Tent camping near Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania offers options within the anthracite coal region landscape where elevations range between 800-1,400 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping is limited, with most facilities closing after September when temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Swimming and beach access: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides a clean swimming area with lifeguards during summer months. One camper noted, "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" while another mentioned they enjoyed the "beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals."
White water rafting: Located about 40 minutes from Mount Carmel, Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center offers rafting packages on the Lehigh River. A visitor explained, "Rafting on the Lehigh with whitewater challengers was amazing," while another mentioned attending "Riverfest and it was great. Bands throughout the night with beer and food."
Hiking on established trails: The Appalachian Trail sections near Lehigh Gap provide multiple hiking options with primitive camping. A hiker at AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap described "a magical field of ferns" where you can "get views of both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers value the privacy of sites along water. At Riverview Park Campground, sites are "located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit" and provide "convenient access to the river in a beautiful place."
Group camping opportunities: For those camping with friends, Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers spacious sites that accommodate multiple tents. A camper shared, "I've stayed here a couple times with groups. I believe it is a great spot to go with people who haven't camped much before. It has flat tent spaces, generally clean bathrooms, and access to tons of things to do."
Natural padding for tent floors: Pine needle beds and fern-covered ground create comfortable tent sites. The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap features "a bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area" with "many large flat areas that are perfect for tents."
What you should know
Accessibility varies significantly: Many primitive sites require hiking in. The AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap is "less than a mile from the parking at Blue Mountain Rd. (Official A.T. parking)" but needs to be marked on maps as it "can be a tougher site to find especially in the summer when everything is so lush and green."
Tent pad conditions: Several sites have raised tent pads or natural ground variations. At Ravensburg State Park, sites "have tent pads which are nice" though campers with larger tents should "pick a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground."
Not all parks permit camping: Despite listings, some parks like Shikellamy State Park do not allow overnight camping. As one visitor emphatically warned, "THERE IS NO CAMPGROUND HERE....NOT ON ONE SIDE OF THE RIVER & NOT ON THE OTHERSIDE."
Tips for camping with families
Starter-friendly options: For families new to camping, Ravensburg State Park Campground offers a beginner-friendly environment. A visitor noted, "This state park is beautiful and I consider it a semi-hidden gem. It's our favorite place to tent camp. It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve."
Noise considerations: Family campers should consider campground activity levels. Some sites can be quite active, as one camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park observed: "It's a busy place, a lot of weekenders with excited kiddos."
Recreational variety: Families benefit from multiple activities in one location. A first-time camper at Mauch Chunk described their experience: "GREAT first trip! The campgrounds were nice and there was a lot to do. Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals."
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Many campgrounds near Mount Carmel have restrictions or challenges for larger vehicles. At Scrub Mountain Retreat, tent camping is the primary accommodation with both drive-in and walk-in access, but no RV hookups are available.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. At Ravensburg State Park, one visitor warned, "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times," and recommended being "aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road."
