24 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several tent campgrounds dot the terrain near Hazleton, Pennsylvania, particularly along ridgelines and waterways. Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers tent campsites in a wooded setting with lake access, while multiple primitive tent sites can be found along the Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Gap. The Lehigh River corridor provides additional options for tent campers seeking sites with water access, including Riverview Park Campground which features designated tent-only areas.
Most primitive tent sites require hikers to pack in their own water, especially along the Appalachian Trail ridge where no water sources exist at the campsites themselves. Walk-in tent sites typically feature stone fire rings and cleared areas for tent placement, though many have uneven ground with rocks and tree roots that may require careful tent positioning. The AT Ridge Campground and AT Overlook sites near Lehigh Gap offer free primitive camping with fire rings but no amenities such as picnic tables, drinking water, or toilet facilities. Sites along the river at Riverview Park provide more developed infrastructure with picnic tables, trash collection, and toilet facilities for tent campers.
The tent camping experience varies significantly depending on location, with ridge sites offering expansive views and river sites providing water access. Tent campers at AT Ridge Campground enjoy camping amid fern fields with views from both sides of the ridge, while sites along the Lehigh River offer convenient water access for paddlers. Pine forest areas near Lehigh Gap provide natural padding and weather protection for tent campers. A camper described the AT Ridge site as "a very peaceful experience as you can hear the wind blowing through the trees while watching the ferns sway back and forth." Tent sites at Riverview Park Campground are positioned directly along the Lehigh River, making them ideal for paddlers looking to camp before or after river adventures.
"Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone."
"Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
from $20 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $35 / night
"The only downside was my sleeping pad sprung a leak, so it wasn't the best night's sleep. But the site itself was great and I would camp there again."
"A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area."
"You can set up your tent to have a view of the valley right from your door and the space is flat, dry, and not too rocky."
"The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit. They also have a bathroom facility up alongside the road."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"This site is really 2 separate sites that are a short ways apart along the trail. They are both excellent spots to set up a tent if you plan on camping up on the ridge."
"A single-level open-sided AT shelter near the Lehigh Gap trailhead. The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers."
"This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire."
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"The only drawback is no alcohol allowed, but most State Parks are like that I think. All photos below are taken from my site."
from $24 - $53 / night
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TravelerOnly 3 sites along this stretch of road, and they're spaced nicely. Lots of tree cover for a nice shady camping spot. Tons of wild life, expect the bear to wander through camp. By far one of my favorite camping spots!
No electric, no water, no dump site, no shower, Vault toilets in walking distance.
LegendTucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
LegendPretty campground with lots of lake views. We arrived just before dark which was good because the sites were not level front to back. Most sites had a slope but there were some level sites. You can kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish on the lake. There are 2 boat launches. The store wasn’t much to speak of. Bath houses were clean. We walked around the lake on a paved level path. They advertise no alcohol. This is near the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine tour which we loved. It’s near the Yingling Brewery tour.
ScoutMy dog and I stayed for 2 nights in the rustic tenting area. We were the only campers Wednesday & Thursday. The family camp area features spaces (small areas for either RV campers or tents and cars) with a picnic table and fire ring and water (some have electricity). They also have shared facilities such as bathrooms and showers. However, they seemed a little too cramped fir me and I wasn’t looking for opportunities to socialize, so the remote tent site was my choice. The tent sites do not have water or electric, but do have picnic tables, a fire ring and share one large outhouse with clean pit toilets. There are 5 sites and they can accommodate (shared) multiple tent set ups. Also you need to park your vehicle in a designated lot which is very close to the sites. There are multiple easy hiking and biking trails that are well marked. A lake for fishing and a small sandy beach with a picnic area for families (unfortunately no dogs are allowed on the beach). There are 2 boat launch areas (one for the campers, and another for gen. public) which also has a boat rental business (dogs are allowed). There are black bears in the park so do not leave food out and dispose of all trash in the appropriate dumpsters.
ScoutBig sites with 30 amp service available for RVs and trailers. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with an adjustable grate. The pull-through sites don’t offer much in the way of privacy, but that’s the trade off for convenience. There are two potable water spigots in the campground. The bathhouse offers warm showers, 2 dishwashing sinks, and a coin-operated washer and dryer. The facilities are kept very clean. On the weekends it can get pretty crowded, so it tends to be louder at night then, but the camp hosts and the rangers do a good job of enforcing quiet hours. Access points to several trails are very near the campground. As with all PA state parks, alcohol is prohibited. The park doesn’t have a camp store, however, there is a small general store on Route 390 (The Lake Store) just north of the park that would have any essentials you may have forgotten, as well as ice for your cooler.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
GuidePros: -beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked.
