Kutztown sits in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 60°F nights to 85°F days. The region's combination of rolling hills, accessible water features, and wooded terrain creates varied camping conditions within a relatively compact area.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: 1 mile hike from camp. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, visitors can explore a unique glacier rock field. "Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path... Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," writes Jen R. The boulder field presents a distinctive landscape unlike others in the region.
Frisbee golf through wooded course: Free with admission. French Creek State Park Campground offers an 18-hole course winding through trees. "There is a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" notes Jen R. The course provides enough challenge for experienced players while remaining accessible to beginners.
Fishing in stocked lakes: Requires PA fishing license. Multiple species can be caught at nearby lakes. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," explains Ellen C. Some campgrounds maintain catch-and-release policies, so check local regulations.
What campers like
Level sites with good drainage: Campers consistently mention the quality of sites at Pine Hill RV Park. "The campsites are nice, the park is clean, and convenient to I-78. Roads and campsites are gravel and very easy for RVs of any size to navigate the roads and sites," writes Nancy W. This feature becomes particularly valuable during the area's frequent summer thunderstorms.
Access to regional attractions: Location makes these campgrounds practical bases for exploring. "This is a great place to stay for a family or the outdoor enthusiast as there is so much to do... Not to mention close by there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," explains Jen R. Most regional attractions lie within a 30-minute drive.
Private wooded sites: French Creek State Park offers separation between campsites. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," notes Ranger Jen. The natural barriers provide privacy without complete isolation.
What you should know
Road noise varies by campground location: Some sites experience highway sounds. At Stonybrook RV Resort, campers note the quiet atmosphere despite proximity to routes: "Quiet time was no problem. Everyone was respectful and nice. Spots are not small, but they're not huge either," reports Luis B. Request sites farther from major roads when making reservations.
Weather preparation essential: The region experiences rapid weather changes. "We had 3 families and sites (2 campers & 1 tent) all sites were decent sizes... Only downside to our trip was poured every night and one whole day," shares Dawn R. Pack rain gear and site drainage equipment even during summer months.
Varying bathroom quality: Facility conditions range widely between campgrounds. "Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," notes Galit P. about French Creek, while others mention outdated facilities at different locations. Confirm current bathroom conditions when booking, especially for tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Request sites nearby. Family-oriented campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Allentown KOA, "There are 2 different playgrounds and a pool that could use some updating. Staff was very helpful and accommodating," according to Brandon W. Most campground playgrounds accommodate children ages 3-12.
Water activities for hot days: Many local campgrounds offer swimming options. "Lovely camp site with access to a lot of amenities, all the while keeping a 'primative' feel. Pool, playground, camp store, bike and golf cart rentals," shares Amy C. about Blue Rocks Family Campground. Consider bringing water toys during summer months when temperatures regularly reach the mid-80s.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds organize structured activities for children. "They had an art activity for the children, BINGO on Friday night, and a live band on Saturday night," reports Kim W. from Robin Hill Campground. Check activity calendars when booking to align with children's interests.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RVers emphasize choosing appropriate sites for vehicle size. "I had a nice pull-through site and enjoyed our stay. Nice stream running through camp," notes Craig C. about Allentown KOA. Call ahead to confirm site dimensions before booking, especially for rigs over 35 feet.
Pet policies vary by loop: For pet-friendly camping near Kutztown, Pennsylvania, know that designated areas exist. "We have never stayed in Loop C before. This is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved," explains Jen R. Most campgrounds maintain specific pet-friendly sections, often with additional fees ranging from $2-5 per night.
Hookup quality considerations: Electric service can vary between campgrounds. "We didn't have any trouble getting in and out and all the hook-ups were well-placed and worked well (including the cable)," shares Nancy W. about Pine Hill RV Park. Bring a polarity tester and surge protector, as older campgrounds may have electrical inconsistencies.