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."