Cons: -chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad! -has a beach but it's not much to look at -sites have nice sizable fire pits, but they are very tall. It's difficult to cook over them, and sitting around the campfire in the evening is a much less visually appealing experience than I'd like
We stayed in site 157. Accessible via a path from the designated parking space to the site about 2 minute walk. Lakeside, but visibility not great due to vegetation. All sites have little trails down to the water.
Site 174 by the road and less private, but prettily overhung by evergreens.
The cabins look very nice inside.
ScoutKnoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins.
There is electricity at every site but not water. There are fill stations throughout the campgrounds. Most sites are level and shaded. There are nice sturdy wooden platforms for tent campers.
The bath houses are clean and well maintained. There are outside sinks with mirrors, laundry facilities, shower stalls, and toilet stalls. Or if you prefer there are also traditional bathrooms with showers.
Quiet hours are enforced between 10p and 8a.
Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Wood is available by the bucket near the check in building. Sites are inexpensive and are all a short walk, or free shuttle ride, to the park!.
ScoutSet on a hillside, the campground has three levels. The tent sites all have water & electric, and have a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are fully shaded. Facilities were neat & clean, and there was a covered verandah with string lights, chairs & picnic tables outside the bathroom area.
Campground staff were friendly, and there was a store with firewood, ice and many other conveniences. Wifi was available, and connection was good the entire time I was there.
The campground is convenient to many hikes in the Delaware Water Gap area.
Be aware that the campground doesn't have credit card facilities, but does have an ATM in the store if absolutely necessary.
Tent campsites near Hazleton, Pennsylvania range from waterfront sites along the Lehigh River to primitive backcountry spots on the Appalachian Trail ridge. Elevations vary from 500 feet in the river valleys to over 1,500 feet along mountain ridges. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during day with 60°F nights, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night.
Water activities at Mauch Chunk Lake: The 330-acre lake provides opportunities for swimming at the beach area and paddling. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" notes Annette M. Rental equipment is available directly at the lake.
Rafting adventures: Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center offers guided rafting trips on the Lehigh River from April through October. "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing," shares Katie S., who adds that the campground has a social atmosphere with "a movie shown at night, as well as music played late into the night."
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Multiple primitive campsites provide direct access to the AT near Lehigh Gap. From AT Overlook Campground, hikers can access miles of ridge trails with valley views. Asher K. reports encountering "a flock of wild turkeys" and notes there are "several signs warning of high bear activity" in the area.
Privacy levels vary significantly: At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Amber M. notes sites are "very wooded and quiet at night" with "plenty of space away from neighbors." However, another camper reports, "The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers."
Natural padding at pine forest sites: The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap offers comfort through natural features. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area," according to Asher K., who appreciates that "the pine trees also provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather."
Riverside camping access: Riverview Park Campground sites are positioned directly on the water's edge. "This is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night," says Asher K., mentioning that "the sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit."
Site reservations and fees: Many campgrounds require advance booking. At Riverview Park, Asher K. warns that they "will charge you an additional $10 if you show up without planning." For Appalachian Trail sites, most are free but have no amenities.
Water availability varies dramatically: No water sources exist directly on the AT ridge sites. For AT Group Campsite, Asher advises "make sure to fill up before coming up the mountain." The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter does have "a spring nearby for filling up water."
Ground conditions at established sites: Many tent pads have challenges. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Amber M. notes "many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters." Sites may become muddy after rain, with Asher K. noting the Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite was "less muddy than some of the other options."
Beginner-friendly option: Mauch Chunk Lake Park suits first-time campers. Mackenzie B. says, "I believe it is a great spot to go with people who haven't camped much before. It has flat tent spaces, generally clean bathrooms, and access to tons of things to do."
Consider noise levels: Some established campgrounds can be loud. At Mauch Chunk Lake, one reviewer called it "the LOUDEST campground I have ever been to," noting "quiet hours were not enforced." Choose weekday stays for a quieter experience.
Recreational options for kids: First-time camper Danny M. found "a lot to do" at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, including "volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals."
Limited RV options in the area: Most backcountry and primitive sites near Hazleton only accommodate tent camping. For RVers, Mauch Chunk Lake Park does offer developed sites with electric hookups and water access, though no sewer connections at campsites.
Challenging terrain for large rigs: While Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center indicates they're big-rig friendly, most campgrounds in the Hazleton region have limited turning radius and narrow access roads. Tent camping is the predominant accommodation type in the area's natural settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hazleton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hazleton, PA is Mauch Chunk Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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