Glamping close to Lehighton, Pennsylvania offers proximity to the Appalachian Mountains at elevations averaging 1,200 feet. The region experiences seasonal weather shifts with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Most upscale camping options operate in this region of eastern Pennsylvania where the Lehigh River flows through deep gorges carved during the last ice age.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Access Blue Mountain's adventure activities for all skill levels. "You can ride the ski lifts up the mountain before biking down, along with zip lining and tree-top adventure courses," shares Lois, who camped at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort.
Switchback Trail hiking: Start directly from Jim Thorpe Camping Resort for a moderate 8.5-mile loop. "The D&L trail also runs at the back of the campground, giving great bike access to Mauch Chunk lake," notes Jessica W., highlighting the trail connections available to campers.
Boulder field exploration: Drive 30 minutes from Lehighton to experience the unusual glacial formation. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," describes Mike M. from his visit to Hickory Run State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Cast your line in streams flowing from nearby dams. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm...I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," explains Lisa S. who visited Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Enjoy spacious camping areas at many glamping locations near Lehighton. "Sites are HUGE and each one has full hook up. They have the trendy teepee rentals and glamping tents," notes Jackie F. from her stay at Pocono Point.
Clean facilities: Find well-maintained bathrooms at most upscale camping options. "Bathrooms were great! Showers clean. The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," shares Shayna from Hickory Run State Park.
Seasonal activities: Participate in organized events during peak season. "They do things for different holidays. There is showers and bathrooms a crick goes through the campground. There is pull thru sites, tent sites and cabins," explains Debbie P. about her experience at Allentown KOA.
Easy town access: Explore historic Jim Thorpe's restaurants and shops, just minutes from camping areas. "You are 5 minutes from the wonderful town of Jim Thrope. Can't say the campground offers too much other than the basic campground experience. Though if coupled that with the opportunity to experience Jim Thrope, it sets the Jim Thrope Camping Resort apart," Dave R. observes.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Check opening dates as most glamping facilities close during winter months. "We stayed Thursday through Sunday. It was chilly in the mornings and evenings and warm and sunny during the day. Perfect fall weather," notes Angela from Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Wildlife awareness: Store food properly due to local bear population. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," Jennifer D. mentions about her Hickory Run State Park experience.
Cell service limitations: Prepare for spotty connectivity in mountain areas. "If you want to be disconnected, literally because there is no cell service, then this is the place for you," explains Jen R. when describing camping in the region's state forests.
Water activities: Pack appropriate gear for lake and stream recreation. "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming. The campsites were adequate size," shares Danielle F. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. "There is a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," reports Shirley M. from her stay at Hickory Run State Park.
Kid-friendly trails: Select shorter hiking routes suitable for younger explorers. "This place really has something for everyone! Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff. The best part was hiking in the boulder field!" Gayle B. explains about her family's experience at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Lake swimming: Visit the supervised beach areas during summer months. "Great location and easy to get to from the PA turnpike NE extension 476. Also a good location to get to all the state parks nearby like Beltzville and Lehigh Gorge," Jackie F. notes about Pocono Point's convenient access to water recreation.
Evening entertainment: Participate in campground-organized activities often scheduled on weekends. "Our first trip with the new travel trailer. We had a nice pull-through site and enjoyed our stay. Nice stream running through camp," Craig C. shares about his Allentown KOA experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Request information about terrain before booking. "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. After that... we had the best time!!" advises Angie G. about her experience at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Utility hookups: Confirm the availability of water and electric connections. "This place was nice. They are expanding and upgrading sites. They do have a pool, but it's not open yet. Quiet time was no problem. Everyone was respectful and nice," explains Luis B. about his stay at Stonybrook RV Resort.
Pull-through access: Book specific sites for easier parking with larger rigs. "I enjoyed my time there, tho it felt like a parking lot with everything close to each other. Didn't have privacy camping but they have things to offer," notes Tarek S. from his Allentown KOA stay.
Winter camping options: Consider year-round facilities if traveling off-season. "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow. Has a heated pool and playground, laundry facilities and a small game," shares Jamie S. about Stonybrook RV Resort.
