Kempton, Pennsylvania is surrounded by a variety of camping areas offering accommodations from tent sites to full-service cabins. Blue Rocks Family Campground provides both primitive tent sites and more developed options, with its distinctive glacier rock field making it a unique camping destination. Robin Hill Campground specializes in cabin rentals, while nearby campgrounds like Allentown KOA and French Creek State Park offer everything from RV hookups to glamping yurts. The region includes access to sections of the Appalachian Trail, with several campgrounds positioned to serve as bases for hiking adventures.
Camping seasons in the Kempton area generally run from April through October or early November, with most developed campgrounds closing for winter. Mixed-use campgrounds typically offer both wooded tent sites and open RV areas with varying levels of hookups. Many campgrounds feature terrain that can become challenging after rainfall, with some reviews noting potential site issues. Elevation changes throughout the region create varied camping experiences from riverside locations to more mountainous settings. As one camper noted about Blue Rocks, "Very family oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway in the woods! The access trail to The Pinnacle is a little steep, wouldn't recommend kids under the age of 12 taking that path."
Hiking access represents a significant draw for campers in the Kempton region, with multiple campgrounds offering trail connections. Blue Rocks Family Campground receives particular praise for its proximity to hiking trails and natural features. A visitor mentioned, "There are hiking trails right from the campground to access the Pinnacle, Pulpit rock and Appalachian trail. The boulder field in the campground is great, too." Facilities vary considerably across developed campgrounds, with some offering full amenities including pools, playgrounds, and camp stores, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere. Reviews indicate Robin Hill Campground has experienced management changes affecting quality, with mixed feedback about maintenance and pricing. Water-based recreation appears in several campground descriptions, with fishing ponds and swimming pools available at select locations.
"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."
"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. "
$20 - $43 / night
"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."
"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!!"
$20 - $75 / night
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
"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."
"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"
$20 - $72 / night
"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. "
$20 / night
"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."
$58 / night
"It is set in a rural area surrounded by fields and pastures which makes for a peaceful setting. Roads and campsites are gravel and very easy for RVs of any size to navigate the roads and sites."
"I have a friend nearby, so she came to visit us and bring us dinner."
ScoutThought it was super cool that the owner of the campsite came through to see if anyone needed anything and make sure everything was going okay, I also thought the 5 gallon jug of water was a nice touch. The site was nicely laid out and had a great view of the gorge. Loved that we were back in the trees for a little more privacy. My dogs had a great time as well.
ScoutThe park is very nice however the site H2 was the site assigned to us. The distance between our Coach and the fence was 7 feet and the bathhouse was blocking the view. I do not recommend this site.
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
ScoutA lot of people recommended this campground. We were late to book for Memorial Day weekend and Indian Head had plenty of spots open so we gave it a chance. Upon arriving, they gave us a map to our spot, we drove to the area and it was essentially a big open field with no spots marked, no numbers, no direction to really pull in. We had to ask the owner where our spot was because there was nothing to show where it was in the fielded grass area. I understand they are putting work into the campground to improve it, it seems, but seemed Alittle messy just from the store, entrance and overall upkeep of the campground. Overall, if we had the chance to camp here again, we probably wouldn’t. I would reccomend J&D or Lake Glory that’s in the same area if able to be booked.
Travelerwe loved both of our stays here! it was mine and my partner’s first time camping and we had a great experience. the layout was really nice, and easy to get to. the bathrooms were really close to walk to and VERY clean! the only issue we faced was the closeness of the other campsites. we went during off season and during the week, so it didn’t really affect us but i can see how this place can get crowded and a little noisy during peak season. with all the being said, it was WONDERFUL!! we LOVED the late checkout (3pm) and loved the peaceful atmosphere! i would definitely recommend this place for beginner campers!
TravelerGreat location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
TravelerReally nice views from the sites. Facilities are well equipped and taken care of, but older. Trees between each rv site give a nice level of privacy
The Kempton area sits in Berks County at elevations ranging from 400-900 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for campgrounds. Weather patterns in this region typically include hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching 85°F and moderately cold winters with several inches of snowfall. Many campgrounds near Kempton require reservations at least two weeks in advance during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hiking at Blue Rocks Family Campground: Access the Appalachian Trail and boulder fields directly from campsites. "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!" notes Gayle B.
Swimming at Locust Lake State Park: The park features a lake with designated swimming beach and walking paths. "Nice flat trails on site. Tons to do in the surrounding area, don't just limit yourself to this one park... Really pretty lake and nice stargazing!" remarks Amber A.
Mountain biking at French Creek State Park: Over 40 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels for cyclists. A camper mentioned, "There are three separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets, plus an area for large group camping which can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 60 people."
