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 Germansville, PA
14 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Camping options around Germansville, Pennsylvania range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites in the surrounding mountains. The area features several developed facilities including Allentown KOA in nearby New Tripoli and Blue Rocks Family Campground in Lenhartsville, both offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Bake Oven Knob, located on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, provides more primitive camping opportunities for those seeking a more natural experience. Most established campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November.
The camping season in this part of Pennsylvania generally runs from spring through fall, with most facilities closing during winter months. Bake Oven Knob offers year-round access for overnight stays and connects to the Appalachian Trail, making it popular with hikers and those seeking dispersed camping options. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. The terrain throughout the region varies from relatively flat developed campgrounds to rocky mountain areas that may require more preparation. As one visitor noted, "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," referring to the trail at Bake Oven Knob, which serves as both a day hiking area and overnight camping spot.
Campers consistently mention the natural beauty of the area, with its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and various outdoor recreation opportunities. The Blue Mountain ridge provides scenic views and hiking trails that connect to camping areas. Several campgrounds feature amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, particularly at the more developed sites like Allentown KOA. For those seeking a more rustic experience, areas like Bake Oven Knob offer parking lots where visitors can "park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent." Water access is limited at primitive sites, while established campgrounds typically provide full hookups, showers, and other amenities. The region's mix of developed facilities and natural areas accommodates various camping preferences, from family-friendly RV sites to more secluded tent camping experiences.
Best Campgrounds near Germansville (198)
1. 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. "
2. 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."
3. Hickory Run State Park Campground
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"So many beautiful trails and lots to do! We loved everything about this park except the actual campsites. The sites were very close together, and there wasn't a lot of privacy, which sucked for us."
64 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $72 / night
4. 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."
5. Stonybrook RV Resort
"There’s lots of space to walk your dog on leash but no dog park. We had an issue with our surge protector and the manager had an electrician out to us quickly who helped us solve a problem. "
"Our site(F20) is level and beautiful— spacious and beautifully landscaped
- We interacted with 5 members of their staff and all were welcoming and friendly to talk with
- There’s a heated pool behind"
6. 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
7. Robin Hill Campground
"You will get you exercise walking to the pond, pool, capstone or basketball courts. The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill. They also have a Frisbee golf course on site."
"This campground had been let go with poor management for many years, HOWEVER the new management and staff have really turned it around!!"
8. 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
9. Bake Oven Knob
"This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"
"solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby"
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
- 24 min from Allentown, PA
- 45 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr from Lebanon, PA
- 1 hr 9 min from Scranton, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Germansville, PA
497 Photos of 198 Germansville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
KOA Campground New Tripoli
Allentown KOA
Stonybrook RV Resort
Pocono Point
Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort
100 Mile View Campingw
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Jim Thorpe Camping Resort
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Blue Rocks Family Campground
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Tentrr Signature Site - Peaceful by Pigeon Creek
Recent Reviews near Germansville, PA
1165 Reviews of 198 Germansville 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.
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
- 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.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Kathy L.RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
Guide to Germansville
The Germansville area offers camping options in the eastern Pennsylvania foothills, situated between 500-1,200 feet elevation with temperature shifts of up to 15 degrees between valleys and ridges. Campsites range from creek-side spots for swimming and kayaking to wooded areas with mountain access. Water sources vary significantly between primitive and established camping spots near Germansville, Pennsylvania.
What to do
Hiking the Pinnacle Trail: Blue Rocks Family Campground provides direct access to popular hiking routes. "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!" notes Darrien K. Trail connections make this an ideal base camp for hikers.
Boulder field exploration: Hickory Run State Park Campground features a massive boulder field accessible via a scenic stone road. "The boulder field was the highlight of our camping trip. The campground has great playgrounds, several well-marked trails, and functional (if dirty and rustic) restrooms and showers," says Shayna. Plan for a full day to explore this geological formation.
Water recreation: Locust Lake State Park Campground offers multiple water activities. "We did some kayaking and fishing, it was good! The park rangers were very nice and the store had helpful workers," explains Paul J. The lake includes a swimming beach and boat rentals for day use during summer months.
What campers like
Creek access: Campers appreciate waterfront sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. "Our site was for the most part clean... 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. The lake offers fishing and swimming options from spring through fall.
Quiet weekday camping: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort offers a more peaceful experience midweek. "The Only downside is the sites are small, close together, and the site #'s can be a little confusing. But we have stayed here at least 6 times over the last 3 years," states Melissa K. Weekends typically bring higher occupancy and more organized activities.
Clean facilities: Lizard Creek Campground maintains above-average restrooms. "Bathrooms a little dated but were very clean. Staff was friendly, helpful and accommodating," notes Brandon W. Sites along the creek provide natural cooling and water access during summer months.
What you should know
Site conditions vary dramatically: Some campgrounds require advance preparation for rocky terrain. "The tent sites are not very defined, level or rock free. Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site, kinda like roughing it in the actual wild," explains Dave R. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort. Tent campers should bring extra padding or mattresses.
Wildlife awareness: Hickory Run State Park Campground requires food storage precautions. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," reports Jennifer D. All food items must be secured in vehicles or hard-sided containers when not in use.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate April through October. Lizard Creek Campground runs from "Apr 8 - Oct 31" according to their listing. Water systems are typically winterized by November, limiting services during colder months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Stonybrook RV Resort provides recreational options for children. "This place has never come up in any of my searches for a campground but my wife was frantically trying to find a place to stay for Memorial Day weekend. They had one site left that we were lucky enough to grab and I'm glad we did," reports Jonathan F. The property includes a GaGa pit, playground, and heated pool.
Swimming options: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers a pool and activities. "This place really has something for everyone! Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff. The best part was hiking in the boulder field!" writes Gayle B. Check activity schedules when booking as weekend events may be more frequent.
Multiple activity areas: Locust Lake State Park Campground features diverse recreational spaces. "We had 3 families and sites (2 campers & 1 tent) all sites were decent sizes. 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," shares Dawn R. Paved pathways around the lake accommodate bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Robin Hill Campground requires careful site selection. "Our site was way to 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," warns Donna C. Request specific information about site dimensions and leveling needs when booking.
Water and electric services: Allentown KOA offers full hookup options. "We had a nice pull-through site and enjoyed our stay. Nice stream running through camp," notes Craig C. Services include water, sewer, electric, and dump station access, with 50-amp service available at select sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Germansville, PA?
What camping is available near Germansville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Germansville, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 198 campgrounds and RV parks near Germansville, PA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Germansville, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Germansville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Germansville, PA is Allentown KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Germansville, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Germansville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Germansville, PA.
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