Best Campgrounds near Mahanoy City, PA

Eastern Pennsylvania's Schuylkill County provides a range of developed campgrounds within a short drive of Mahanoy City. Locust Lake State Park Campground in Barnesville, approximately 7 miles southeast of Mahanoy City, offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups along a picturesque lake. Tuscarora State Park Campground, located nearby, extends the camping options with cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. Several family-oriented campgrounds including Lakewood Park Campground and Knoebels Campground complement the state park options, providing more amenities for campers seeking developed sites with water and electric hookups.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many closing from late October through mid-April. Locust Lake State Park operates from "mid April to mid October," while some private campgrounds like Lakewood Park maintain a slightly longer season. Weather can significantly impact the camping experience, with several campers noting drainage issues during rainy periods. Campsite leveling presents challenges at several locations, particularly at state parks. A visitor commented, "Sites were a little small and rocky/rooty, but we made it work. Definitely go in the fall to soak up all the colors!"

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews throughout the area. Campers particularly value sites adjacent to Locust Lake, which supports fishing, kayaking, and swimming activities. Families with children appreciate the recreational options, including hiking trails, playgrounds, and beach areas. While state park campgrounds have some limitations regarding site size and hookups, private campgrounds often provide more amenities like showers, camp stores, and full hookups. Site privacy varies considerably across campgrounds, with some offering more seclusion than others. A camper noted about Locust Lake, "The sites are spaced pretty well but are not level at all. It was an effort to get our travel trailer close to level—a ramp of blocks was needed. The site was right on the path, which is right on the lake. Very convenient if you are going paddling."

Best Camping Sites Near Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania (158)

    1. Locust Lake State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Mahanoy City, PA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 467-2404

    $20 - $29 / night

    "We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."

    "Had a site close to the lake. Many sites (including mine) were not level. The sites sizes were a bit small and i would book during peak season. I would definitely return again off season."

    2. Tuscarora State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Barnesville, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 467-2404

    $44 - $47 / night

    "Good hiking trails were just a short walk away from our campsite. Would definitely go back again."

    "No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc. Each yurt has a huge deck, 2 picnic tables and fire pit."

    3. Lakewood Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Barnesville, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 285-8026

    $60 - $94 / night

    "They are in the process of adding lots more sites up away from the lake in the woods plus 2 bath houses. The sites along the lake are great, but be aware most of them are seasonal."

    "You’re not allowed to swim in the lake although you’re allowed to use floats. The area has not much to do unless you would like the state park, which is close by."

    4. Knoebels Campground

    24 Reviews
    Marion Heights, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 672-9555

    $59 - $160 / night

    "Knoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins. There is electricity at every site but not water."

    "In addition to the campsites you have access to the campsite bathrooms which also have showers. They’re nothing special but they get the job done and are cleaned daily by staff."

    5. Hickory Run State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Albrightsville, PA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (272) 808-6192

    $20 - $72 / night

    "Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"

    "Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground.   "

    6. Lake Glory Campground

    15 Reviews
    Catawissa, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 356-7392

    $50 - $80 / night

    "This campground is only minutes away from Knobels Amusement Park. The campground itself was clean but not a lot of amenities being it’s part of the amusement park."

    "It’s a nice spacious campground next to the park."

    7. Blue Rocks Family Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lenhartsville, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 756-6366

    "According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."

    "Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."

    8. Jim Thorpe Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Jim Thorpe, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 325-2644

    "Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site, kinda like roughing it in the actual wild... so not really a complaint. Sites are not very private or secluded."

    "The sites were fine and I liked the location. Next to the creek where you can fish trout (don’t forget to buy a license). About 3 miles stroll along the creek to Jim Thorpe."

    9. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

    10 Reviews
    Nesquehoning, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 325-3669

    $20 / night

    "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."

    "Beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals. There’s much to explore in the town Jim Thorpe and beautiful hiking close by."

    10. Rosemount Camping Resort

    1 Review
    Middleport, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 668-2580

    "occasionally stocked), badminton, horseshoes, golf cart friendly, A large pavilion with a large flatscreen display and community firepit is there for general use or for rental,  There is wifi by store and surrounding"

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Recent Reviews near Mahanoy City, PA

862 Reviews of 158 Mahanoy City Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stonybrook RV Resort

    This is a great place!

    We spent four nights at Stonybrook RV Resort in Lehighton, PA, for a quiet wedding anniversary getaway— and so glad we did. We paid$150 per night total for a FHU 50 Amp Premium Back-in site (#F20). This campground makes a great home-base while hanging out in the Pocono Mountains. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • This place is in super condition— everything works as it’s supposed to and is clean and maintained 
    • The concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table and chairs made a great setup 
    • Our site(F20) is level and beautiful— spacious and beautifully landscaped 
    • We interacted with 5 members of their staff and all were welcoming and friendly to talk with 
    • There’s a heated pool behind the office/store so it’s not noisy for campers at their sites 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Just one thing— the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn’t easy in a 45’ motorhome towing a Jeep. This may be nitpicky— and I’m not complaining about it— just letting you know to expect it on arrival. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a great campground(I’ve already recommended it to my Newmar Kountry Klub chapter president as a possible site for a future rally).
  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer


Guide to Mahanoy City

Camping near Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, have amazing trails. One visitor said, “The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail (21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging.”
  • Fishing: At Worlds End State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the beautiful river. A camper mentioned, “Great hiking and vistas. Beautiful river and great fishing.”
  • Swimming: Pickerel Point Campground has a small beach area for swimming. One review noted, “There’s a small unguarded beach that allows swimming which was very nice.”

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground said, “The bathroom facilities were clean, the hiking in the area was gorgeous and pet friendly.”
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds, such as Blue Rocks Family Campground, are great for families. One camper shared, “Clean campground. Very well organized. Playground was great. Lots of activities.”
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for French Creek State Park Campground highlighted, “The paved parking spot was tight but a short walk down to the spacious fire pit picnic table area.”

What you should know:

  • Cell service can be spotty: Many campgrounds, like Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper noted, “There is absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls.”
  • Campsites can be close together: At Locust Lake State Park Campground, some sites are very close. A visitor mentioned, “Facilities are disgusting and you’re right on top of neighbors.”
  • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds, like Hickory Run State Park Campground, are only open from mid-April to mid-October. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One family at Camp Taylor Campground said, “The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite.”
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds that offer larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground noted, “Our site is wooded and very private.”
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, “The store has just about anything you would need while visiting.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site levels: Some sites can be unlevel, making it tricky for RVs. A camper at Locust Lake State Park Campground said, “206 Campsite unleveled, but plenty of room.”
  • Be prepared for tight spots: Many RV sites can be close together. One visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort shared, “The ONLY good thing this RV park has going is the Hershey park bus that runs all day back and forth.”
  • Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A camper at Blue Rocks Family Campground noted, “The general store had what we needed.”

Camping near Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mahanoy City, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mahanoy City, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near Mahanoy City, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mahanoy City, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mahanoy City, PA is Locust Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mahanoy City, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Mahanoy City, PA.