Primitive camping sites around Allentown, Pennsylvania sit in the rolling hills of eastern Pennsylvania, where the elevation ranges from 250 to 450 feet. The region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons and approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall. Most tent camping areas close between late October and early April due to below-freezing overnight temperatures, though French Creek State Park offers year-round options.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: At Blue Rocks Family Campground, visitors can climb on the glacier rock field right on the property. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," writes Jen R. "There is really something for everyone at this campground... glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials."
Disc golf courses: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course popular with both casual players and tournament participants. "They have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," says Erik W. The course is substantial, with Karralee B. noting, "The camp ground has a very large golf disc course and they seem to have tournaments."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds and streams run through the campgrounds. At Allentown KOA, "There is a nice stream running through camp," according to Craig C. The water features aren't just decorative - they're functional for anglers and wildlife watchers alike. "We also tried keeping the wet out. We went to an amusement park and went on the Sploosh ride... WE WERE SOAKED! It was a lot of fun and our phones and money were safe and dry!" reports a visitor using Matador's Droplet wet bag.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: French Creek State Park Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," says Jen R. The park's layout provides good separation between campers.
Seasonal activities: Colonial Woods Family Resort offers extensive programming throughout the camping season. "They had a casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital which it awesome and the kids loved the candy and little prizes they won," Nicole S. explains. The organized events focus on both adult and child entertainment.
Natural water features: Multiple campers mention the value of creeks and ponds on property. "We were down by creek so it was very muddy. Everything else about this campground was great!" notes Shannon C. about Tohickon Family Campground. Water access enhances the camping experience, providing natural white noise and recreation options.
What you should know
Site access challenges: Several campgrounds have limitations for large RVs. "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight," Erik W. cautions about Boulder Woods.
Pet restrictions: When glamping close to Allentown, Pennsylvania, know that pet policies vary significantly. Hickory Run State Park Campground has designated pet-friendly loops. "We took a drive on 2 afternoons on a stone road through the woods to see the Boulder Field. It was a beautiful drive. We were on the lookout for bear, but only saw 3 deer," reports Shirley M., highlighting both the scenic drives and wildlife considerations.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds near Allentown operate April through October. "Even though it was a very hot weekend and our site was in an open area, we had a nice breeze and shade from the wooded area behind our site. The late afternoon sun did hit the front of our trailer," mentions Shirley M. about summer conditions at Hickory Run.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When glamping with kids near Allentown, choose sites near recreation areas. "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," notes Shirley M. about Hickory Run State Park.
Special weekend activities: Colonial Woods Family Resort organizes themed weekends throughout the season. "We went on Father's Day weekend and they had nice arts and crafts for the kids to do for dad," says Shannon C. These structured activities help keep children engaged.
Water play options: Multiple campgrounds feature pools and water features. "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," reports Nicole S. at Colonial Woods, though she notes, "The posted pool hours were not as described they don't really tell you but it was open a little later if not the posted hours were like 6pm and it way to early for a hot summer day if you ask me."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Lake Towhee County Park offers primitive camping without hookups, making it better for smaller setups. "I do not advise large rigs," cautions Roger W., adding "The outside sites look especially cozy and private."
Dump station logistics: Some facilities have limited waste disposal areas. Nathan R. notes about Colonial Woods, "Dump station location isn't ideal on a busy morning. I heard they might work on a second dump location and was told to ask if it's ok to stick around until it dies down if our site isn't needed soon."
Seasonal site considerations: For those considering longer stays, be aware of rules regarding RV age. "Three years ago, we fell in love with this campground. We knew we had to find an rv and become seasonals... They only allow seasonal campers to be 10 years old or newer. Ours is 13. Very disappointed," explains Caryn I. about Boulder Woods Campground's policy for extended-stay campers.
