The White Haven area in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania features a range of campground options for outdoor enthusiasts. Hickory Run State Park Campground, located near White Haven, provides accommodation for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping experiences. Sandy Valley Campground offers similar options within the immediate White Haven vicinity. The region also includes Lehigh Gorge Campground and Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center, which cater to both tent and RV campers seeking access to the Lehigh River and surrounding natural areas.
Most campgrounds in the White Haven region operate seasonally, with the prime camping season running from April through October. Hickory Run State Park Campground, for example, is open from the second Friday in April to the third Sunday in October. Several campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months and holiday weekends. The terrain varies across the region, with some areas offering more secluded wooded sites and others featuring more open layouts. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Pocono Mountains, with potential for significant rainfall even during summer months. A camper noted, "The bathhouse we used was a bit lacking and not really big enough for the amount of people it needed to handle. Lots to do in the area if you do your research."
Camping areas near White Haven provide access to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly water-based activities. The Lehigh River offers rafting adventures, with Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center specifically catering to campers interested in rafting trips. Hiking trails are abundant throughout the region, with Hickory Run State Park featuring over 40 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult. The Boulder Field at Hickory Run represents a unique natural attraction for visitors. A review mentioned, "We took an awesome hike down to the waterfall, fished at the lake, played on the playground, swam at the beach, and visited the boulder field." Many mixed-use campgrounds offer amenities such as showers, toilets, and camp stores, though the level of services varies significantly between primitive and more developed sites.
$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. "
"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."
$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."
"Bathrooms were close by and as clean as you can expect when camping. I’d certainly go back."
"We are in a transient site which doesn't have much shade and it is close to the main road (although separated by some trees and brush). The campers and campground are very quiet. "
$20 - $43 / night
"Breathtaking views from nearby trails and nearby Big Pocono State Park. The park staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about nearby trails and best places to get the most out of the views!"
"Scenic state park with a lake. You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths. There are at least two parking lots(no parking fees)."
$10 / night
$20 - $92 / night
"The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"
"Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."
$20 - $48 / night
"Was also an easy back in site as there’s an adjacent road (to parking and the amphitheater) right in front of it. All sites only have electric and only certain allow pets."
"Large, wooded sites, good bathhouse, nice trails close by. A little highway noise, but dark and quiet at night. Very peaceful place."
$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."
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.
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!
GuidePulling into Site 11 at Edgemere Flag Ridge feels like discovering a hidden campsite that most people pass right by. The site sits comfortably off the beaten path, giving it a secluded feel without being difficult to reach. Access was easy and any standard vehicle should have no trouble getting in. Traffic on the adjoining road was minimal, which added to the quiet atmosphere.
Amenities are basic, consisting of a picnic table and fire ring, so do not expect much beyond the essentials. That said, the surrounding woods made up for it with plenty of easy to gather firewood nearby, which was a refreshing change from some other public sites.
At night, the sky opened up nicely for stargazing and made for a peaceful camping experience. Cell service was intermittent, enough to occasionally check in if needed but spotty enough to still feel disconnected. If you are looking for a quiet, simple campsite with a sense of seclusion and easy access, this one is worth considering.
ScoutThe campsite is beautiful and lovely to walk around, the outside campground cats are the best part though ❣️
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 .
GuideStayed at Silver Lake for a two night camping trip and overall had a solid experience, with a few drawbacks.
The campsite itself is decent in size and easy to set up on, but it’s located along a fairly active road. Expect a couple vehicles per hour, including louder trucks, which takes away from the secluded feel. There are also signs the area may have been used for roadwork dumping in the past, with some leftover blacktop visible.
That said, the site works well for a functional camp. Plenty of nearby downed wood for fires, and the area has a good “working camp” feel if you don’t mind putting in a little effort. We had no issue gathering firewood and keeping a fire going, even after rain.
Weather was rainy for most of the trip, but a simple canopy setup made it manageable. The site drains reasonably well and didn’t turn into a mess.
Wildlife wise, ticks were present, so plan accordingly with repellent and checks.
We also had a brief visit from a forest ranger checking on smoke in the area. Interaction was professional and quick.
Overall, this is a good spot if you’re looking for a straightforward, no frills campsite and don’t mind some road noise. If you’re prioritizing privacy and a true backwoods feel, you may want to explore other sites in Delaware State Forest.
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
Campgrounds near White Haven sit at elevations between 1,300-1,800 feet in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region. The terrain features rocky, hemlock-filled forests surrounding the Lehigh River Gorge. Summers average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping brings cooler temperatures that require extra layers, particularly during nighttime temperature drops that can reach 40°F even in summer.