Paddling at Mauch Chunk Lake Park: Rentals available for kayaks and canoes on the clear water lake. "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," says Lisa S.
Private sites at Hickory Run State Park: Large sites with good spacing between neighbors, especially in wooded areas. "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," shares Bridget D.
Level camping areas: Many campgrounds offer concrete or gravel pads for easier setup. At French Creek, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," according to Jen R.
Clean facilities at Stonybrook RV Resort: Modern bathrooms and well-maintained grounds. "The laundry area and shower rooms are beautiful and clean... meticulously clean and the permanent campers keep their sites so well," notes Cindy.
Lake views at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort: Sites overlooking streams and water features. "The mauch chunk stream runs through the back of the campground. The D&L trail also runs at the back of the campground, giving great bike access to mauch chunk lake," explains Jessica W.
Site conditions after rain: Many campgrounds have drainage issues during wet weather. At Robin Hill Campground, "Sites are swampy if they've had rain! Took us over two hours to disconnect because of mushy, muddy site!" warns Linda F.
Bear awareness required: Food storage regulations at several parks due to active bear populations. At Hickory Run, "Be aware that this area has a high bear population and all campers are required to keep food items in their vehicles or trailers when not at the site."
Varying bathroom quality: Facilities range from rustic pit toilets to modern restrooms with showers. One Allentown KOA visitor noted, "Bathrooms are absolutely horrendous - Really terrible," while at the same campground another person stated, "Bathrooms very clean and stocked with stuff you might need."
Tight sites at some locations: RV sites can be crowded, particularly at private campgrounds. "The RVs were parked so close together that none of us could use our awnings. There was a fifth wheel to our left that could just barely get their slideouts extended," shares a visitor to Jim Thorpe.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature modern play areas for children. "Blue rocks is the best family campground within 5 hours of philadelphia. Hands down. They have everything you need from primitive sites to cabins to rent," states Nick M.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes stock panfish and bass suitable for younger anglers. At Locust Lake State Park, "Some camp sites are along the lake or along the small creek, all are very wooded. They sell ice cream (and firewood, etc.) on site in the summer but it's bring your own boat," explains Dan N.
Scheduled activities: Weekend programming often includes family-friendly events. At Stonybrook, a visitor noted, "There is an arcade, a playground, a heated pool behind the office/store so it's not noisy for campers at their sites."
Weather preparation: Spring and fall bring significant temperature shifts between day and night. "We had a wonderfully relaxing time! It was chilly in the mornings and evenings and warm and sunny during the day. Perfect fall weather," shares Angela from Jim Thorpe.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require extra equipment for leveling. One visitor to Locust Lake noted, "These sites are not travel trailer friendly... Trees were growing up in all the sites that were available and most of the ones without trees in the way were pointing in the wrong direction for backing into and NONE were level."
Entry difficulties at some locations: Access roads can be steep or tight for larger rigs. At Stonybrook RV Resort, "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."
Hookup considerations: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary widely by campground. "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water," reports a French Creek camper.
Seasonal availability: Most Kempton area campgrounds close between November and April. Pine Hill RV Park operates from "Apr 1 - Nov 1," while Hickory Run runs from "2nd Fri April to 3rd Sun October."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at The Grove at Kempton campground?
While specific information about The Grove at Kempton is limited, nearby Robin Hill Campground offers water hookups, restroom facilities, and accommodates larger RVs. For a more amenity-rich experience, Mount Pocono Campground features a large swimming pool, toddler pool, on-site store stocked with camping essentials, and friendly staff. Many campgrounds in the Kempton area provide basic amenities like water access and toilet facilities, with some offering additional recreational features for families.
What outdoor activities can you enjoy near Kempton, PA?
The Kempton area offers excellent hiking opportunities, particularly along the nearby Appalachian Trail. Blue Rocks Family Campground sits just below the AT in an area hikers have nicknamed 'Rocksylvania' due to its distinctive terrain. For water activities, Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides boating and fishing opportunities. The region's rolling hills and countryside make it ideal for scenic drives, mountain biking, bird watching, and wildlife photography, especially in the state parks and nature preserves that dot the landscape around Kempton.
When is the best time of year to camp in Kempton, Pennsylvania?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant camping conditions in Kempton, Pennsylvania. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country is particularly popular during summer months when all amenities are fully operational. Fall brings spectacular foliage, making Hickory Run State Park Campground an excellent choice for autumn camping. Summer provides the warmest temperatures, though campgrounds can be busier. Spring offers wildflowers and fewer crowds but potentially more rain. Winter camping is possible but facilities may be limited, and preparation for cold weather is essential.
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