Hickory Run State Park Campground and nearby glamping destinations in Freeland, Pennsylvania sit within the larger 15,990-acre park that features terrain shaped by glacial deposits. The region maintains average summer temperatures between 70-80°F, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration from late spring through early fall. Winter camping options remain available at select sites, though temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Boulder Field exploration: 3-mile trail access at Hickory Run State Park Campground leads to this natural phenomenon. Visitor Mike M. notes, "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown."
Mountain biking descent: 800-foot vertical drop available at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort. "If you choose adventure this is the place for you, ride the ski lifts up to the top of the mountain then you get to bike down it, they have rental bikes available or bring your own," reports camper Lois.
Disc golf course: 18 holes set throughout the Blue Mountain property. The course features both wooded and open terrain sections, making it suitable for various skill levels. Rosanna C. mentions, "There were endless activities from hiking to mountain biking. We visited in fall so we had the entire place to ourselves."
Waterfall hiking: 44 miles of trails ranked by difficulty level. Shirley M. explains, "We hiked both with your 2 large dogs. Both of these trails had a creek and waterfalls. We found the 2 trails we hiked - Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails - where were rated 'more difficult' were not bad to hike at all."
What campers like
Spacious, lakefront sites: direct water access at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. According to Lisa S., "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
Wildlife viewing: black bear sightings common in the Tobyhanna area. Erik M. reports, "As soon as we got to our site one came right up as we were setting up our tent. Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car." Follow park guidance on food storage.
Updated shower facilities: recently renovated at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. Though bathroom facilities may be limited during peak season, they remain well-maintained. One visitor noted, "The bathhouse was clean but not adequate for 73 sites. The campground was about ¾ full and there was often a wait in the bathroom."
Camp store convenience: well-stocked supplies for last-minute needs. Bridget D. observes, "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay."
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: strict food storage rules enforced throughout the region. Jennifer D. cautions, "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings." Park rangers recommend storing all food in vehicles when not actively cooking or eating.
Water quality varies: potable water limitations at some parks. Lee D. notes at Ricketts Glen, "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth."
Alcohol restrictions: prohibited at state parks but permitted at private campgrounds. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, alcohol is allowed, while state parks like Tobyhanna strictly forbid it. One visitor reported, "Alcohol is strictly forbidden– we were warned that if a ranger saw any alcohol outside of our vehicle, we would be cited."
Cell service limitations: connectivity gaps exist throughout the region. The Tuscarora State Forest area has particularly limited coverage. According to Zoltan P., "No cell service at all unless you drive up to the top of the mountain."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: multiple facilities available for different age groups. Jennifer D. mentions about Hickory Run, "Not much of a playground. All in all a pretty Park," while Erik M. notes that Tobyhanna has "a little play area in the camping area. There was plenty more at the swimming area."
Beach swimming options: lifeguarded areas at select parks during summer months. Emma T. shares her experience at Mauch Chunk Lake Park: "We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off."
Educational opportunities: visitor centers provide interactive exhibits. One camper noted about Tobyhanna, "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park."
Pet restrictions: varies by location with some campgrounds limiting animal access. Blythe A. points out, "This is listed as pet friendly on thedyrt.com but if you go to the park's website, pets are not allowed" at Mauch Chunk, so verify before booking.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: bring blocks to most area campgrounds. Angie G. notes about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "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."
Full hookup availability: premium sites limited at state parks but more common at private resorts. Matt S. describes his experience at Stonybrook RV Resort: "We paid $150 per night total for a FHU 50 Amp Premium Back-in site (#F20). The concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table and chairs made a great setup."
Access road challenges: steep entry points at several area campgrounds. Matt S. warns, "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."
Winter accessibility: year-round options available for cold-weather glamping in Freeland. Jamie S. shared about Stonybrook, "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow."
