Camping opportunities around Kutztown, Pennsylvania extend across rolling hills and wooded terrain situated in the eastern Pennsylvania highlands. The region's elevation ranges from 400-1,200 feet, creating varied microclimates ideal for year-round camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the mid-80s, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler temperatures in the 60-70°F range with moderate rainfall.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: At Blue Rocks Family Campground, the unique glacier rock field offers a distinctive natural experience. "Stayed for over a month. Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," notes one camper who appreciated the unusual geological feature. The boulder field can be explored directly from camping sites.
Hiking access: The Appalachian Trail connects directly to Blue Rocks via a yellow-blazed trail. "Great amenities, private and spaced out primitive sites. One mile off the Appalachian trail," shares a camper who valued this connectivity. Many trails range from easy family walks to more challenging routes for experienced hikers.
Waterfront activities: At French Creek State Park Campground, two lakes provide multiple recreation options. "We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely! There is also a nice picnic area with grills and picnic tables right by the boat landing," reports one visitor. Fishing for northern pike, bass, and panfish is permitted at both Hopewell and Scotts Run Lakes.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between camping spots at Hickory Run State Park Campground. "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers," notes one reviewer who valued this feature. Sites within wooded areas offer more seclusion than open-field options.
Kid-friendly amenities: Families often mention the range of activities available for children. "There is a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials. Not to mention a great place for bike riding as well," shares a Blue Rocks visitor. Most campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas and family programming.
Convenience to attractions: Lake-In-Wood Campground provides proximity to regional destinations. "It's close to stuff in Lancaster area," mentions a visitor who appreciated this central location. The campground sits within 30-45 minutes of major regional attractions and towns.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and availability of restrooms differs significantly between campgrounds. "The bathroom at the campground is very nice and new however it is a little on the dirty side," reports a French Creek visitor, while another noted "Bathhouses are just okay. Muddy floors - don't know how often floors are cleaned."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping in Kutztown, Pennsylvania requires advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. Sites with full hookups or premium accommodations fill quickly from May through September. Weekend bookings often require 2-3 months advance notice.
Seasonal availability: Most Allentown KOA accommodations operate from April through November. "We were passing through and I only stayed one night. When I arrived, check-in was easy and professional. A host had me follow him to a super convenient pull-through site," notes a visitor who appreciated the efficiency during the regular season.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature variations, especially in spring and fall. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It was a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," shares a French Creek visitor. Morning temperatures can be 15-20 degrees cooler than afternoon highs.
Kid-friendly sites: Request spots near playgrounds when possible. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "There is a playground, pool, arcade, and office store," according to one family. Sites closer to amenities reduce walking distance for younger children.
Planned activities: Check activity calendars before booking. "Very family friendly and the staff are so nice. Very nice grounds and a lot to do for families," notes a Jim Thorpe visitor. Weekend programming often includes organized games, crafts, and seasonal celebrations not available mid-week.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require careful leveling. "Our site was way too small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time," reports one Jim Thorpe visitor. Another noted, "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."
Electric options: Most campgrounds offer both 30-amp and 50-amp service, but availability varies by site. "We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area," shares a Hickory Run visitor. Specify power requirements when booking.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds present navigation challenges. "It was a little far from I-78, but the roads were easy to navigate and it didn't take long to get there," notes an Allentown KOA camper. Narrow internal roads at several facilities may require careful maneuvering for larger rigs.
