Searching for a tent camping spot near Catawissa? Finding a place to camp in Pennsylvania with your tent has never been easier. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
$20 / night
$10 / night
Escape to our quiet, serene, and remote property for a primitive camping experience or camper parking, just 5.5 miles from the historic downtown of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.
Our location offers easy access to the natural wonders of the area, including Lehigh Gorge State Park, Hickory Run State Park, the D & L Rail Trail, and five Carbon County Waterfalls.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there's no shortage of activities nearby, with access to the famous Lehigh River and over a dozen quality trout streams, two public lakes, and numerous scenic overlooks and hiking trails. Carbon County, PA is also one of the top destinations for Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking as well as mountain biking
Experience the tranquility of nature and explore the beauty of the surrounding area during your stay at our peaceful retreat.
$30 - $35 / night
$50 - $75 / night
Pitch your tent along Irish Creek under a canopy of Maples at Mystic Hollow. Irish Creek, which is a stream, is a tributary to the Schuylkill River. Site are a 5 minute walk from main house. The land is flat for walking to the camping area. A slight bit bumpy in a small area. I can manage just fine in flip flops but I did want to provide the information if anyone would be using a wheelchair. There is also a small bridge that goes over a small strip of wetlands. Fire rings are included. Tables can be provided. Just let us know ahead of time. I can haul your gear to your spot with tractor and wagon if needed. I have electric available. There is a port-a-potty close by. Showers and bathrooms are in the main house. Please let us know in advance if you would like to use them. Open fire cooking grills can be provided if needed. I have a sink set up for washing dishes, etc.. The fresh water is from our well located on the property.
We are flexible with check-in and check-out times if we are not at full capacity. Just let us know ahead of time if you want to check in or out earlier or later.
We are 5 minutes from the Schuylkill River. 10 minutes from Ontelaunee Lake. 15 minutes from Blue Marsh. 15 minutes from the Appalacian Trail. Trail heads nearby would be Port Clinton, Hamburg, Bernville, Bethel, Blue Rocks, Kempton… 20 minutes from Hawk Mountain. We are an hour from Jim Thorpe. There are several wineries in the area including Long Trout Winery where wine is cool and hippy chicks rule! My favorite!
Lots of wildlife in the area. Expect to hear owls, blue herring, cows, goats, chickens, horses, hawks, eagles, dogs, racoons and coyotes. There is a good chance of being visited by racoons at night if your food isn't stored away properly. I do have a few coolers if needed. Also, the deer may walk past in the middle of the night as well. We do also get wild turkey during different times of the year.
Hiking, kayaking, tubing, fishing, mountain biking, bike trails, etc… all nearby. Sadly there are no fish in Irish Creek worth catching. The Crayfish are! We have kayaks available for rental for an additional fee. Guided hikes can be scheduled as well for all levels of hikers.
We ask that you observe the PA noise ordinance. We are located down in a hollow and sound travels. Quiet time is 10 PM to 7 AM. That doesn't mean no sound. Just no loud music and rowdiness. Besides, you will scare the deer away.
We ask that you stay on our property and do not wander onto the 2 adjacent farms, including the pond. We have 6 acres total.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions. 420 friendly.
$40 / night
The Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge consists of over 750 acres of varied habitat. The trail system threads through these habitats and provides visitors with approximately 13 miles of hiking trails at present. Loop hikes can easily be planned so that hikers need not retrace their steps. We hope you come out to the Refuge and enjoy the many hiking opportunities. Since 2002 we have been busy, along with our friends from the Allentown Hike Club, creating additional trails to connect to the existing Appalachian and Blue (North) Trails at the top of the mountain and other areas of the Refuge. Today you can come out to the refuge for a peaceful walk along level terrain, challenge yourself on some of the steeper trail sections, or do the Big Hike covering the entire trail system.
Most people begin their visit to the Refuge at the Osprey House, headquarters of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Access to the Refuge is also available from Riverview Road at the western edge of the Refuge or from hiking in on the Appalachian Trail. Three trails meet at Osprey House parking area the Prairie Warbler Loop, D&L and LNE trails.
Traveler
Good Campground to visit the amusement park. Electrical hookup was a bit far from the camper, so bring an extension cord. Good atmosphere will be back, the kids had a blast.
