Camping near Mahanoy City, PA

165 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    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."

    Best Campgrounds near Mahanoy City (165)

      1. Locust Lake State Park Campground

      4.0(31)2mi from Mahanoy City279 sitesRVs, Tents

      "We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."

      "Had a site close to the lake. Many sites (including mine) were not level. The sites sizes were a bit small and i would book during peak season. I would definitely return again off season."

      from $20 - $43 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Tuscarora State Park Campground

      4.4(9)6mi from Mahanoy City10 sitesRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "Good hiking trails were just a short walk away from our campsite. Would definitely go back again."

      "No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc. Each yurt has a huge deck, 2 picnic tables and fire pit."

      from $44 - $47 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Lakewood Park Campground

      5.0(6)5mi from Mahanoy City4 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "They are in the process of adding lots more sites up away from the lake in the woods plus 2 bath houses. The sites along the lake are great, but be aware most of them are seasonal."

      "You’re not allowed to swim in the lake although you’re allowed to use floats. The area has not much to do unless you would like the state park, which is close by."

      from $62 - $114 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Knoebels Campground

      4.4(24)20mi from Mahanoy CityRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Knoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins. There is electricity at every site but not water."

      "In addition to the campsites you have access to the campsite bathrooms which also have showers. They’re nothing special but they get the job done and are cleaned daily by staff."

      from $59 - $160 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Hickory Run State Park Campground

      4.5(60)28mi from Mahanoy City384 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"

      "Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground.   "

      from $20 - $72 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Blue Rocks Family Campground

      4.4(26)22mi from Mahanoy CityRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."

      "Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."

      7. Lake Glory Campground

      4.5(15)18mi from Mahanoy CityRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This campground is only minutes away from Knobels Amusement Park. The campground itself was clean but not a lot of amenities being it’s part of the amusement park."

      "It’s a nice spacious campground next to the park."

      from $50 - $80 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Jim Thorpe Camping Resort

      3.8(15)19mi from Mahanoy CityRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site, kinda like roughing it in the actual wild... so not really a complaint. Sites are not very private or secluded."

      "The sites were fine and I liked the location. Next to the creek where you can fish trout (don’t forget to buy a license). About 3 miles stroll along the creek to Jim Thorpe."

      9. Mauch Chunk Lake Park

      4.0(10)18mi from Mahanoy CityTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."

      "Beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals. There’s much to explore in the town Jim Thorpe and beautiful hiking close by."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Rosemount Camping Resort

      5.0(1)8mi from Mahanoy CityCabins

      "occasionally stocked), badminton, horseshoes, golf cart friendly, A large pavilion with a large flatscreen display and community firepit is there for general use or for rental,  There is wifi by store and surrounding"

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Recent Reviews near Mahanoy City, PA

    886 Reviews of 165 Mahanoy City Campgrounds


    • Paul E. R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 8, 2026

      Hersheypark Camping Resort

      This is the greatest place to enjoy all the activities your family desires

      Enjoy an amazing experience staying at Hershey Park camp site 😄😄

    • A
      Jun. 6, 2026

      100 Mile View Camping

      Gorgeous Views for 100 miles

      Thought it was super cool that the owner of the campsite came through to see if anyone needed anything and make sure everything was going okay, I also thought the 5 gallon jug of water was a nice touch. The site was nicely laid out and had a great view of the gorge. Loved that we were back in the trees for a little more privacy. My dogs had a great time as well.

    • FThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 6, 2026

      Thousand Trails Hershey

      Nice park but the site not so much

      The park is very nice however the site H2 was the site assigned to us. The distance between our Coach and the fence was 7 feet and the bathhouse was blocking the view. I do not recommend this site.

    • BD Funny W.
      May. 27, 2026

      French Creek State Park Campground

      It was beautiful

      The camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.

    • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 26, 2026

      Indian Head Campground

      Good but could be better

      A lot of people recommended this campground. We were late to book for Memorial Day weekend and Indian Head had plenty of spots open so we gave it a chance. Upon arriving, they gave us a map to our spot, we drove to the area and it was essentially a big open field with no spots marked, no numbers, no direction to really pull in. We had to ask the owner where our spot was because there was nothing to show where it was in the fielded grass area. I understand they are putting work into the campground to improve it, it seems, but seemed Alittle messy just from the store, entrance and overall upkeep of the campground. Overall, if we had the chance to camp here again, we probably wouldn’t. I would reccomend J&D or Lake Glory that’s in the same area if able to be booked.

