Cabins near Allentown, Pennsylvania offer rustic lodging options in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with fall foliage typically peaking in mid-October. Cabin accommodations vary widely in amenities and construction, from basic structures to fully furnished units with modern conveniences.
What to do
Fishing ponds and lakes: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing areas for guests. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, visitors can enjoy a sizable pond for catch-and-release fishing, with one reviewer noting, "Great fishing in the lake" and another mentioning there are "Goats to pet and watch" nearby for when fishing gets slow.
Disc golf courses: Blue Mountain Resort offers disc golf among its outdoor activities. A visitor reported, "If you're into Disc golf this place has that too," making it an excellent option for campers seeking active recreation during warmer months at this winter ski destination.
Miniature golf: Family-friendly mini-golf courses provide entertainment at several campgrounds. A Spring Gulch Resort camper mentioned, "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened...several holes needed maintenance," suggesting the activity is available but could use some attention.
Local Amish attractions: Several campgrounds provide access to authentic Amish experiences in Lancaster County. A visitor to Spring Gulch described it as a "Hidden Amish Country Gem" noting that despite some facilities being "a bit worn down, that didn't stop us from having a great time."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many visitors specifically mention bathroom cleanliness as a deciding factor. At Sun Valley Campground, one camper praised the "immaculately clean bathrooms and showers," while another noted the overall park was "well wooded" with "friendly staff and guests."
Swimming pools: Multiple campgrounds feature well-maintained pools that remain open until evening hours. A visitor to Appalachian Camping Resort appreciated that "the pool was open until 10pm everyday," providing extended swimming hours even during busy holiday weekends.
Spacious tent sites: For non-RV campers, several parks offer designated tent areas with ample room. An Appalachian camper mentioned, "Tent site was very spacious and clean," making it suitable for visitors with larger tents or multiple setups.
Weekend entertainment: Live music and organized activities enhance weekend stays at many campgrounds. A Sun Valley visitor mentioned their appreciation for "Saturday night bands" that are "concert worthy," while another Appalachian camper noted organized activities like "bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids, candy scramble in the dark."
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Terrain and maintenance differ between sites even within the same campground. At Robin Hill Campground, one camper observed it was "called Robin HILL for a reason. You will get your exercise walking to the pond, pool, capstone or basketball courts."
Seasonal vs. transient camping balance: Many campgrounds primarily serve seasonal residents. A reviewer at Stonybrook RV Resort noted, "Mostly seasonal campers, we were one of the few transient campers for our visit," suggesting a different atmosphere than parks catering to short-term stays.
Road noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects some locations. Pine Hill RV Park received this observation: "The only real downside of this park was... a bit of road noise from the interstate," though the same reviewer praised its cleanliness and convenience.
Entry challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access points. A camper at Stonybrook mentioned just "one thing— the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn't easy in a 45' motorhome towing a Jeep."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Consider site location relative to play areas. One Robin Hill visitor appreciated that "the playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill," making supervision easier while still at their campsite.
Activity scheduling: Check activity calendars before booking to align with family interests. An Appalachian camper noted the campground "had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone," adding that "a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children" but this location offered options for their 12-13 year olds.
Pool features: Look for family-friendly pool designs. A Robin Hill visitor specifically mentioned, "I liked how the kid area wrapped around and connected to the deeper end," indicating thoughtful design for families with children of different ages and swimming abilities.
Off-site attractions: Research nearby destinations for day trips. Village Scene Park is particularly well-positioned for families, with one reviewer suggesting the "Amazing Escape Room, just due east of here by 5 minutes" and "Peace Valley Nature Center, which is only about 10 minutes away."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Pack extra leveling equipment for hilly sites. A visitor to Robin Hill noted, "We choose Robinhill for our very first camping experience with our TT, we were not disappointed," but other reviewers mentioned significant grade issues at some sites.
Premium site options: Consider upgrading to premium sites when available. At Stonybrook, a camper praised their "FHU 50 Amp Premium Back-in site" featuring a "concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table," making it worth the additional cost.
Early check-in policies: Confirm early arrival options before planning. An Appalachian camper warned, "Check in is at 3pm, we showed up at 2:45 after a 7 hr drive and they made us pay $15 extra," indicating strict enforcement of check-in times.
Sewer connection placement: Check sewer hookup location before setting up outdoor living spaces. One camper at Appalachian noticed "fire pit is within feet from poop sewer connection of neighbor," creating potential unpleasant cooking conditions depending on neighbors' usage patterns.
