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The rolling hills surrounding Allentown, Pennsylvania feature a mix of established campgrounds and state parks catering to various camping styles within a 30-mile radius. Allentown KOA in New Tripoli provides family-oriented facilities with full hookups, while Nockamixon State Park Cabins offers more rustic accommodations approximately 20 miles southeast of the city. Quakerwoods Campground in Quakertown maintains a community atmosphere with seasonal campers and welcomes short-term visitors. Blue Rocks Family Campground near Lenhartsville sits below the Appalachian Trail, offering tent sites on higher ground and RV sites in lower sections. The region's campgrounds typically operate from April through October, with a few state park facilities remaining open year-round.
Reservation requirements vary significantly across the area, with most private campgrounds accepting bookings up to six months in advance. Pennsylvania state parks like French Creek State Park Campground implement a reservation window that opens 11 months before arrival. According to one camper at Quakerwoods, "The location is 90 minutes to NYC, 60 minutes to Philly and 20 minutes from Allentown and Bethlehem," highlighting the strategic position for exploring the broader region. Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions, particularly after rainfall. One reviewer at Locust Lake State Park noted, "It rained heavily during our first day there and the sites became extremely muddy," suggesting gravel sites offer better drainage. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours, with some private facilities conducting regular security patrols throughout the evening.
Waterfront sites at several campgrounds receive consistently positive feedback, though availability is limited. French Creek State Park features two lakes with fishing opportunities and boat rentals available seasonally. Tent campers sometimes report challenges at RV-oriented facilities, with one visitor noting, "We are tent campers and were placed at the far end of the campground... All of the locations around or close to the bathroom/shower rooms were RVs." Pennsylvania state parks generally maintain well-kept facilities with clean restrooms and hot showers included in camping fees. Proximity to hiking trails varies considerably between campgrounds, with some requiring short drives to trailheads. The region's fall foliage draws significant crowds in September and October, making advance reservations essential during this peak season. Wildlife sightings, including bears in more remote areas, add to the camping experience but necessitate proper food storage.
"The location is 90 minutes to NYC, 60 minutes to Philly and 20 minutes from Allentown and Bethlehem. Bucks County is a bit hard to explore and lower Bucks is a hike but, there is nothing closer."
"Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting"
"This campground is nestled in rhe mountains of Pennsylvania. This campgound is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays."
"We chose this campground mainly because it was close to home and we could camp and not miss my daughter's soccer practice/game. We were pleasantly surprised by the campground. "
"Nothing bad about this place, I love that it's set far enough away from the main road that you don't get the noise."
"Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!!"
"They have a lot of land so it’s easy to find a secluded spot to hang out away from paths and people!"
"Great place to picnic fish from land or boat, go for a nice scenic walk, go Kayaking, etc. If you don't own a boat, you can rent one right at the lake."
from $117 - $150 / night
Check Availability"According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
"Nice place, a bit to close to the highways"
"It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field, we reserved the majority of the sites in this location so it worked well. The RV spots seem nice and large."
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Store has most, if not all you essentials. ( had to get an extension cord because I forgot one of mine) so, if everything was positive, why did I give it four stars??"
"There are many beautiful sights around including the Delaware River, ringing rocks Park, and Nockamixon. The park is clean and well-maintained, the facilities are clean as well."
"Dump station location isn’t ideal on a busy morning."
"Just walking around the campground is beautiful. Will definitely come back, the best campground for complete family fun!"
from $52 / night
Check Availability"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. "
from $20 - $72 / night
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GuideThis is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
LegendThere's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Travelersolid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
GuideSmall campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
GuideWe only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
RangerWe stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
RangerGorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
GuideI got there late in the afternoon and the place remained busy with people coming and going until well after dark. By 10, it finally settled down and no one bothered me the rest of the night.
Campgrounds surrounding Allentown, Pennsylvania provide diverse accommodation options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. The area features several family-oriented facilities like Quakerwoods Campground and Allentown KOA, both located within a 30-minute drive of the city. These mixed-use campgrounds typically offer water and electric hookups, with many providing sewer connections for RVs. State parks including Nockamixon State Park and French Creek State Park supplement these private options with cabin accommodations and natural settings approximately 20-30 miles from Allentown's city center.
Most camping areas in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter availability. "We stayed here a couple years ago. We chose this campground mainly because it was close to home and we could camp and not miss my daughter's soccer practice/game," noted one visitor about Allentown KOA, highlighting the convenience of proximity to urban amenities. Weather considerations significantly impact camping experiences, with summer highs reaching the 80s and occasional thunderstorms. Fall offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities but requires warmer sleeping gear as temperatures drop. Many campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours beginning at 11:00 PM, and advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer weekends and holiday periods.
Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere of streams and wooded settings as highlights of the camping experience. The Allentown KOA receives particular praise for its creek-side sites, with one visitor describing it as "utterly magical" with a "creek running below the road." Family-friendly amenities appear consistently across multiple campgrounds, including swimming pools, fishing ponds, playgrounds and organized activities. Several reviews note the prevalence of seasonal campers at certain facilities, which can affect the availability of prime spots for weekend visitors. Proximity to nearby attractions represents another advantage, with easy access to Pocono Mountain recreation areas, Dutch Country attractions, and Philadelphia day trips approximately 60 miles south, making these camping areas ideal base camps for exploring eastern Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free camping available near Allentown, PA?
Yes, there are several free overnight parking options near Allentown. The Home Depot — Allentown South offers convenient overnight parking close to Highway 78, making it a practical stopover location. For those willing to drive a bit further, Walmart — Phillipsburg Supercenter provides a spacious parking lot that can accommodate overnight stays. These locations are intended for self-contained vehicles and typically allow one-night stays. Remember to always check with store management upon arrival as policies can change, and practice good etiquette by purchasing something from the store and keeping a low profile during your stay.
What are the best campgrounds near Allentown, PA?
Quakerwoods Campground stands out for its strong community atmosphere, with seasonal campers who are welcoming to newcomers. The staff is friendly and the campground offers a genuine camping experience with a homey feel. For those seeking more amenities, Mount Pocono Campground in the Poconos is an excellent choice with its large swimming pool, toddler pool, and on-site store. The campground offers numerous family-friendly activities and facilities, with staff known for being welcoming and helpful. Both campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Allentown and provide different camping experiences depending on your preferences.
What KOA campgrounds are available in the Allentown area?
The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA is the closest KOA campground to the Allentown area. This campground offers the standard KOA amenities that campers have come to expect, including full hookup sites, cabin options, and family-friendly facilities. While it's not immediately in Allentown (about an hour's drive), it provides a convenient option for those loyal to the KOA brand. KOA campgrounds typically offer consistent quality with clean facilities, organized activities, and reliable service. For those willing to travel a bit further, there are additional KOA locations in the broader region, but the Philadelphia-West Chester location remains the most accessible option for Allentown visitors.
Are there any state parks with camping options near Allentown, PA?
Nockamixon State Park near Quakertown is one of the closest state parks to Allentown, offering cabin accommodations and various outdoor activities. The park features a lake for boating and fishing, plus miles of hiking trails. Another option is Hickory Run State Park Campground near White Haven, which provides drive-in camping with toilet facilities and sites that can accommodate larger rigs. The park spans over 15,000 acres with streams, boulder fields, and numerous recreational opportunities. Both parks require reservations, especially during peak season, and typically offer more affordable rates than private campgrounds while providing access to Pennsylvania's natural beauty.
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