Tent campsites near Cambra, Pennsylvania offer experiences ranging from riverside camping along the Susquehanna to secluded forest sites in Loyalsock State Forest. The region sits within the Appalachian Mountain range with elevations between 500-2,000 feet, creating varied camping terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall camping requires warmer gear for overnight lows that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Water activities at lakeside sites: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides multiple water-based recreation options. As one camper notes, "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" The park offers kayak and canoe rentals directly from the campground for those without their own equipment.
Rafting adventures: Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center combines camping with whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River. A visitor shared, "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing." The center provides guided rafting trips suitable for beginners to experienced rafters, with trips running May through October.
Hiking trails: Loyalsock State Forest offers multiple hiking options with trails of varying difficulty. Ravensburg State Park features "the 1000 step trail" which one camper called "fun!" The park also has shorter nature trails along the creek with swimming holes deep enough for cooling off during summer months.
What campers like
Lakefront camping spots: Campers consistently praise waterfront sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. One visitor mentioned, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm." These waterfront sites allow for direct access to the water for paddleboarding and swimming.
Private tent spaces: Ravensburg State Park Campground receives high marks for site privacy. A camper noted, "There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private." The campground features raised tent pads at most sites, creating level sleeping platforms.
Group-friendly options: Several campgrounds accommodate larger groups well. One camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park shared, "I've stayed here a couple times with groups. 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."
What you should know
Limited availability at primitive sites: Slab Run Road Campsite and other Loyalsock State Forest primitive sites have very limited facilities. These sites typically have no toilets, drinking water, or trash collection, requiring true self-sufficiency.
Road noise considerations: Some tent sites at Ravensburg State Park experience road noise. A camper mentioned, "The campgrounds are close to the road and therefore are loud at night occasionally." Consider requesting sites further from the main road when self-registering.
Variable ground conditions: Several tent campsites in the region have challenging ground surfaces. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, a camper observed, "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters." Bringing additional sleeping pads can significantly improve comfort.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Scrub Mountain Retreat provides comfortable tent camping with basic amenities that work well for families new to camping. The campground has only two sites, offering a more controlled environment for first-time campers.
Water recreation access: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers family-friendly water activities. A visitor shared, "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming." The swimming beach has designated areas with varying depths suitable for different age groups.
Campground activities: Some campgrounds provide built-in entertainment options. One camper at Whitewater Challengers noted they had "Bands throughout the night with beer and food," while another visitor to Mauch Chunk mentioned "Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Riverside Acres Campground offers different hookup options depending on site location. A camper explained, "Second row has water/electric, shade trees and lawn frontage... Inland row has sewer hook ups and the bath house." Call ahead to confirm specific hookup needs.
Access challenges: Several campgrounds in the region have difficult access roads. When visiting Ravensburg State Park, one camper warned, "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times." Larger RVs should verify access before attempting these roads, especially during wet conditions.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds with RV amenities operate on limited seasonal schedules. Ravensburg State Park specifically runs "1st Fri May to last Sun September," making advance planning essential for shoulder season camping.
