Camping options near Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania span across 1,000+ square miles of terrain with elevations ranging from 250 to 1,400 feet. The region experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging 71-85°F and winter lows regularly dipping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter accommodations available.
What to do
Water activities at Hopewell Lake: French Creek State Park Campground offers two lakes for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. "We went for a small hike around the lake - we were toting three kids, one of which was in a stroller. I was able to fit 5 diapers, a large bottle of suntan lotion, a pack of wipes, snack container, travel changing pad," one visitor noted about their hiking experience.
Frisbee golf in Green Lane: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course that draws enthusiasts. "They have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," shared a camper. The course is extensive enough to host tournaments, with the campground store selling disc golf equipment.
Explore boulder fields: Hickory Run State Park Campground features a unique geological formation worth the trip. "We took a drive on 2 afternoons on a stone road through the woods to see the Boulder Field. It was a beautiful drive," explains a visitor. The park contains 44 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, with many following creeks and waterfalls.
What campers like
Quiet wooded sites: Allentown KOA offers a peaceful camping experience away from highway noise. "I was 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, and stayed to make sure I was all set," described one camper. The campground features a stream running through it that enhances the natural setting.
Family-friendly amenities: Colonial Woods Family Resort provides numerous activities for families. "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," notes a visitor. The campground also features fishing ponds, playgrounds, cornhole, and minigolf to keep everyone entertained.
Private tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the secluded options at some campgrounds. "Great secluded sites with clean facilities for when you need some civilization," said one camper at Ringing Rocks Family Campground. Many tent sites are situated in wooded areas or near water features, providing a more rustic experience than the luxury glamping in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania described elsewhere.
What you should know
Campsite terrain variations: Sites can range from gravel to grass to muddy areas depending on weather and location. "Don't come if you're in a tent and it has been or will rain. It becomes flooded or turns into a mudpit," warns a camper about Tohickon Family Campground.
Shower and bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely between campgrounds and even between loops at the same campground. "The bathrooms were just okay. Muddy floors - don't know how often floors are cleaned. Showers were odd - one large stall but no separate dressing area," noted a visitor at French Creek.
Seasonal operations: Most Quakerwoods Campground and other area camping facilities operate from April to October. "If you find yourself careening around the picturesque country roads here in Bucks County you will discover Quakerwoods Campground nestled in the verdant, rolling hills of a plush countryside," explains a camper about its location.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with children. "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line," shared a visitor about Hickory Run State Park.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule special events for kids. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" mentioned a camper at Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Swimming options: Pools provide controlled environments for family swimming. "We appreciate that they haven't charged us extra in the past for our kids. Our kids love the pool and splash area," shared a family about Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "If you have a large camper or 5th wheel you may need to double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room," advises a camper at French Creek State Park Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many sites in this mountainous region require some leveling. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," reports a visitor at French Creek State Park Campground, which is a rare luxury in the area.
Narrow access roads: Some campgrounds have tight entrances and interior roads. "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 at Colonial Woods about big rig access.
