Camping cabins near New Tripoli, Pennsylvania sit within the rolling foothills of the Blue Mountain range, where elevations range from 400 to 1,600 feet above sea level. The area features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, typically experiencing summer temperatures between 75-85°F and winter temperatures that can drop below freezing. Several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations nestled among deciduous forests of oak, maple, and hickory trees that create vibrant fall colors from mid-October through early November.
What to do
Explore boulder fields: Visit the unique boulder field at Hickory Run State Park, an unusual geological formation spanning 16 acres. A camper described it as "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown."
Visit nearby Jim Thorpe: The historic town is just 5 minutes from Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, offering shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. A visitor noted, "The secret it packs is the great town in which it shares its name. You are 5 minutes from the wonderful town of Jim Thrope. Can't say the campground offers too much other than the basic campground experience."
Fish in local waterways: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing opportunities in creeks and lakes. Blue Rocks Family Campground has spots where kids can wade in the water. A camper mentioned, "Our site was on a little stream which was relaxing."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many cabin campers appreciate secluded spots surrounded by trees for privacy. At French Creek State Park, a reviewer observed, "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors."
Camp stores with essentials: Several campgrounds maintain well-stocked stores. A camper at Hickory Run State Park commented, "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."
Access to trails: Hikers enjoy direct trail access from many camping areas. A visitor at Blue Rocks Family Campground shared, "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!"
What you should know
Site conditions vary widely: Some cabin areas have challenging terrain. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, a camper warned, "The tent sites are not very defined, level or rock free. Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site, kinda like roughing it in the actual wild."
Bathroom facilities differ: Comfort stations range from modern to basic. A Mauch Chunk Lake Park visitor stated, "Bathrooms were adequate, but old and there are a couple of cabins on the property. They are wooden sheds with varying levels of accommodation."
Seasonal popularity: Weekends and holidays fill quickly. A Blue Rocks visitor advised, "This is my go to camp spot. Blue rocks is the best family campground within 5 hours of philadelphia. Hands down. They have everything you need from primitive sites to cabins to rent."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly play areas. A Pine Hill RV Park guest mentioned, "Amenities include an older style playground, horseshoe pits, manicure golf, and volleyball court."
Water activities for kids: Lakes and streams provide cooling options during summer months. A Mauch Chunk Lake Park visitor shared, "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake."
Book cabins with bathroom proximity: For families with young children, choose sites near facilities. At French Creek State Park, a camper noted, "We had sites #32 & #34 in Loop B and the kids had a lot of room to run and play between the two sites."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many cabin camping areas have limited space for larger vehicles. A Allentown KOA visitor observed, "I enjoyed my time there, tho it felt like a parking lot with everything close to each other. Didn't have privacy camping but they have things to offer."
Leveling challenges: Some rental cabins sit on uneven terrain. A Jim Thorpe Camping Resort guest warned, "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!!"
Seasonal road conditions: Access roads can be challenging after rain or snow. At Robin Hill Campground, a visitor reported, "Sites are swampy if they've had rain! Took us over two hours to disconnect because of mushy, muddy site!"
