The Palmerton area sits at the edge of the Pocono Mountains with an elevation ranging between 400-1600 feet, providing diverse terrain for campers. Seasonal temperature swings are significant, with summer averages in the mid-80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most camping spots near Palmerton, Pennsylvania require advance reservations during fall foliage season when the Lehigh Gap Nature Center and surrounding woodlands display peak colors.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Visit Hickory Run State Park's unique glacial formation spanning 16.5 acres. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes a visitor to Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Launch directly from waterfront sites at Mauch Chunk Lake. "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," explains a visitor to Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Disc golf and mountain biking: Blue Mountain offers both activities in one location. "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. If your into Disc golf this place has that too," according to a camper at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort.
Appalachian Trail access: Several campgrounds offer direct trail connections. "Lovely camp site with access to a lot of amenities, all the while keeping a 'primative' feel. Super easy access to Appalachian trail. Trail heads begin inside the campsite," mentions a reviewer at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Many campgrounds provide room to spread out. "This area is so beautiful. a ton to explore and a huge frisbee golf course. The inner loops have nice bathrooms. We were in the outer loop far from the rest of the campground and they only had ports potties and hand sanitizer. I wish we had been on the inner loop for the bathrooms, but we had a huge tent site that fit 4 tents on it," notes a camper at Hickory Run State Park.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and showers get high marks at several locations. "The bathrooms were decently clean. We had a nice pull-through site and enjoyed our stay. Nice stream running through camp," reports a visitor to Allentown KOA.
Proximity to town activities: The Jim Thorpe area offers shopping and restaurants within minutes of campsites. "The location was so great because it's just right above Jim Thorpe! The staff were friendly and there were flushable toilets," shares a recent camper at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Creek access: Many sites feature water frontage. "Our site was a little rocky so be prepared with a good mat/mattress if tent camping. Our site was on a little stream which was relaxing. All around great private campground," explains a Blue Rocks visitor.
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: Most campgrounds close seasonally. "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow. Has a heated pool and playground, laundry facilities and a small game. Shower/bathrooms are the best I've ever seen," notes a camper at Stonybrook RV Resort.
Site terrain challenges: Rocky and uneven sites can cause setup difficulties. "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!! Tons of trails and creeks. So much fun!!" explains a visitor to Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Bear safety requirements: Wildlife precautions are strictly enforced. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings. Not much of a playground. All in all a pretty Park," mentions a Hickory Run camper.
Campground noise levels: Some locations get busy during peak seasons. "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. We were staying at the same site, Friday and Saturday nights. It's a busy place, a lot of weekenders with excited kiddos," reports a Mauch Chunk visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment. "This campground is cozy, friendly, and has a sweet sounding creek that you camp near. It has many kid friendly amenities as well as being very relaxing. Restaurants and stores less than 10 min away. Wildlife close also..we saw beautiful fawns drinking in stream," describes a visitor to Allentown KOA.
Kid-friendly hiking: Look for accessible trails with water features. "This was our first visit to Hickory Run State Park & we loved it. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade. We found the 2 trails we hiked - Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails - where were rated 'more difficult' were not bad to hike at all. We hiked both with your 2 large dogs. Both of these trails had a creek and waterfalls."
Swimming options: Pools and lakes provide cooling off spots. "Nice beach area and lake to kayak!" notes a Mauch Chunk visitor, while another campground review states, "Amenities were very good, and plenty to do."
Beginner-friendly campsites: Some locations cater to new campers. "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks to several campgrounds. "This was our first trip with our new to us Jayco. We stayed in site 20. Easy to back in. Didn't need leveling blocks as our site was nice and level. Stayed Thursday through Sunday. It was chilly in the mornings and evenings and warm and sunny during the day. Perfect fall weather," shares a camper at Don Laine Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites require advance booking. "We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade."
RV size restrictions: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. "RVs were parked so close together that none of us could use our awnings. There was a fifth wheel to our left that could just barely get their slideouts extended."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer this service. "They allow to dump and fill fresh water (sign at the entrance says that as well) for a small 10$ which is quite nice. Was quick and convenient, lady at the front desk was very kind!"
