Camping spots near Emmaus, Pennsylvania are scattered throughout the rolling hills of the Lehigh Valley where elevations range from 400 to 1,000 feet. The region typically experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s. Winter camping is limited to just a few locations as most campgrounds in this area close from November through March due to freezing temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course popular with both campers and day visitors. "There is a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," notes one visitor who discovered the activity during their stay.
Hiking options: At Blue Rocks Family Campground, hikers can access the Appalachian Trail directly from the property. "Super easy access to Appalachian trail. Trail heads begin inside the campsite," explains a reviewer who appreciated the convenience. The campground sits at the base of The Pinnacle Trail, allowing campers to access panoramic views after a moderate hike.
Water activities: Scotts Run Lake at French Creek State Park offers fishing and non-motorized boating from April through October. Water conditions can vary seasonally, and some visitors note that "we spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site."
What campers like
Natural features: The boulder fields at Blue Rocks Family Campground provide a unique camping environment. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," shares one camper. The campground's name reflects its distinctive terrain that appeals to families with active children who enjoy exploring.
Stream access: Several campgrounds offer sites positioned along small waterways. One reviewer at Tohickon Family Campground enjoyed "being right next to the stream. No fish in sight though. Sites were huge!" The gentle sounds of moving water add to the camping experience while providing a natural play area for children.
Privacy levels: Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park offers different privacy options depending on your preference. Site layout varies significantly between loops, as one camper notes: "We also checked out the other loops for future use and found Loop A to have very spacious, less rocky sites, however, there was little shrubbery between each site, making them less private than the sites in Loop C."
What you should know
Tent site conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging terrain for tent campers. At Tohickon Family Campground, a camper warned that you should "not come if you're in a tent and it has been or will rain. It becomes flooded or turns into a mud pit." Similarly, at Boulder Woods Campground, "tent sites were not marked at all. No real clear boundaries of any of the tent sites."
Seasonal variations: Campground facilities change significantly throughout the season. Most locations open April 1st and close by November 1st, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During shoulder seasons, some amenities may be limited as one visitor discovered: "The pool hours are good they're from 11:00 to 7:00. The cafe is only open on weekends and the store is only open from like 10:00 to 4:00 p.m."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely between campgrounds. At Lake Towhee County Park, "the restrooms were dated and passable; I did not use the shower." Meanwhile, Boulder Woods Campground receives praise for cleanliness: "The bathrooms were nice and clean, showers were nice. There are a few bath houses that make the large camp ground have easy access to the bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Allentown KOA features multiple play areas for different age groups. "Two different playgrounds and a pool that could use some updating. Not much to do in that area or on the campground with kids," reports one family. The campground offers organized activities during peak season to keep children entertained.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We saw beautiful fawns drinking in stream," shares a family who camped at Allentown KOA. The creek that runs through the campground attracts various animals, making it an impromptu nature observation spot.
Entertainment options: Most campgrounds offer weekend activities during summer months. "Blue rocks is the best family campground within 5 hours of philadelphia. Hands down. They have everything you need from primitive sites to cabins to rent," notes an enthusiastic reviewer. Activities typically include hayrides, movie nights, and seasonal celebrations like Halloween weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Ringing Rocks Family Campground has varying site accessibility for larger rigs. "It can be tight getting around with a bigger camper if not experienced," warns one RVer. Many campgrounds in the region have tight turns or low-hanging branches that can challenge larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: French Creek State Park Campground offers limited full-hookup sites that book quickly. Sites with just electric hookups are more readily available, and campers note the convenient water access points: "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water."
Leveling requirements: Boulder Woods Campground has sites requiring significant leveling. "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight," explains a visitor who appreciated the assistance with parking on the uneven terrain.
