Best Campgrounds near Bethlehem, PA

Campgrounds near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania range from full-service RV parks to rustic tent sites, with several options within a 30-minute drive of the city. Quakerwoods Campground and Nockamixon State Park Cabins provide accommodations for various camping styles, including tent camping, RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping experiences. The region includes several family-oriented campgrounds like Colonial Woods Family Resort and Ringing Rocks Family Campground, which feature amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Most established campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, with many sites accommodating both tent and RV campers.

Seasonal operation is common throughout the region, with most campgrounds open from April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. The terrain varies from relatively flat, developed sites to more rugged, wooded areas that may present challenges during wet weather. Many campgrounds in the Bethlehem area sit near water features, including lakes and creeks, though water levels and conditions can vary seasonally. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may be spotty in more remote areas. According to one visitor, "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."

Campers report high satisfaction with the natural surroundings and recreational opportunities available near Bethlehem. Lake Towhee County Park offers more primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy and natural settings. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of the area's location for accessing nearby attractions, including the Pocono Mountains, Delaware Water Gap, and historic sites. The proximity to urban centers makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for city dwellers seeking outdoor experiences without long travel times. While some campgrounds maintain a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere, others offer more social environments with planned activities and communal spaces. One camper noted, "Very nice and roomy camp site, very close to Poconos (golfers) and Lehigh Valley Bethlehem PA," highlighting the strategic location for both outdoor recreation and urban amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (185)

    1. Quakerwoods Campground

    15 Reviews
    Coopersburg, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 536-1984

    "Stayed for over a month .very nice and roomy camp site .very close to poconos (golfers)and Lehigh Valley Bethlehem pa."

    "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."

    2. Nockamixon State Park Cabins

    13 Reviews
    Richlandtown, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 529-7300

    $70 - $92 / night

    "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."

    3. Ringing Rocks Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Kintnersville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 982-5552

    "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."

    4. Mountainview Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bloomsbury, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 996-2953

    "We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."

    "Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"

    5. Tohickon Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Richlandtown, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 536-7951

    "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."

    "Pros Great People beautiful surroundings Nice Bathrooms Quiet and Peaceful Accessible Nice Pool Every store U could Need is in about 15 mins Away Not Alot of Stupid rules just Be respectful Pet friendly"

    6. Colonial Woods Family Resort

    11 Reviews
    Kintnersville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 847-5808

    $52 / night

    "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!"

    7. Allentown KOA

    15 Reviews
    Germansville, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 298-2160

    "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. "

    8. Lake Towhee County Park

    5 Reviews
    Richlandtown, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 757-0571

    "Lake Towhee Park Campground: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy."

    "Very secluded and set back in the woods, but only a short drive to Nockamixon. Would definitely stay again!"

    9. Boulder Woods Campground

    10 Reviews
    Red Hill, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 257-7178

    "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."

    10. Little Red Barn Campground

    6 Reviews
    Richlandtown, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 536-3357

    "Long story short, I spent several days looking for a close-by camp site for us to stay at as it was our first time tent camping."

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Showing results 1-10 of 185 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bethlehem, PA

1101 Reviews of 185 Bethlehem Campgrounds



Guide to Bethlehem

Camping near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hickory Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The hiking in the area was gorgeous and pet friendly," making it a great spot for families with furry friends.
  • Fishing: At French Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the lake. A visitor shared, "The scenery was still in full effect," highlighting the beautiful surroundings while you cast your line.
  • Biking: The trails around Tobyhanna State Park Campground are perfect for biking. One camper noted, "We rode our mountain bikes around the 5-mile trail around the lake," which is a fun way to see the area.

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers at Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park appreciate the privacy. One review stated, "I can’t believe how quiet it is here. Our site is wooded and very private."
  • Clean facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Hickory Run State Park Campground said, "The bathroom facilities were clean, the hiking in the area was gorgeous."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campers at Blue Rocks Family Campground love the family-oriented vibe. One guest mentioned, "Very family-oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway in the woods!"

What you should know:

  • Alcohol policies: Some campgrounds, like Hickory Run State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A visitor noted, "If you’re looking for a nice peaceful getaway from the city to quietly enjoy nature... this is not it."
  • Site proximity: Campers at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned that sites can be close together. One review stated, "The sites are spaced pretty well but are not level at all."
  • Seasonal access: Many campgrounds, like Worthington State Forest Campground, are only open from April to December. A camper shared, "If you want to be away from everyone... stay in C27," indicating the need to plan your visit.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Camp Taylor Campground, one family said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A reviewer at Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean and overall a wonderful experience."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, which can help families enjoy peaceful nights. A visitor at Tobyhanna State Park Campground noted, "Quiet hours were strictly enforced, which we appreciated."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site accessibility: Make sure your RV can fit in the designated sites. A camper at French Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The paved parking spot was tight but a short walk down to the spacious fire pit picnic table area."
  • Look for electric hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A reviewer at Hickory Run State Park Campground said, "Mix of electric and non-electric sites."
  • Plan for water access: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups, so be prepared. A visitor at Tobyhanna State Park Campground noted, "No water hookups but a water station is on site."

Camping near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any camping spots with water access near Bethlehem, PA?

Several campgrounds near Bethlehem offer excellent water access options. Tom's Creek Boat In Campsites in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique experience as it's only accessible by canoe or kayak, offering true waterside camping. Nockamixon State Park features cabins near a large lake with boating opportunities. Just a bit further, Colonial Woods Family Resort and Tohickon Family Campground both offer boat-in access options. For those willing to drive about 45 minutes from Bethlehem, Worthington State Forest Campground along the Delaware River provides scenic waterfront sites perfect for fishing, swimming, and paddling adventures.

What are the best campgrounds near Bethlehem, PA?

The Bethlehem area offers excellent camping options within easy reach. Quakerwoods Campground is highly rated for its spacious sites and convenient location close to both the Poconos and Lehigh Valley. Campers appreciate the strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere. For those seeking family-friendly amenities, Mount Pocono Campground offers an active vacation experience with swimming pools (including a toddler pool), an on-site store, and numerous activities. Other quality options include Tohickon Family Campground and Ringing Rocks Family Campground, both offering various amenities near Quakertown. These campgrounds provide good access to Bethlehem while positioning you to explore the wider region.

How much does it cost to rent a camper or RV in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

RV rental prices in the Bethlehem area typically range from $100-300 per night depending on size, amenities, and season. Smaller travel trailers and pop-ups generally cost $100-150 daily, while larger Class C motorhomes range from $150-250. Luxury Class A motorhomes can exceed $300 per night. Many visitors utilize rental platforms like RVshare or Outdoorsy for peer-to-peer rentals, which often provide better value than commercial rental companies. For those with their own RVs seeking overnight parking options, The Home Depot — Allentown South and various Walmart locations in the area offer free overnight parking for self-contained units. Always factor in additional costs like mileage fees, generator usage, and insurance when budgeting.