particularly on weekends. "There is a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials. Not to mention a great place for bike riding as well," shared a Blue Rocks family camper. Check activity calendars when booking to maximize entertainment options.
Camp store supplies: Pack essentials but know emergency supplies are available. "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay," reports a Hickory Run visitor. Most stores carry basic groceries, camping supplies, and first aid items.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: RV sites vary significantly in levelness throughout the region. At Lake Towhee County Park, "The gravel site was level, so I didn't even have to unhook from my truck," reports one RVer appreciating the convenience during a quick overnight stay.
Dumping station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or dumping facilities. "The dump station didn't have running water," noted a camper at Allentown KOA. Some parks charge additional fees ($5-10) for dumping services for non-overnight guests.
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have tight access roads and limited turning radius. "Can be tight getting around with a bigger camper if not experienced," warns an Allentown KOA visitor. When booking, specify your RV length and width to ensure appropriate site assignment.
