Camping options near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania extend beyond the common lakefront campgrounds to include mountain settings, stream-side camping, and secluded forest locations within 25 minutes of town. The area sits at the edge of the Pocono Mountains with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet, creating varied terrain and camping experiences. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from April through October, with only a few sites offering accommodations during winter months.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: The Hickory Run State Park Campground offers 44 miles of trails rated from easy to difficult. One visitor noted, "We found the 2 trails we hiked - Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails - where were rated 'more difficult' were not bad to hike at all. We hiked both with your 2 large dogs." Many trails feature creek access and waterfalls.
Boulder field exploration: Multiple campgrounds provide access to unique boulder fields. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, campers can explore a glacier rock field. As one visitor described it: "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. One visitor to Mauch Chunk Lake Park shared: "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away."
What campers like
Creek access: The Jim Thorpe Camping Resort features the Mauch Chunk stream running through the back of the property. According to one camper, "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."
Accessibility to trails: Many campgrounds connect directly to popular hiking routes. One visitor to Blue Rocks Family Campground commented, "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!"
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location of some campgrounds provides opportunities for stargazing. A visitor to Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear the road from some sites so choose carefully if you care. Really pretty lake and nice stargazing!"
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires preparation. One visitor to Pocono Point noted, "Cute campground with RV and creekside tent sites near Lehigh Gap. My favorite spots are the tent-only sites along the creek. They are peaceful and separate from the RV area."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the area. A camper at Tuscarora State Park explained, "If you want to be disconnected, literally because there is no cell service, then this is the place for you. You have to be alert to make the turn into the mountains onto the dirt road."
Tree roots and rocks: Many tent sites have natural obstacles. One Mauch Chunk Lake Park visitor commented, "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters. Plenty of space away from neighbors."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Allentown KOA shared, "2 different playgrounds and a pool that could use some updating. Staff was very helpful and accommodating."
Stream exploration: Kids enjoy wading in the creeks at many campgrounds. One camper at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort noted, "Theres a creek where you can go fishing. There is a playground, pool, arcade, and office store."
Lake swimming: Designated swimming areas provide safe recreation. A visitor to Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Many campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. One RVer at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort noted, "Our site was way too 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."
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds require significant leveling for trailers. A visitor to Allentown KOA shared, "My site was nice and level. Didn't need leveling blocks as our site was nice and level."
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entry roads. A visitor to Stonybrook RV Resort pointed out, "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."
