Camping options near Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania range from established campgrounds to rustic sites in the Pocono Mountain region at elevations between 400-1600 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 80°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Explore the boulder fields: Hickory Run State Park Campground features unique geological formations that create a distinctive hiking experience. According to Mike M., "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown." The boulder field is one of the park's most distinctive features.
Hike the Switchback Trail: Direct access from Jim Thorpe Camping Resort offers scenic trail experiences. Dave R. notes, "A major pro is access to the Switchback Trail from the campground. A wonderfully scenic trail." The trail connects to a broader network of paths through the region.
Visit Lehigh Gap Nature Center: Located near Pocono Point, this offers access to the Appalachian Trail. Asher K. recommends, "If you are staying here I definitely recommend heading down the road a short way and hiking on the AT from the Lehigh nature center." The center serves as an educational hub about local ecology.
Paddle on Mauch Chunk Lake: The clear waters provide excellent conditions for water activities. Emma T. shares, "We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away."
What campers like
Large, private campsites: Hickory Run State Park Campground offers spacious sites with natural barriers. Bridget D. describes, "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers. Some bathrooms are latrines, but they also have beautiful, fully updated showers and restrooms available."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. Shirley M. reports about Hickory Run, "The bath houses in this loop are non-flush/pit toilets. However, the other camping loops had shower houses and flush toilet restrooms." Facility quality varies by loop and campground.
Creekside camping options: Several campgrounds offer sites near water features. Jessica W. notes about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "The mauch chunk stream runs through the back of the campground. The D&L trail also runs at the back of the campground, giving great bike access to mauch chunk lake."
Well-stocked camp stores: Allentown KOA and other campgrounds provide essential supplies. According to Bridget D., "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have spotty coverage. Zoltan P. warns about Tuscarora State Park Campground, "No cell service at all unless you drive up to the top of the mountain." Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Varied bathroom facilities: Quality and type differ between loops and campgrounds. Kelly J. mentions about Allentown KOA, "Bathrooms very clean and stocked with stuff you might need," while other campgrounds may have more rustic options.
Bear activity: The region has bears, requiring proper food storage. Jennifer D. notes at Hickory Run, "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings." Most campgrounds require securing food in vehicles or hard-sided containers.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer privacy while others place units close together. Christina L. observes about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "Very tightly packed but a cool campground," while Donna C. adds, "The RVs were parked so close together that none of us could use our awnings."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers extensive play areas. Wendy S. recommends, "Beautiful camp sites, fun family activities and hiking! Highly recommend." The playground provides entertainment for children between outdoor adventures.
Consider glamping options: Yurts and cabins near Nesquehoning provide comfortable accommodations for families new to camping. Mandy F. shares about Tuscarora State Park, "My girlfriends and I just stayed in the yurts for annual glamping trip. We reserved 3 of 4 yurts for first weekend in June...Yurts have 2 sets of bunk beds with one set having full size mattress on bottom. Yurts have heat and fans."
Check for family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events. Lois mentions about Blue Mountain, "If you choose adventure this is the place for you, ride the ski lifts up to the top of the mountain then you get to bike down it, they have rental bikes available or bring your own."
Find campgrounds with water access: Lakes and streams provide natural entertainment for children. Jonathan F. notes, "Very family friendly and the staff are so nice. Very nice grounds and a lot to do for families. Highly Recommend this location!!"
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness before booking: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. Angie G. warns about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "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." Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended.
Look for pull-through sites: These offer easier setup, especially for larger rigs. Kelly J. notes about Allentown KOA, "Lots of pull through sites," which simplifies arrival and departure.
Consider site width for slides and awnings: Some campgrounds have tight spacing. Donna C. cautions about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "There was a fifth wheel to our left that could just barely get their slideouts extended." Request wider sites if you have multiple slides.
Verify hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Matt R. mentions about Allentown KOA, "Really nice campground. Staff was friendly and helpful. It's very secluded, no highway noise. Our spot backed up right to a creek and it was beautiful."