Legend
It's hard to get here with no reservations
LegendI don’t know if the Amish camp, but regardless, if you’d like to experience what it’s like to go camping in Amish country then Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort has you covered. First of all, whenever I see that word ‘resort’ I always wonder – is it really a resort? And, well, while we're on that particular question, what makes a place a resort in the first place? In my estimation, a resort has to have a pool and likely some of those splash pools, probably gated or requires some sort of secure admittance, full of recreation options, is a restful respite and (very probably) features a Tiki Hut or some version of an outdoor bar that is serving up delicious libations. Apart from that very last amenity, this particular RV campground destination ticks most of the boxes.
So, should you be looking for an authentic Quaker environ to enjoy some of the best of what the great Keystone State has to offer, then you might want to give PA Dutch Country RV Resort some consideration, but before you do, you’ll need to secure a membership with Thousand Trails in order to access this, and indeed the other 250 or so other campgrounds this camping conglomerate has throughout the US. The biggest downside to this particular campground is its very close proximity to the PA Turnpike, which while convenient, might detract a bit from the peace & quiet you might be expecting when here at your new-found camping ‘resort.’ That said, as the PA Dutch Country RV Resort rests at a slightly higher elevation than the turnpike, I have to admit, we really didn’t notice much of any noise coming from the highway and what’s more, this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility.
Should you decide to leave ‘the reservation’ for any reason, you’ll be engulfed by the incredibly rich, verdant countryside populated by incredibly rural residents who’s ancestors settled this vast rich farmland a few hundred years ago. Today, the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside (of which my Irish ancestors intermingled with a long time ago) is a combination of rolling hills in a plush countryside punctuated by massive rolled bays of hay in the surrounding fields, covered wooden bridges and the occasional quaint New England well-preserved charming towns that you will be sure to encounter. So, if you have camping on your mind, discovering a spot like PA Dutch Country RV Resort places you in the heart of one of the most picturesque natural landscapes anywhere in the Keystone State.
Should you need directions to this campground, it’s just off Exit 44 of PA Turnpike or Exit 60 & 60A off of I78. Here at PA Dutch Country RV Resort you’ll encounter a destination offering up 267 back-in and pull-through slots with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) for RVs in the midst of a fairly decent wooded surrounding with about 6 tent sites offering 15 amp electric and running water. You will discover that no matter where you look on this property, you will have to contend with sloping land as this campground appears to be situated right on the side of a heavily wooded hill. That said, we didn’t have any problems laying out our campsite that came with the standard-issued picnic table and in-ground fold-up fire ring. Don’t have an RV, 5th Wheeler or Tent? Not a problem, as the good folks here at PA Dutch Country RV Resort will rent you one of their 3 cottages for the night.
As previously mentioned, with the term ‘resort’ there should be a ton of amenities that one conjures up and PA Dutch Country RV Resort does not disappoint with plenty of amenities, inclusive of: 3 fairly massive restroom & shower facilities, Wi-Fi service (at a cost), trading post / camp store, swimming pool, walking paths, clubhouse/ office, playing card room, church service, crafts & arts, family bingo, community library, mini golf course, basketball court, horseshoe pits, kids playgrounds, fire pit, designated picnic & BBQ areas, ranger station, recreation hall, cornhole, basketball court, designated dump stations, water stations, ice for sale, propane refueling station, RV storage, Laundry-O-Mat and pet friendly.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites IMHO are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you’ll have greater privacy and less noise being furthest away from all of the action in the center of this campground resort – these sites include: #C1– C5, #D9– D17 and #E44– E49; (2) Should you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or from the confines of your onboard mini-fridge, while there’s not a ton of restaurants around these parts, there are a few and they are pretty amazing, including favorites Brick Tavern Inn and The West End, McCoole’s @ The Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery; (3) In the event that you need to replenish any of your supplies, rest assured as in nearby Quakertown, there’s a Giant & Aldi’s grocery store as well as a local Target, Walmart, TJMaxx, Kohl’s and Link Beverages to stock up on the 21+ liquid refreshment; (4) Should you be towing your canoe or kayak with you and are eager to get the beak of your waterbird wet, then head on over due east of Quakertown Campground to Nockamixon SP where there’s a sizeable, yet skinny lake just begging for you to navigate it and get some good, hard oaring in; and (5) As a tent camper, while there are only 6 or so spots to choose from, you’ll be happy to know that these are also located on the periphery, with #L1& L2 being southernmost, which I would avoid altogether as this places you too close to the highway) and #T9– T12, which are located northernmost and are the best tent campsites to book.
