Eastern Pennsylvania offers varied camping environments from dense woodlands to historic properties near Fogelsville. The region sits within the Great Appalachian Valley with elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet, creating distinct microclimates. Summers typically see daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s°F with cooling evening temperatures ideal for campfires, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: 3-mile hike at Hickory Run State Park Campground features a unique geological formation. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes one camper. The field requires sturdy footwear as gaps between rocks can be ankle-traps.
Disc golf: 18-hole course at Boulder Woods Campground offers a challenging wooded experience. "The camp ground has a very large golf disc course and they seem to have tournaments. They sell disc golf things in the store as well," writes a reviewer. Staff provide rental equipment for beginners, with discs available at the camp store.
Creek fishing: Easy access spots at several campgrounds offer relaxed angling opportunities. "Our spot backed up right to a creek and it was beautiful," notes an Allentown KOA visitor. Wildlife sightings are common around these water features, particularly in early morning when activity increases.
What campers like
Level campsites with concrete pads: Make setup easier at multiple locations. One camper at French Creek State Park Campground commented, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other." This feature is particularly valuable after rain when muddy conditions challenge tent campers.
Clean, modern bathhouses: Vary significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," notes another French Creek visitor. Some facilities include dedicated dish washing stations with hot water, while others provide only basic amenities.
Wooded privacy between sites: Creates natural separation at many campgrounds. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, sites blend into the natural environment. "Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff. The best part was hiking in the boulder field!" mentions one guest. Site privacy levels vary significantly by loop and campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most glamping near Fogelsville operates April through October. One Jim Thorpe Camping Resort visitor observed, "Very family friendly and the staff are so nice. Very nice grounds and a lot to do for families." Limited winter options exist for cold-weather glamping enthusiasts.
Bear activity awareness: Required food storage practices apply at several parks. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," notes a Hickory Run visitor. At high-risk locations, all food items must be secured in vehicles or hard-sided campers when not in use.
Site leveling challenges: Affect both tent and RV campers at some locations. "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right," explains one Jim Thorpe camper. Bringing leveling blocks and extra stabilization equipment is advised, particularly for larger rigs.
Muddy conditions after rain: Create accessibility problems, especially for tent campers. A visitor to Tohickon Family Campground warned, "Don't come if you're in a tent and it has been or will rain. It becomes flooded or turns into a mud pit." Planning for adequate ground tarps and selecting elevated sites helps mitigate these issues.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options vary widely: From basic swings to elaborate play structures. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, "our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time. Primitive but fun!" reports one parent. Many campgrounds supplement playground equipment with natural play areas.
Scheduled activities enhance stays: Particularly on weekends and holidays. "This is a great campground. Bill and Kate are friendly and helpful. They have so much to do for kids!!" explains a Boulder Woods visitor. Activity calendars typically include crafts, games, movies, and seasonal celebrations.
Kid-friendly hiking trails: Offer varied difficulty levels. "There are two large showers as well with very warm water. I was able to shower with my infant daughter and had no issues with trying to maneuver around while holding her," shares a French Creek camper discussing family-friendly facilities. Trails marked "easy" generally accommodate strollers, while others require child carriers.
Tips for RVers
Entrance challenges at some locations: Require careful navigation with larger rigs. At Stonybrook RV Resort, a camper noted: "Just one thing—the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn't easy in a 45' motorhome towing a Jeep." Calling ahead for specific routing advice benefits drivers of large combination vehicles.
Full hookup availability varies: Some sites offer premium connections at higher rates. "The site was nice and level side to side. Their pool looked very nice although we did not use it," shares a Stonybrook visitor. Water pressure and electrical capacity differences exist between campgrounds, with 30-amp service more common than 50-amp.
Dump station access: Important consideration when booking partial hookup sites. "They allow to dump and fill fresh water for a small $10 which is quite nice. Was quick and convenient," explains an Allentown KOA reviewer. Off-season campers should verify dump station operation as some facilities winterize early.
