Pennsylvania state parks dominate the camping landscape near Mountain Top, with most facilities sitting at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet. The region experiences relatively high rainfall compared to other parts of the state, averaging 45-50 inches annually. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, while spring and fall camping can see overnight temperatures drop into the 30s.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Visit the unique 16-acre boulder field at Hickory Run State Park Campground. The site contains thousands of red sandstone boulders and represents a National Natural Landmark. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes camper Mike M.
Waterfall hiking: The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground showcases 22 named waterfalls within a moderate 4-mile loop hike. Plan for wet conditions and proper footwear. "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike," reports Lee D.
Kayaking and fishing: Several parks offer lake access for paddling and fishing opportunities. The lake at Frances Slocum State Park provides shoreline fishing and boat rentals from April through October. "A nice lake where you can rent boats or tie up your own right on the lake near the campground. Just the right size lake for kayaking," writes Cynthia P.
What campers like
Shaded, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the wooded settings available at campgrounds near Mountain Top. At Moyers Grove Campground, "The sites were a nice size and were well shaded. The campground was quiet and peaceful. We saw deer daily. There are 3 resident geese who wander around near the creek and lakes," says Becca U.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses consistently receive positive mentions. "The bathhouse (hooray) was great. Recently renovated, they were extremely, clean and dry," notes Jim B. about Moyers Grove Campground. Similarly, at Locust Lake State Park, campers report basic but clean facilities.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife, making animal sightings common. At Frances Slocum State Park Campground, campers report regular deer sightings. At Hickory Run, one camper mentioned, "we were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," indicating the presence of larger mammals in the area.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity ranges from good to nonexistent depending on location. At Moyers Grove Campground, "Be advised that there was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. (Verizon did have some service.)" Several parks in valley areas have limited coverage regardless of carrier.
Water spigot locations: Water hookup placement can require extra equipment. "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot," advises one camper about Moyers Grove.
Alcohol policies: Rules vary by property. Pennsylvania state parks generally prohibit alcohol, while private campgrounds often allow it. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, alcohol is permitted, but some campers report enforcement issues: "Despite the bad reviews... the staff were friendly and there were flushable toilets."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate April through October, with some sites prone to flooding during heavy rainfall. "We were in the outer loop far from the rest of the campground and they only had ports potties and hand sanitizer," notes Sarah L. about outer loop sites at Hickory Run State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Hickory Run, "There was 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. Frances Slocum State Park also features playgrounds near camping areas.
Swimming options: Locust Lake State Park Campground provides lake swimming with a designated beach area. "Beach area was nice," notes Dawn R. Many other parks offer either pool or lake swimming during summer months.
Biking opportunities: Look for campgrounds with internal paved paths. "Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach," says Dawn R. about Locust Lake. Similarly, Jim Thorpe Camping Resort connects to the Switchback Trail, offering extended cycling options.
Camping loop selection: Choose loops with modern bathhouses when camping with children. At Hickory Run, "the inner loops have nice bathrooms. we were in the outer loop far from the campground and they only had ports potties and hand sanitizer. I wish we had been on the inner loop for the bathrooms," advises Sarah L.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require adjustment. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, Angela noted, "Easy to back in. Didn't need leveling blocks as our site was nice and level." However, another camper reported: "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."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may be challenging. At Moon Lake Recreation Area, campers note the primitive nature of some access points, while others mention the quality of interior roads: "They seem find to me. They are packed stone and yes, there are occasional holes from runoff but I'm camping in the woods so I expect that."
Hookup limitations: Few full-hookup sites exist in the region. At Locust Lake State Park, a camper notes: "No water hook up. No sewer hook up. Just electric at certain sites," which is common for state parks in the area.