Happy Camping!
Ranger
Checkin was quick and no fuss. Friendly staff, grounds look well taken care of. The pond is a very nice amenity. Convenient FHU off interstate 81. Reasonably priced.
Guide
5 miles from I-81, quiet and clean! Wait for breakfast at the restaurant
Guide
We stay here once a year. Always a good experience. Our site was very spacious. Close to area attractions. Shuttle bus yo the park and arena.
Scout
Facilities are disgusting and you’re right on top of neighbors. The lake is great so I would just do a day trip. If you want quiet and relaxation don’t come here to camp.
Traveler
Beautiful state park. The campground is clean and well kept. The beach area is clean, there's a big playground on it as well as a concession stand and store (open during the summer). Spots 57 and 18 offer the most privacy. There are spots that have little creek side access but they are closer together. There are showers in the campground too. DCNR patrols it like a hawk though...so beware any visiting cars to your spot must be moved or pay $5. Borderline harassment from the DCNR guy for my friend visiting for an hour. It is a state park so no alcohol if that's your thing. Beautiful hiking trails and bike trails. 10/10 recommend
Scout
We booked this campground because it was waterfront camping. Upon arriving to the site, we saw that it was not in fact waterfront camping. When we talked to the office, they just told us to take the other side, which also was not waterfront like advertised. Luckily, before we decided to check that side out, the owners son told her that someone else was coming to that section, “which they were also confused as to why the camping wasn’t waterfront”. The water that was accessible was a small launch area where other people in the campground hung out at most of the time. The map of the campground they gave us was completely different than the one online. The sites weren’t marked either.
Scout
Why does it cost about the same as renting a cabin out as compared to bringing your own camper make no damn sense .
Traveler
This lake was beautiful! A short walk from the campsite. We had the lake to ourself both evening and morning. $61. No WiFi. Leveling was fine. Verizon service was fine.
ScoutNice quiet sites, good wifi, clean bathrooms, drinking water and power at all sites. Hosts are very friendly
LegendWe stayed at Lakewood Park Campground in Barnesville, PA, for a few days for R&R. And we got it!
THINGS I LIKED:
This place has the best of an old-fashioned campground with a great layout. But it offers modern amenities and utilities in a natural setting.
Family owned and operated by folks who take great pride in offering a really nice place to stay.
About 30-minutes to Jim Thorpe, PA, or Lehigh Valley Zoo.
The place is filled with mature shade trees which offer some protection from the sun and a beautiful setting. But they take great care to remove problem trees and branches from the sites and roads.
Fun activities during our stay included bingo and a food truck.
Our site(#74) was plenty big enough for our 45’ motorhome and Jeep plus lots of room to spread out.
The park is relatively new. Everything is clean and in great working order. All kinds of maintenance was going on throughout each day, and it shows.
I contacted the campground by email after 11pm to inquire about availability to arrive a day early. I sent an email rather than a phone call as I had no expectation of a response until at least the next day. They replied within minutes, adjusted my reservation, sent a revised confirmation email, and didn’t ask for payment until I arrived for check-in. Wow, that’s top-notch service!
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Scout
Traveler
Uunder new ownership & management many upgrades , including updated bathhouse and new friendly staff
GuideWhen we first checked in at the resort, we enjoyed the easy check-in and the location was an easy to get to location. After checking in, we drove all around the campground just to get to our site which is a little out-of-the-way, but it was manageable. Our site was very unlevel, but we made it work. We did like being at the end of the road therefore there was less traffic coming through. we didn’t have a neighbor who had a lot more tents than they were supposed to have on their site and they were slowly encroaching on our site. We loved how our kids were able to walk to the playground and play every day before our outings. The campground had two pools and a child’s pool the pools seemed to be slightly under maintained the last day. It had a weird smell, which I believe the chlorine levels were not correct. However, we still enjoyed our time here and went to the pool almost every day at the end of the day off. It was one of the hottest days of the year. I feel like we still had a great time and enjoyed the camp. The trolley was a great addition to getting to and from the Hershey attractions
ScoutThis RV camping spot has been my least liked place we have ever stayed.we stayed in a RV site so I can only speak to that and not cabins. The ONLY good thing this RV park has going is the Hersey park bus that runs all day back and forth. Even though the bus is very loud and drives very close to the sites, so it is a constant disturbance too if your looking for some calm and quietness. This is not the right RV park if you want quite!
