Campers visiting New Tripoli, Pennsylvania can explore additional tent camping options beyond the Appalachian Trail. The region sits in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. Seasonal weather varies dramatically, with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winters dropping below freezing, impacting camping conditions and water availability throughout the year.
What to do
Water activities at Mauch Chunk Lake: Launch kayaks or paddleboards directly from lakefront campsites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," reports Lisa S.
Hiking to primitive sites: Access secluded tent camping at Lehigh Gap AT primitive campsite with multiple established fire areas. "A very large flat site with plenty of clear spots for multiple tents. This would work well for a large group. This site appears to be well-used and has several established areas for sitting and setting up a fire," notes Asher K.
River camping and biking: Camp alongside the Lehigh River at Riverview Park Campground with direct access to the D&L biking trail. "This is the perfect place for camping if you are adventuring out on the Lehigh River and want to get an early start or stay the night. The sites are each tent only and located right along the river with a picnic bench and firepit," explains a reviewer.
What campers like
Protected shelter access: The George W. Outerbridge AT Shelter provides hikers with covered sleeping during inclement weather. "A single-level open-sided AT shelter near the Lehigh Gap trailhead. The shelter itself is well maintained and has a raised covered platform for sleeping with plenty of space for lots of hikers. There is also a spring nearby for filling up water," mentions Asher K.
Secluded group camping: Find pine-covered tent areas at AT Group Campsite near Lehigh Gap when camping with multiple people. "A bed of pine needles creates a padded comfortable area that is perfect for a large group backpacking in the area. This site sits a little ways back from the trail but is a nice quiet and secluded spot," says one camper.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers amenities that make tent camping New Tripoli more accessible. "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 on the campground and nearby," shares Mackenzie B.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Most primitive sites require carrying all water or filtering from limited sources. At the Woodpecker Trailhead campground, "There is no water available at the site itself but there were some small creeks along the trail coming up the hill or you can fill up at the nature center near the trailhead," notes a camper.
Site conditions after rain: Some tent camping areas near New Tripoli become wet after precipitation. "When I was here it had recently rained and the site was overall pretty boggy. The ground was relatively soft but without a good ground tarp, you might get a little wet," warns a reviewer about the Lehigh Gap Woodpecker Trailhead.
Weekend crowding: Popular established campgrounds can become noisy during peak times. "We visited in the summer on a weekend when it was full. The campsites are too close to each other and we were surrounded by very loud campers. It was not just 1 group; there were multiple parties making a lot of noise until after midnight," reports Danielle F.
Tips for camping with families
First-time camper friendly: Beginners find Mauch Chunk Lake Park accessible for introducing children to tent camping. "GREAT first trip! The campgrounds were nice and there was a lot to do. Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals. Also a lot to do in the nearby town," shares Danny M.
Beach access for kids: Swimming areas provide recreational options for families. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" notes Annette M., making this a good alternative to more rugged tent camping around New Tripoli.
Pack extra padding: Tree roots and rocks can make tent sleeping uncomfortable without preparation. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters. Plenty of space away from neighbors," advises Amber M.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near primitive areas: The immediate Lehigh Gap area primarily serves tent campers rather than RVs, with most sites requiring hiking access. Nearby established campgrounds like Mauch Chunk Lake Park offer some RV sites with hookups.
Reservations required: For RV camping at developed campgrounds, plan ahead. "Our site was for the most part clean, the fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived," explains one reviewer, highlighting maintenance issues that can arise at busy campgrounds.