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 Freeland, PA
23 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds near Freeland, Pennsylvania range from tent sites and full-service RV hookups to cabins and glamping, spread across both state parks and private facilities. Hickory Run State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles southeast of Freeland, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Other notable options include Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, and Mauch Chunk Lake Park, all offering developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region supports traditional tent camping, full-service RV sites, and cabin rentals across both public and private camping areas.
Seasonal operations significantly influence availability, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Hickory Run State Park operates from the second Friday in April to the third Sunday in October, while Jim Thorpe Camping Resort runs from April 1 to October 31. Several facilities like Ricketts Glen State Park and Tuscarora State Park remain open year-round, offering camping options during winter months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Most developed campgrounds offer electric hookups, but amenities vary considerably between locations. A visitor noted: "We stayed here in November (during hunting season) and there were several groups of hunters camping in quaint little RVs. While most of the campground and its amenities were closed for the season, the restrooms remained open and well kept."
Campers consistently praise the natural attractions surrounding the campgrounds, particularly the unique Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park. This geological formation serves as a major draw for visitors seeking day hikes from their campsites. Waterfront camping opportunities exist at several locations, including Mauch Chunk Lake Park and Locust Lake State Park Campground, where swimming and fishing are accessible from camp. Site privacy varies considerably across the region's campgrounds. As described in feedback on The Dyrt: "The sites were a nice size and were well shaded. The campground was quiet and peaceful. We saw deer daily." Bathroom cleanliness and maintenance appear in multiple reviews as potential concerns, though most facilities maintain adequate facilities. Several camping areas accommodate pets with specific restrictions, and many offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets as standard amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Freeland (191)
1. Hickory Run State Park Campground
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. "
64 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $72 / night
2. Jim Thorpe Camping Resort
"Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site, kinda like roughing it in the actual wild... so not really a complaint. Sites are not very private or secluded."
"The sites were fine and I liked the location. Next to the creek where you can fish trout (don’t forget to buy a license). About 3 miles stroll along the creek to Jim Thorpe."
3. Locust Lake State Park Campground
"We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."
"Had a site close to the lake. Many sites (including mine) were not level. The sites sizes were a bit small and i would book during peak season. I would definitely return again off season."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $43 / night
4. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
"Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
"Beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals. There’s much to explore in the town Jim Thorpe and beautiful hiking close by."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
5. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
"The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"
"Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."
9 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $15 - $92 / night
6. Moyers Grove Campground
"The campsites were clean, adequately spaced and many positioned along side a creek. The bathhouse (hooray) was great. Recently renovated, they were extremely, clean and dry."
"There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes. It was too cool to use the pool while we were visiting but it was clean and well cared-for. "
7. Tuscarora State Park Campground
"Good hiking trails were just a short walk away from our campsite. Would definitely go back again."
"No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc. Each yurt has a huge deck, 2 picnic tables and fire pit."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $49 - $90 / night
8. Lehigh Gorge Campground
"Bathrooms were close by and as clean as you can expect when camping. I’d certainly go back."
"We are in a transient site which doesn't have much shade and it is close to the main road (although separated by some trees and brush). The campers and campground are very quiet. "
9. Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
10. 100 Mile View Camping
"Paved road and hard packed gravel for a short distance to get to the camp site. We made it up there no problem motorcycles."
"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"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $40 - $50 / night
Drive Time
- 39 min from Scranton, PA
- 1 hr from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 20 min from Lebanon, PA
- 1 hr 20 min from Reading, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Freeland, PA
436 Photos of 191 Freeland Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Lehigh Gorge Campground
Hickory Run State Park CampgroundB
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Jim Thorpe Camping Resort
100 Mile View Campingw
Tuscarora State Park Campground
Pocono Point
Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort
Moon Lake Recreation Area Campground — Pinchot State ForestJ
Stonybrook RV Resort
Recent Reviews near Freeland, PA
977 Reviews of 191 Freeland 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.
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.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
Roger V.
TravelerBake Oven Knob
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
Troy P.TravelerShikellamy State Park Campground
meh
i mean meh with the most enthusiasm as you can live your entire life & be oki not going here. the trails are small & the overlook is fenced high for falls. it’s about as much scenery as going for a walk deer hunting. it’s beginner friendly if anyone wants to start getting into parks but i feel there’s more focus on pavilions & playgrounds than calling it a state park. for anything boating or canoeing on the river it’s a good place to be but your in town so it take it for what it is
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Big sites with lots of trees
We only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
Guide to Freeland
Camping sites near Freeland, Pennsylvania sit in the ridge and valley region of eastern Pennsylvania at elevations between 1,000 and 1,800 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures reaching the mid-80s and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most camping facilities close during winter months, though select locations maintain year-round availability for those prepared for cold-weather camping.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: At Hickory Run State Park Campground, visitors can hike to the unique geological formation spanning 16.5 acres. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields. Also lots of spiders," notes a camper.
Waterfall hikes: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers trails with varying difficulty levels to view 22 named waterfalls. "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike."
Whitewater rafting: Located near camping facilities, the Lehigh River provides rafting opportunities. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing. The campground is definitely great for Girl Scout or school groups, but if you are looking for a peaceful campground look elsewhere."
What campers like
Quiet, wooded settings: Many campgrounds provide secluded sites with natural buffers. At Moyers Grove Campground, visitors appreciate the peaceful environment: "We enjoyed our weekend stay at Moyer's Grove. The sites were a nice size and were well shaded. The campground was quiet and peaceful. We saw deer daily."
Swimming access: Several campgrounds feature lakes with designated swimming areas. Locust Lake State Park Campground offers water recreation options: "I went there with my son and a friend. We did some kayaking and fishing, it was good! We went in July, and it did rain some. We had a tent and it wasn't too bad."
Fall foliage: The region is known for vibrant autumn colors, making it popular for fall camping. "Hooting owls and fall foliage. This was a very peaceful night in the woods. The office staff was helpful with info about the camp and surrounding area. The bathroom and showers were clean and adequate."
What you should know
Site spacing varies dramatically: Some campgrounds have tightly packed sites while others offer more privacy. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, campers note: "This place was pretty nice. The bath houses were really clean. The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is cause the spots were a little tight."
Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have limited or no cellular connectivity. "Be advised that there was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. (Verizon did have some service.) Also, there is no cable and our antennae was unable to pick up any TV channels."
Water sources: Campers should verify water availability before arrival. "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers child-friendly amenities: "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children."
Beach activities: Several parks feature swimming beaches with amenities for children. "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
Educational opportunities: State parks often provide nature programs and exhibits. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. "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. After that... we had the best time!!"
Limited RV amenities: Tuscarora State Park Campground offers alternative accommodations for those seeking comfort without an RV. "The cabins and yurts have electricity and running water. They are great if you want the outdoor experience while getting the option of a bed."
Tight access roads: Several camping areas have narrow access roads that can challenge larger rigs. "We arrived with high hopes and it went downhill from there. Our site was way too small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time. We were always looking for a place to park our tow because we had no extra space in front or back."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Freeland, PA?
What camping is available near Freeland, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Freeland, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 191 campgrounds and RV parks near Freeland, PA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Freeland, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Freeland, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Freeland, PA is Hickory Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 62 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Freeland, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Freeland, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Freeland, PA.
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