These RV sites are the tightest I have ever seen. So tight that the people next to you using a picnic table or fire ring are 3-4 feet from your camper. We didn’t even use our fire pit and table because it felt so incredibly close to our neighbor. Inside our camper I could hear every word of the people next to us who were using their fire ring, it was directly outside my bedroom slide. I saw several people including us being asked to move trucks just so you can get into position to hook up and pull out of your spot!
And the sites are dirty! Littered with cigarette butts, trash, old rusty batteries! This place looks and feels like a dirty trailer park! There were several sites that looked like the campers had been living there a long time, clothes lines strung up from trees, cluttered mess of personal belongings. We will never stay here again after experiencing it. The website does not show the true picture!!
Guide
This is a first come first serve campground in terms of picking sites. I made a reservation months in advance, but it only guaranteed me a site. By the time I arrived all the full hookups were taken and I was stuck with a water and electric which is the same price as full hookup apparently. I did manage to find a nice spot which had no other sites on either side. It has plenty of grass and the hookups were close. It’s a very large campground, but the pool was clean and nice. They offer tons of activities too on the weekends at least. We stayed here for chocolate world and it was about a 20 minute drive to there. The only negative was the first come First serve for sites and paying the same as a full hookup site.
Scout
Sad place multiple no functional area basketball court with no balls, floating ride "missing parts" no coffee at the store, no milk either, some staff nasty and rude. No cable no wifi this place has extra fees and charges for everything river front is tiny slippery maybe 8ft wide walk. Pictures are a stretch from reality.
Scout
First the good: Big, level sites Nice camp host Great prices
Now the bad: The road coming in is ROUGH, if you towing or driving a MH, be prepared. The grounds are unkept, no mowing, weeds as tall as I am. So. Many. Rules! I understand rules are necessary and I always abide, but to tell me where and how I can park my personal vehicle WITHIN MY SITE because“they are busy now”(with more than half the sites empty).
Not staying here again.
RangerI cancelled a reservation at Tuckahoe SP due to traffic over the Bay Bridge. I wanted to find something close enough to home, but far away from the hustle and bustle of our suburban lives. This fit the bill. There are 10 sites….some are occupied by seasonal guests. It was very quiet and peaceful! The site was large and there wasn’t a lot of people. You can swim in the lake if you wish or rent boats/canoes for the day. Our water pressure wasn’t great, however not sure if it’s the campground or us as hubby found a possible issue with our hookup. Bring quarters if you are going to use the showers….25 cent a minute. Great way to get away and close enough to our home. We will for SURE be back!
Scout
Wonderful eastern views of the valley below. Paved road and hard packed gravel for a short distance to get to the camp site. We made it up there no problem motorcycles.
Guide
Beautiful camp ground! Very family oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway in the woods! The access trail to The Pinnacle is a little steep, wouldn’t recommend kids under the age of 12 taking that path.
Traveler
I really enjoy this app. It was really helpful when we visit Arizona, and of course my local area. I recommended to the beginner camper or to the Pro campers.
Guide
This was a very nice family campground with a fair number of seasonal campers.
There are a few breweries in the area and at least one distillery. We had full hookups a picnic table and a fire ring. The bathrooms were clean, but old and there are a couple of "cabins" on the property. They are wooden sheds with varying levels of accommodation.
GuideThousand Trails Hershey is huge! Sites were first come, first served which was a little weird for us but wasn’t a problem. Sites came with full hook ups, picnic table and fire pit. The bathhouse was clean, but the water was the kind that you had to push and hold the lever in order for the water to run. Doing this during a shower is pretty inconvenient. The park has a ton of amenities that I imagine are great for long termers, but for us being a. Quick stay, we often pick places on having the convenience of a bathroom and when that’s not convenient 🤷🏻♀️. Also, upon check in you are given several pieces of paper explaining all of the rules which I found a little much and just not necessary. Overall, it was a clean and picturesque campground.
recs: 🍫 Hershey- Chocolate World (just the store!) 🍺 Tröegs Brewery
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
Camping near Catawissa, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Catawissa, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Catawissa, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Catawissa, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Catawissa, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Catawissa, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
