Primitive tent camping options abound within 30 miles of Mertztown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the eastern Appalachian foothills. The area features multiple camping locations along ridgelines and near water sources, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during day and drop to 60°F at night, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions but requires additional rain preparedness.
What to do
Paddleboarding on lakes: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers calm waters perfect for paddling sports. One visitor notes, "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."
Creek hiking exploration: Evansburg State Park Campground provides multiple creek access points for wading and exploration. A camper reports it's a "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully." The park's waterways are accessible via marked trails.
Wildlife watching: Multiple camping areas offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. At the AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap, one camper encountered "a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off. I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity."
What campers like
Pine forest camping: The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap features a natural cushion for tent setup. A reviewer explains, "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area... The pine trees also provide a nice cover to make this a well-protected site in case of bad weather."
Fern-filled landscapes: AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap offers a unique ecosystem setting. One camper describes sites "surrounded by a magical field of ferns and you can get views of both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail."
Noise levels and crowd factors: Campgrounds vary significantly in terms of noise. While some sites provide solitude, others can be busy. One camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park noted it was "the LOUDEST campground I have ever been to" with "multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," suggesting weekday visits may be preferable for those seeking quiet.
What you should know
Water availability challenges: Most backcountry sites require water planning. A camper at AT Overlook Campground advises to "be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Fire ring conditions: Fire ring quality varies significantly between sites. At Green Lane Park, one camper found "the fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy."
Site spacing considerations: Privacy levels differ dramatically. A Green Lane visitor noted: "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors," while another observed that "tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road."
Tips for camping with families
Flat terrain selection: For the best tent camping near Mertztown with kids, prioritize level ground. At Boulder Ridge Farm, campers find "really cool huge rocks" that children enjoy exploring, and the site provides "plenty of fire wood" for evening activities.
Wildlife education opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to teach children about local wildlife. One camper at Boulder Ridge Farm mentioned "waking up to owls was awesome," creating memorable nature experiences.
Vehicle access considerations: Access varies significantly. While Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park has drive-up sites, one reviewer at Shambala at Mystic Hollow highlights their "great creekside campsites for anyone looking to pitch a tent and enjoy some time by the water," which require a walk-in approach.
Tips from RVers
Site grading and leveling: RV sites near Mertztown often require leveling equipment. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks," which can complicate setup.
Hookup limitations: Even at established campgrounds, hookups may be restricted. One Mauch Chunk Lake Park visitor found the campground "spacious and while it was likely full, it still felt secluded," but noted limited utility access compared to larger RV parks.
Seasonal accessibility: Road conditions impact RV access seasonally. A Boulder Ridge Farm visitor advised "2WD is fine but 4WD will make your experience getting to the property a bit more smooth," particularly relevant for larger vehicles during spring thaw.