Tent camping near Blandon, Pennsylvania offers access to both rustic wilderness sites and developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The eastern Pennsylvania foothills in this region feature rolling terrain with elevations between 400-1,200 feet, creating diverse camping environments from lowland creek bottoms to ridgeline sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with higher humidity levels near water sources.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides a stocked lake with clear, clean water. One camper noted, "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming. The campsites were adequate size."
Hiking trail systems: Evansburg State Park Campground offers multiple trail options through wooded terrain. A regular visitor explains, "Since he was 2 years old I've taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for 'adventures'."
Paddleboarding access: Some lakefront campsites allow for direct water access. As one camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park shared, "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
Disc golf course: Deep Creek Campground features a well-regarded disc course. According to reviews, the park offers "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing."
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Boulder Ridge Farm provides secluded tent sites with distinctive rock formations. One camper mentioned, "Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
Wildlife encounters: The ridgeline trails feature diverse wildlife. At AT Overlook Campground, a camper reported, "When I was up here I came across a flock of wild turkeys who thoroughly scared me when they flew off."
Water proximity: Several campgrounds offer lakeside tent sites. One visitor to Mauch Chunk Lake Park stated, "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."
Wilderness solitude: AT Ridge Campground near Lehigh Gap provides ridge-top camping with unique vegetation. As one hiker described, "They are surrounded by a magical field of ferns and you can get views of both sides of the ridge with only a short walk down the trail."
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Many established campgrounds have limited separation between sites. At Hibernia County Park, "There is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees."
Primitive site considerations: AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap requires hikers to carry in all water. As noted in reviews, "Just be prepared to bring in your water since there is nowhere to fill up while up on the ridge."
Weekend popularity: Summer weekends fill quickly at established campgrounds. One visitor to Mauch Chunk Lake Park observed, "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."
Alcohol restrictions: Most public campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. County parks like Hibernia are specifically noted as places where there's "no booze but camp sites are under trees."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Hibernia County Park provides accessible camping for new campers. A family reported, "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Activity diversity: Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers multiple recreation options in one location. As a visitor noted, "Great first trip! The campgrounds were nice and there was a lot to do. Volleyball courts, secret picnic areas, kayak and other boating rentals."
Children's fishing pond: Some parks feature designated fishing areas for younger anglers. According to a Hibernia visitor, "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas within walking distance of tent sites. One family mentioned, "Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Blandon offer minimal RV facilities. As noted about Hibernia County Park, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Site size limitations: Rolling Hills Retreats and similar small campgrounds aren't suitable for larger rigs. Reviewers of several campgrounds specifically note they are "NO big-rig-friendly."
Dump station access: Facilities for RV waste disposal are limited. According to a Hibernia visitor, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
Tent site conversion: Some tent sites can accommodate small RVs with creative positioning. At Hibernia, "Though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