    • b
      May. 23, 2026

      Tobyhanna State Park Campground

      really clean and easy to get around, kinda crammed :/

      we loved both of our stays here! it was mine and my partner’s first time camping and we had a great experience. the layout was really nice, and easy to get to. the bathrooms were really close to walk to and VERY clean! the only issue we faced was the closeness of the other campsites. we went during off season and during the week, so it didn’t really affect us but i can see how this place can get crowded and a little noisy during peak season. with all the being said, it was WONDERFUL!! we LOVED the late checkout (3pm) and loved the peaceful atmosphere! i would definitely recommend this place for beginner campers!

    • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 9, 2026

      Hershey Road Campground

      An alternative to Hershey Park Campground. A little cheapwr but sites are better here.

      Great location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.

      Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 12, 2026

      Frances Slocum State Park Campground

      Nice State Park

      Really nice views from the sites. Facilities are well equipped and taken care of, but older. Trees between each rv site give a nice level of privacy

    • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 11, 2026

      Lake-In-Wood Campground

      Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend

      Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster.  As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground.  You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck.  We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.

      The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up.  We choose a really wooded site.  It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck.  It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place.  I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose.  They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy.  You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.

      They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine.  The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on.  I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down.  The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long.  I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.  

      The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly.  The store was fully stocked with everything you could want.  The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water.  We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area.  We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock.  The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.

      I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there.  It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing.  People were very respectful and friendly.


    Guide to Mahanoy City

    Campgrounds near Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania range across varied terrain with elevations between 800-1,200 feet in the Appalachian coal region. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular when hardwood forests display vivid colors and temperatures drop into the 40s at night.

    What to Do

    Boulder field exploration: At Hickory Run State Park Campground, visitors can experience the famous boulder field, a National Natural Landmark. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," notes camper Amber A.

    Hiking trails: The region offers extensive hiking networks with varied difficulty levels. Blue Rocks Family Campground provides immediate access to the Pinnacle Trail. A visitor commented, "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!"

    Paddling opportunities: Many area lakes support kayaking and fishing. "The sites are very close to one another. We lucked out in Bermuda Triangle as there was a little more space and we were further away from some of the noise. The sites are clean and well maintained," a Knoebels camper noted about their waterfront experience.

    What Campers Like

    Off-season weekday camping: Weekends and summer months bring crowds to many campgrounds, but camping mid-week offers a more peaceful experience. A camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park observed, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm."

    Lake activities: Lakewood Park Campground receives praise for its water access. "The lake is was nice and had a small dock perfect for fishing," noted Scott H., while another camper shared, "Checkin was quick and no fuss. Friendly staff, grounds look well taken care of. The pond is a very nice amenity."

    Mushroom hunting: The dense forests and adequate rainfall create ideal conditions for mushroom enthusiasts. "Really nice park! Great hiking trails! Lots of mushrooms! Nice walk-in sites for camping," remarked Annette M. about Locust Lake State Park.

    What You Should Know

    Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, one reviewer noted, "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. After that... we had the best time!!"

    Limited RV sites at some parks: Tuscarora State Park offers limited RV access. "This park has no tent camping. They offer cabins and yurts, but have no sites for people to set up tents. The main attraction for this park is their lake," explains camper Tiffany K.

    Cell service variability: Digital connectivity varies significantly. "I absolutely love camping here! If you want to be disconnected, literally because there is no cell service, then this is the place for you," reports Jen R. about Tuscarora.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "This place really has something for everyone! Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff. The best part was hiking in the boulder field!" reports Gayle B. about Blue Rocks Family Campground.

    Waterfront activities: Lake Glory Campground provides water-based recreation suitable for different ages. "We stay at lake glory every year while visiting Knoebels. It's so much quieter than Knoebels campground and so much more room. We love the creek side sites! Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away," shares Eiron S.

    Amusement park proximity: Several campgrounds offer easy access to Knoebels Amusement Park. "Great place to camp with family," Glenn H. said of Locust Lake State Park, which makes a convenient base for park visits.

    Tips from RVers

    Late season preparation: Fall camping requires additional planning for RVers. "PA is beautiful in the fall. Nice campground with some trails and access to Pottsville - for the best brewery tour ever - Yeungling! Check out the Jim Thorpe fall fest and Hershey Park," recommends Melanie Z.

    Hookup variations: Expect different hookup capabilities across parks. At Tuscarora State Park Campground, yurts offer surprising amenities: "Yurts have heat and fans. Full size refrigerator, stove and microwave. No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc," explains Mandy F.

    Site selection research: RVers should thoroughly research sites before booking. "Beware: these sites are not travel trailer friendly. We booked two nights but upon arriving, we realized that there was no way to fit our trailer (only 25 ft). Trees were growing up in all the sites that were available and most of the ones without trees in the way were pointing in the wrong direction for backing into," cautions Chelsea B. about their experience.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Mahanoy City, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mahanoy City, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Mahanoy City, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Mahanoy City, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mahanoy City, PA is Locust Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 31 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mahanoy City, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Mahanoy City, PA.