The Lehigh Valley region surrounds Berwick with a mixed topography of rocky ridgelines, pine forests, and river valleys. Elevation ranges from 400 feet along the Lehigh River to nearly 1,600 feet at ridge summits near Lehigh Gap. Seasonal temperature fluctuations affect camping accessibility, with most primitive sites closing during winter months when nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Whitewater rafting on the Lehigh: Outfitters offer guided trips from May through October with different difficulty levels based on water release schedules. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center provides convenient campground access. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing. The campground is definitely great for Girl Scout or school groups," notes Katie S.
Paddle boarding on Mauch Chunk Lake: Rentals available from Memorial Day through Labor Day for $15-25 per hour depending on watercraft type. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," shares Lisa S. from Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Ridge routes range from 3-7 miles between established camping areas. The AT Ridge Campground offers strategic positioning for multi-day hikes. "Sitting up on the mountain in this area is a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth," writes Asher K.
What campers like
Waterfront tent sites: Direct lake access for morning fishing or evening relaxation. "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off," reports Emma T. about her experience at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Pine-needle padded tent areas: Natural cushioning provides extra comfort for sleep. The AT Group Campsite features this terrain advantage. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area. This site sits a little ways back from the trail but is a nice quiet and secluded spot," explains a visitor.
Ridgeline views: Elevated camping with valley panoramas. The AT Overlook Campground offers exceptional positioning. "You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky. Previous campers have also been kind enough to build up a sizable stone fire ring and construct a stone chair for enjoying the fire and view," states Asher K.
What you should know
Many campgrounds require advance bookings: Walk-in fees may apply. Riverview Park Campground charges an extra $10 for unscheduled arrivals. "Just make sure if you are going to stay here that you reserve a site in advance since they will charge you an additional $10 if you show up without planning," advises Asher K.
Water sources vary significantly: Plan supplies accordingly. While developed campgrounds provide drinking water, ridge sites require carrying all water. "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge," warns one hiker about the AT Overlook Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity reported on certain trail sections. Hikers should use proper food storage techniques. "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity," reports a camper at the ridge overlook.
Tips for camping with families
Flat tent spaces for beginner campers: Look for sites with minimal setup challenges. Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides accessible options. "I believe it is a great spot to go with people who haven't camped much before. It has flat tent spaces, generally clean bathrooms, and access to tons of things to do on the campground and nearby," recommends Mackenzie B.
Evening entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide structured activities. Whitewater Challengers features organized nighttime events. "There was a movie shown at night, as well as music played late into the night," mentions Katie S. about the campground atmosphere.
Playground access: Select campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. Shikellamy State Park includes these facilities. "2 parking lots and 2 trails. A pavilion and playground with many picnic tables also available," notes Alec P. in his review of Shikellamy State Park.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options in primitive areas: Most best tent camping near Berwick requires tent-specific gear. While Mauch Chunk accepts RVs, tree roots present challenges. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises Amber M.
Weekend noise considerations: Popular RV sites can become crowded. "We visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers. It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," shares Danielle F. about her experience at a popular campground.
Fire pit preparation: Inspect upon arrival. "Our site was for the most part clean, the fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived," notes Corbin about conditions at Scrub Mountain Retreat, highlighting the importance of checking facilities.
