R
Russell A.
Scout
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Camping near Emmaus, PA
11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Eastern Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley surrounding Emmaus features a mix of established campgrounds and state parks within a 30-mile radius. Quakerwoods Campground in nearby Quakertown operates from April through October, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with amenities like showers and a camp store. Nockamixon State Park Cabins provides a more rustic experience with cabin accommodations and water access. French Creek State Park Campground, open year-round, stands out with its 200 individual sites across four loops, including options for tent camping, RVs, and specialty lodging like yurts and cottages. Blue Rocks Family Campground near Lenhartsville features proximity to the Appalachian Trail with designated areas for both tent and RV camping. The Emmaus area offers diverse camping options for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, from family-friendly campgrounds with full amenities to more secluded campsites in natural settings.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations during peak season from late spring through early fall. The typical camping season runs April through October, though French Creek remains open year-round. Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, as spring rainfall can create muddy sites at some locations. As one visitor to French Creek noted, "Sites in the 180s along Locust Creek were severely flooded due to the downgrade of the loop, even after two full days of sunshine." Pet policies vary significantly between campgrounds and even between loops within the same park. French Creek's Loop C is the only dog-friendly electric loop, while other areas restrict pets entirely. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the rolling terrain near the Appalachian Trail.
Waterfront access represents a highlight at several campgrounds, with fishing opportunities at lakes and streams throughout the region. A reviewer at Lake Towhee County Park mentioned that while the lake is separate from the campground, "there is a sort of path from site 13" providing limited access. Family-friendly amenities receive consistent praise, particularly at Allentown KOA, which one camper described as "nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania" with "a pool, a store, a game room" and seasonal activities. Tent campers sometimes report feeling marginalized at more RV-oriented sites. One tent camper complained about a campground being "too bright at night because they leave the street lamps on all night" and noted that "tents are set up by the road on the outskirts of the camp." Site privacy varies considerably, with state park campgrounds generally offering more natural screening between sites.
Best Campgrounds near Emmaus (184)
1. Quakerwoods Campground
"Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting"
"If you find yourself careening around the picturesque country roads here in Bucks County you will discover Quakerwoods Campground (named of course after the previous tri-cornered hat-donning Quaker residents"
2. Allentown KOA
"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. "
3. Tohickon Family Campground
"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."
"Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!!"
4. French Creek State Park Campground
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $75 / night
5. Boulder Woods Campground
"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."
6. Nockamixon State Park Cabins
"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."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $70 - $92 / night
7. Blue Rocks Family Campground
"According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
8. Ringing Rocks Family Campground
"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."
9. Colonial Woods Family Resort
"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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $52 / night
10. Lake Towhee County Park
"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!"
Drive Time
- 13 min from Allentown, PA
- 44 min from Reading, PA
- 50 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 55 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Camping Photos near Emmaus, PA
436 Photos of 184 Emmaus Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Quakerwoods Campground
Boulder Woods Campground
Tohickon Family Campground
Allentown KOA
KOA Campground New Tripoli
Little Red Barn Campground
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
Ringing Rocks Family Campgroundk
Evergreen Lake Campground
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Stonybrook RV Resort
Recent Reviews near Emmaus, PA
1110 Reviews of 184 Emmaus Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Peggy C.
TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Roger V.TravelerBake Oven Knob
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideBeacon Hill Camping
Great location
We stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
Guide to Emmaus
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Emmaus, PA?
What camping is available near Emmaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Emmaus, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 184 campgrounds and RV parks near Emmaus, PA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Emmaus, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Emmaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Emmaus, PA is Quakerwoods Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Emmaus, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Emmaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Emmaus, PA.
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