Camping near Lehigh Valley, PA

Camping spots near Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania offer varied camping experiences throughout the region's rolling terrain. The area sits at elevations ranging from 250 to 1,000 feet above sea level with typically humid summers and moderately cold winters. Most campgrounds in the region maintain similar seasonal schedules, with peak camping season running from April through October when temperatures average between 55°F and 85°F.

What to do

Hiking on established trails: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers direct access to popular hiking routes. "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," notes one visitor. The campground connects to the Appalachian Trail, making it ideal for day hikers.

Disc golf courses: Boulder Woods Campground maintains a full disc golf course that draws enthusiasts. "They have a very large golf disc course and they seem to have tournaments. They sell disc golf things in the store as well. This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day," explains a camper who enjoyed the facilities. First-timers can rent equipment at the campground store.

Fishing opportunities: Several lakes throughout the region provide fishing access year-round. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," according to reviews of the area's water bodies. Most fishing spots require a Pennsylvania fishing license.

What campers like

Privacy between campsites: Campers frequently mention site separation as a key factor. "The sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports a visitor to French Creek State Park Campground. The park's Loop C is the only one allowing pets.

Family-friendly activities: Scheduled events keep younger campers engaged. "We had a great time. Enjoyed a nice long weekend out of the city. Clean amenities," notes a guest at Boulder Woods Campground. Another camper mentions, "They had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!"

Proximity to rock formations: The region's unique geological features attract visitors. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time. primitive but fun!" shares a family who visited Blue Rocks Family Campground. The boulder fields provide natural climbing and exploration opportunities for children and adults alike.

What you should know

Seasonal operation limitations: Most facilities close during winter months. "We stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early, make sure you have cash on you," advises a winter visitor to French Creek State Park, one of the few year-round options.

Site terrain varies significantly: Lake Towhee County Park offers more primitive accommodations with minimal amenities. "Small (13-site) Bucks County Pennsylvania campground. The entrance and loop road, along with the campsites are all gravel. Some sites appeared to be more defined than others. Each site had a picnic table, fire ring, and garbage can. No hookups," reports a recent camper.

Weekday availability: Many campgrounds have significantly lower occupancy midweek. "Quiet, very few people mid-week. Spacious sites," notes one camper. This pattern holds consistent across most camping locations in the region, making Sunday through Thursday ideal for those seeking more solitude.

Tips for camping with families

Pool access considerations: Colonial Woods Family Resort offers water amenities for children. "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times. The posted pool hours were not as described they don't really tell you but it was open a little later," advises a family visitor who appreciated the facilities despite the scheduling confusion.

Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment. "They have a huge playground, camp store, bike and golf cart rentals. Super easy access to Appalachian trail. Trail heads begin inside the campsite," mentions a visitor about one facility. Most playgrounds are centrally located within the campgrounds for easy access.

Weekend activity schedules: "They had nice arts and crafts for the kids to do for dad. Staff was very friendly," reports a visitor who stayed during Father's Day weekend. Holiday weekends typically feature special activities, with most campgrounds posting event calendars at their offices or on websites.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Tohickon Family Campground receives mixed reviews about site conditions. "Nice new gravel and hook ups. Spacious sites. Large stream with fishing. WiFi good. ATT poor," reports one RVer. Others note that some locations require significant leveling, particularly after rainy periods when ground can become soft.

Navigating narrow roads: The region's wooded nature creates access limitations. "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)," warns an RVer with a larger rig. Most campgrounds can accommodate standard-sized travel trailers and smaller motorhomes, but class A motorhomes and larger fifth wheels may encounter difficulties at certain locations.

Dump station timing: "Dump station location isn't ideal on a busy morning. I heard they might work on a second dump location and was told to ask if it's ok to stick around until it dies down if our site isn't needed soon," advises an experienced RVer. Many campgrounds have limited dump facilities that become congested during peak checkout times, typically between 10am and noon on Sundays.