The Pocono Mountains region surrounding New Ringgold sits at elevations between 400-1,600 feet, creating varied microclimates throughout the area. Seasonal temperature variations can be dramatic, with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter lows frequently dipping below freezing. Camping facilities remain accessible from April through November, with most glamping accommodations winterized by late October.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers unique access to a distinctive natural feature. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time. primitive but fun!" shares Terri S. The glacial boulder field provides a natural playground for adventurous campers.
Trail access from campsites: At Hickory Run State Park Campground, 44 miles of trails range from easy to difficult ratings. "This is a huge frisbee golf course. the inner loops have nice bathrooms. Hike to the waterfall, it is beautiful," notes Sarah L. The park's trail system accommodates various skill levels for day hiking.
Water recreation options: Paddle sports are popular at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, where some sites directly border the water. "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 to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away," explains Emma T.
What campers like
Private sites: Campers appreciate the layout at French Creek State Park Campground. "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers. Some bathrooms are latrines, but they also have beautiful, fully updated showers and restrooms available," notes Bridget D. This park balances privacy with access to modern facilities.
Proximity to local attractions: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort's location serves as a convenient base for regional exploration. "On the surface the campground is average. The secret it packs is the great town in which it shares its name. You are 5 minutes from the wonderful town of Jim Thrope," explains Dave R. A major advantage is "access to the Switchback Trail from the campground. A wonderfully scenic trail."
Seasonal activities: Winter glamping near New Ringgold provides a different experience. "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow," writes Jamie S. about Stonybrook RV Resort. The off-season period offers a quieter atmosphere for those seeking solitude.
What you should know
Campsite conditions vary: Not all sites offer the same amenities or terrain. At Allentown KOA, "The gravel site was level, so I didn't even have to unhook from my truck," notes Corby M. However, site quality can differ across campgrounds, with some requiring more preparation.
Noise levels: Busy weekends bring more activity. "Our site was for the most part clean, the fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived. We were staying at the same site, Friday and Saturday nights. It's a busy place, a lot of weekenders with excited kiddos," reports Corbin about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Pet policies differ: Always verify pet rules before booking. "Pets are NOT allowed" at some locations despite online information suggesting otherwise, as Blythe A. warns about Mauch Chunk Lake Park. Conversely, French Creek State Park has a dedicated pet-friendly loop where "all of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campground amenities: Children enjoy dedicated facilities at Blue Rocks Family Campground. "This place really has something for everyone! Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff," notes Gayle B. The recreational options keep younger visitors engaged.
Consider accessibility and layout: At Knoebels Campground, families appreciate the conveniences. "We were right next to the bath house, which was great for being able to send our 6 year-old by herself," shares Jen V., though she cautions that "people walking right through our campsite to get to the bathroom" can be an issue due to the layout.
Evaluate seasonal timing: School calendar impacts crowd levels. "We arrived on a Thursday night, and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. We were out and about during the day on Friday, and when we came back in the evening, it was packed," reports Jen V. about Knoebels Campground. Weekday arrivals often provide a quieter initial experience.
Tips from RVers
Consider site leveling needs: Mountain Springs Camping Resort presents challenges for some setups. "Our campsite was very large and spacious with a lot of shade which was really nice. However the campsite was barely cleaned up from the last campers," reports Melissa Y. The campground's varying topography requires preparation for leveling equipment.
Entrance accessibility: Access points may require careful navigation. "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," reports Matt S. about Stonybrook RV Resort, an important consideration for larger rigs.
Utility connections: Hookup availability differs between locations. French Creek State Park offers "200 individual sites in four loops, some with full hookups for RVs, some with electric only but mostly primitive sites." Visitors should confirm their specific needs when booking, as power options range from none to 50-amp service depending on the campground.
