Camping near Hunlock Creek, PA

Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania camping areas sit within the Endless Mountains region at elevations ranging from 600-1200 feet. Seasonal temperature swings are significant, with summer averages in the mid-80s and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. Several campgrounds operate with limited seasons, typically closing from late October through early April due to harsh winter conditions and maintenance requirements.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Ricketts Glen State Park features 22 named waterfalls along well-marked trails. "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! The hike back up was again steep but maintained! And you got different falls to look at both ways," notes Anne P.

Swimming options: Locust Lake State Park offers a beach area for swimming during summer months. As one camper mentions, "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."

Mountain biking trails: Moon Lake Recreation Area provides dedicated mountain biking paths. "Place has some of the best mountain bike trails in northeast pa. Camping is primitive but has spots big enough for RVs," according to Daniel F.

Rock scrambling: Worlds End State Park offers challenging terrain for those seeking adventure. "There is a lot of rock scrambling, but it is a beautiful trail," notes Lee D. who recommends the High Rock Trail in a counterclockwise direction.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering more separation. At Whispering Pines Camping Estates, campers appreciate the generous spacing. "One of the quietest and most spacious campgrounds we've ever stayed in. Our campsite was probably a good 200-300 feet or more from the other sites on either side of us," reports Charlie & Danielle B.

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. At Hickory Run State Park, "The bathhouse was cleaned frequently," according to Becca U., while at Worlds End State Park, Jennifer F. notes they "have one of the cleanest bathrooms I've seen yet while camping."

Off-grid experience: Limited connectivity is viewed as a benefit by many campers. Katy R. appreciates Worlds End State Park's "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing." Similarly, at Hickory Run State Park, cell reception can be minimal—helpful for those wanting to disconnect.

What you should know

Bear activity: Hunlock Creek area campgrounds require proper food storage due to bear populations. Jennifer D. from Hickory Run State Park warns, "We were cautioned about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings."

Site conditions vary by season: Spring can bring muddy conditions to many area campgrounds. At Frances Slocum State Park, Erin M. cautions: "The site we stayed on was a swamp! It was terrible. I called the park office and they assured me the site was fine for tents it was NOT."

Reservations essential: During peak season (June-August), campgrounds fill quickly. For Red Rock Mountain Campground, proximity to Ricketts Glen means sites book early. Kait D. notes it's a "Peaceful little campground five minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park," making it a popular alternative.

Limited water access: Some campgrounds have restricted water access. At Moon Lake, Shannon R. points out, "There is no electric or water hookup but the trails are nice, it's quiet, and there's a lake to fish."

Tips for camping with families

Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer designated play areas. At Moyers Grove Campground, Sharon B. observed, "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children."

Water activities: Fishing opportunities exist at multiple locations. At Whispering Pines, "There's a pond where there are canoes/kayaks for use," notes Sharon B., providing ready entertainment for children.

Educational opportunities: Worlds End State Park features interactive displays. Lee D. mentions, "The visitor center has a nice playground, but it is a mile away from the campground," requiring planning for families with younger children.

Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer wildlife spotting possibilities. Becca U. at Moyers Grove mentioned, "We saw deer daily. There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes."

Tips from RVers

Hookup locations: Several campgrounds require extra-long hoses for water connections. At Moyers Grove, Becca U. advises, "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot."

Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds in the region require leveling equipment. James S. at Ricketts Glen State Park found his "full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling."

Winter seasonal closures: Most RV campgrounds close during winter months. While some, like Bodnarosa Campground, remain open year-round, services may be limited. Paul J. mentions, "We went here on May 15-17. Nice site, not much grass, but they seem to be working on the place."