Campgrounds near Parryville offer varied terrain at elevations of 400-1,600 feet above sea level. Situated in the southern Poconos, this area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer nights often 20 degrees cooler than daytime highs. Boulder fields, creek access, and wooded sites provide diverse camping experiences within a 20-mile radius of Parryville.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: At Hickory Run State Park Campground, the unique geological formation draws visitors. "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 Amber A. The boulder field is accessible via a stone road through the woods.
Appalachian Trail hiking: Trails start directly from Blue Rocks Family Campground grounds. "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," explains Amy C. The campground sits just one mile off the AT, providing convenient access for day hikers.
Creek fishing and swimming: Several campgrounds feature creek access for water activities. "Our site was on a little stream which was relaxing," shares Maggie H. about Blue Rocks Family Campground. Water levels vary seasonally, with spring typically offering the best flow rates for paddling or fishing.
What campers like
Large wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites with natural barriers. "Our sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade," reports Shirley M. about her stay at Hickory Run State Park Campground. The campground features various loops with different site styles and privacy levels.
Well-stocked camp stores: Several campgrounds maintain supplies for forgotten items. "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," states Bridget D. about Hickory Run State Park.
Mountain views: Don Laine Campground offers scenic vistas. "They have basic to full hookup up campsites that are spacious with beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding countryside!" explains Cheryl W. The elevated position of many sites provides panoramic views across the valleys.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bears remain active in the region. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," notes Jennifer D. about Hickory Run. Campers must store food items in vehicles or trailers when not at the site.
Variable bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality differs widely between campgrounds and even within loops. "Some bathrooms are latrines, but they also have beautiful, fully updated showers and restrooms available," explains Bridget D. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park. Some outer loops may only have portable toilets while inner loops feature full facilities.
Weather variability: Mountain locations experience significant temperature changes. "Even though it was a very hot weekend and our site was in an open area, we had a nice breeze and shade from the wooded area behind our site," shares Shirley M. Temperatures can drop by 20-30 degrees overnight, requiring appropriate clothing and bedding.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort offers recreation areas for children. "There is a general store on site, an arcade, a pool, bathrooms with clean showers, and sinks with potable water," reports Jessica W. The playground equipment accommodates various age groups, from toddlers to teens.
Creek exploration: Water features provide natural entertainment. "We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake," shares Emma T. about her Mauch Chunk Lake Park experience. Creek-side sites often cost $5-10 more but provide direct water access.
Wildlife viewing: "Oh and don't forget to watch for the rabbits and deer that appear every evening to entertain you!" advises Cheryl W. about Don Laine Campground. Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer commonly seen in meadow areas.
Tips for RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "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," explains Angie G. about her stay at Stonybrook RV Resort. Bring extra leveling blocks for mountain campgrounds.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Parryville: Most RV parks welcome pets with specific guidelines. "Our site(F20) is level and beautiful—spacious and beautifully landscaped," notes Matt S. about Stonybrook RV Resort, a popular pet-friendly option. Several campgrounds near Parryville allow dogs at most sites, though some restrict pets to specific camping loops.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. "We arrived here with high hopes and it went downhill from there. Our site was way too small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time," cautions Donna C. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort. Always confirm site dimensions when booking, especially for RVs over 35 feet.
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