Bouldering adventures: The Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park provides a unique geological experience just minutes from White Haven. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes a visitor to Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Lake recreation: Frances Slocum State Park offers water activities approximately 45 minutes from White Haven. "Cute little park. Nice lake for kayaking but not for swimming although there is a big pool. Nice trails for hiking," shares a camper at Frances Slocum State Park Campground.
Trail biking: Access the D&L Trail directly from some campgrounds for scenic cycling along the Lehigh River. "The D&L trail also runs at the back of the campground, giving great bike access to Mauch Chunk Lake," reports a camper at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Waterfall hiking: Trails with multiple waterfall views are accessible within a 40-minute drive. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained!" warns a visitor about the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen.
Creek access: Some campgrounds offer streamside sites where you can fish or wade directly from camp. "There is a creek where you can go fishing," notes a camper who visited Jim Thorpe Camping Resort multiple times.
Lakefront camping: Mauch Chunk Lake Park features waterfront sites for direct paddleboard or kayak launches. "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," explains a camper from Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Well-stocked camp stores: Some campgrounds near White Haven provide comprehensive supply options. "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," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Hickory Run State Park.
Ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance camping experiences at state parks. Visitor centers offer interactive exhibits about local wildlife and geology, like at Frances Slocum where "the visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park."
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage throughout the region. "We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area but never really thought that we would see one. 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," cautions a visitor to Tobyhanna State Park Campground.
Site variations: Campground quality and spacing differ significantly throughout the area. "The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade. It was a very quiet weekend for us as our loop was not crowded," reports a Hickory Run visitor contrasting with experiences at more crowded facilities.
Facility limitations: Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely across campgrounds. "The bathhouse we used was a bit lacking and not really big enough for the amount of people it needed to handle," notes one camper, while others mention "button showers are freezing come prepared" at Frances Slocum.
Water conditions: Some parks experience water quality issues requiring campers to bring their own drinking water. A Ricketts Glen camper shares, "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."
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities for easy kid entertainment. "There is a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," notes a visitor to Hickory Run State Park.
Multiple activity options: The best places to camp near White Haven, Pennsylvania offer diverse recreation within walking distance. One camper at Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center described how "rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing," though they cautioned, "if you are looking for a peaceful campground look elsewhere."
Beach swimming: Several parks offer designated swimming areas with family-friendly features. "There is a lake for swimming," confirms a Hickory Run camper, while others note some lakes have color issues, as one visitor observed at Frances Slocum: "DO NOT take your pups to the water. There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible."
Kid-friendly hiking: Select trails rated for appropriate skill levels. "We took an awesome hike down to the waterfall, fished at the lake, played on the playground, swam at the beach, and visited the boulder field," shares a parent detailing multiple activities available within a single park visit.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require equipment to level RVs. "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," explains a camper at Sandy Valley Campground.
Limited full hookup options: Reserve well in advance if requiring sewer connections. "We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground," shares a Hickory Run visitor who found ideal accommodations in an otherwise limited-hookup region.
Site spacing considerations: RVers report significant differences in site privacy and spacing. "The RVs were parked so close together that none of us could use our awnings," reports one Jim Thorpe Camping Resort visitor, while noting "there was a fifth wheel to our left that could just barely get their slideouts extended."
Size restrictions: Many of the best camping areas near White Haven have limitations for larger rigs. "Our site was way too small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time," notes a Jim Thorpe camper, while others mention sites that are more accommodating with "easy to back in RV and set up" at other facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV rentals available in White Haven, Pennsylvania?
While White Haven itself has limited RV rental options, several nearby campgrounds can accommodate RVs and may offer rental services. Blue Rocks Family Campground is RV-friendly with spacious sites nestled in the woods and rolling hills below the Appalachian Trail. Camp Taylor Campground also accommodates RVs and offers decent-sized sites with fire pits and picnic tables. For those traveling with their own RVs, several locations offer convenient overnight parking, including select retail locations in the broader region. Contact campgrounds directly for current RV rental availability and reservation policies.
What amenities are available at White Haven campgrounds?
Campgrounds in the White Haven area offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Mount Pocono Campground provides extensive facilities including a huge swimming pool, toddler pool, and an on-site store stocked with camping essentials. For a different experience, Mountain Vista Campground offers well-maintained sites with amenities like street lighting throughout the grounds, though tent campers should note the bathroom facilities may not be centrally located. Most campgrounds in the region provide standard amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms, and access to recreational activities.
What are the best campgrounds near White Haven, PA?
The White Haven area offers several excellent camping options. Hickory Run State Park Campground is one of the closest and most popular choices, featuring drive-in sites, modern facilities, and beautiful natural surroundings. For campers seeking a unique experience, Sandy Valley Campground provides a more intimate setting near White Haven with reservable sites. Those willing to travel a bit further can enjoy the Delaware Water Gap region at Worthington State Forest Campground, which offers picturesque riverside camping with direct water access from many sites.
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