The Lehigh Valley region surrounding Slatington, Pennsylvania features a diverse mix of camping options within a 30-mile radius. State parks and private campgrounds cater to various camping styles, from tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations. Hickory Run State Park Campground, located about 25 miles north of Slatington, offers both primitive and electric sites in a forested setting from mid-April through October. Closer to town, Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort provides year-round access with tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts. The area's proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap creates opportunities for both developed camping and more secluded experiences, with several campgrounds like Jim Thorpe Camping Resort and Mauch Chunk Lake Park offering water-based recreation.
Camping permits and reservations are essential during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when most campgrounds reach capacity, especially on weekends. The region's variable terrain creates distinct camping experiences, with higher elevation sites in the Pocono Mountains remaining cooler even during summer months. Spring camping often contends with muddy conditions, as noted by one visitor who experienced "extremely muddy sites after rain" at Locust Lake State Park. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, though a few remain open year-round. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited or no service in more remote camping areas.
Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Mauch Chunk Lake Park and Locust Lake State Park. One camper reported, "We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome." Many campgrounds feature hiking trail access, though some visitors note that certain state park campgrounds position tent sites far from bathrooms and amenities. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer, various birds, and occasionally bears. The rocky terrain characteristic of the region (nicknamed "Rocksylvania" by Appalachian Trail hikers) can make tent camping challenging at some locations. Visitors frequently mention the area's fall foliage as a highlight, with one camper describing "breathtaking views from nearby trails" during autumn.
$20 - $72 / night
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. "
"This campground is nestled in rhe mountains of Pennsylvania. This campgound is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays."
"We chose this campground mainly because it was close to home and we could camp and not miss my daughter's soccer practice/game. We were pleasantly surprised by the campground. "
"Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site, kinda like roughing it in the actual wild... so not really a complaint. Sites are not very private or secluded."
"The sites were fine and I liked the location. Next to the creek where you can fish trout (don’t forget to buy a license). About 3 miles stroll along the creek to Jim Thorpe."
"According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
$20 / night
"Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large."
"Beautiful lake beach and canoe and kayak rentals. There’s much to explore in the town Jim Thorpe and beautiful hiking close by."
"There’s lots of space to walk your dog on leash but no dog park. We had an issue with our surge protector and the manager had an electrician out to us quickly who helped us solve a problem. "
"Our site(F20) is level and beautiful— spacious and beautifully landscaped
- We interacted with 5 members of their staff and all were welcoming and friendly to talk with
- There’s a heated pool behind"
"They have basic to full hookup up campsites that are spacious with beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding countryside!"
"Nice hiking trails, horseback riding available at times , golf cart rentals. Heated pool , nice playground for kids."
$45 - $550 / night
"Good location and easy to get to from the PA turnpike NE extension 476. Also a good location to get to all the state parks nearby like Beltzville and Lehigh Gorge."
"Cute campground with RV and creekside tent sites near Lehigh Gap. The staff here was incredibly friendly and helpful and they have a well cared for site."
"Wanted to find a close by place for for a night of Tent camping and stumbled across this winter time ski resort/ spring summer camping and adventure grounds."
"I was already on edge since there are several signs warning of high bear activity. In the end, no harm was done and I got to enjoy this special spot all to myself."
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
TravelerStayed at Silver Lake for a two night camping trip and overall had a solid experience, with a few drawbacks.
The campsite itself is decent in size and easy to set up on, but it’s located along a fairly active road. Expect a couple vehicles per hour, including louder trucks, which takes away from the secluded feel. There are also signs the area may have been used for roadwork dumping in the past, with some leftover blacktop visible.
That said, the site works well for a functional camp. Plenty of nearby downed wood for fires, and the area has a good “working camp” feel if you don’t mind putting in a little effort. We had no issue gathering firewood and keeping a fire going, even after rain.
Weather was rainy for most of the trip, but a simple canopy setup made it manageable. The site drains reasonably well and didn’t turn into a mess.
Wildlife wise, ticks were present, so plan accordingly with repellent and checks.
We also had a brief visit from a forest ranger checking on smoke in the area. Interaction was professional and quick.
Overall, this is a good spot if you’re looking for a straightforward, no frills campsite and don’t mind some road noise. If you’re prioritizing privacy and a true backwoods feel, you may want to explore other sites in Delaware State Forest.
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
TravelerReally nice views from the sites. Facilities are well equipped and taken care of, but older. Trees between each rv site give a nice level of privacy
LegendLike always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
LegendTucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
LegendTucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
ScoutThis is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
GuideOwners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Camping options near Slatington, Pennsylvania span across an elevation range of 400 to 1,600 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. This section of the Lehigh Valley sits at the junction of several ecological zones, with campgrounds often positioned along creek beds or nestled against ridge lines. Winter camping remains available at select locations including Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort, though most campgrounds close from November through March.
Boulder field exploration: Hickory Run State Park Campground features an unusual 720,000-square-foot boulder field that draws hikers and photographers. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes Mike M., who recommends sturdy footwear for this geological formation.
Creek fishing: Sites along Lizard Creek at Lizard Creek Campground offer direct water access. "Definitely recommend creek side site if you can," suggests Brandon W., who found the proximity to water ideal for casual fishing and relaxation during warmer months.
Mountain biking: Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort transforms from winter ski resort to summer adventure center with unique downhill biking. "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," explains Lois, noting the resort also offers zip lines and tree-based adventure courses.
Appalachian Trail access: Blue Rocks Family Campground provides direct trail connections. "Lovely camp site with access to a lot of amenities, all the while keeping a 'primitive' feel. Super easy access to Appalachian trail. Trail heads begin inside the campsite," reports Amy C., highlighting how the trail system integrates with the campground.
Lake-based activities: Mauch Chunk Lake Park features clear water conditions ideal for paddlers. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm," says Lisa S., who adds, "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear."
Modern amenities in rustic settings: Hickory Run State Park Campground balances wilderness experience with facilities. "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers. Some bathrooms are latrines, but they also have beautiful, fully updated showers and restrooms available," notes Bridget D., who found the campground exceptionally well-maintained.
Off-season tranquility: Fall and early spring offer quieter camping experiences. "We visited in fall so we had the entire place to ourselves," reports Rosanna C. about Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort, mentioning how the lack of crowds enhanced hiking and biking activities.
Camping near breweries: The area features multiple craft beverage producers. "There are a few breweries in the area and at least one distillery," says Chuck M. about his stay at Lizard Creek Campground, noting the campground's proximity to local establishments makes for convenient evening outings.
Variable site conditions: Tent campers should prepare for challenging terrain. "The tent sites are not very defined, level or rock free. Makes it fun searching for a good position within the site," explains Dave R. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, suggesting extra padding for comfort.
Pet policies vary significantly: Always verify pet rules before booking. "This is listed as pet friendly on thedyrt.com but if you go to the park's website, pets are not allowed," cautions Blythe A. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, highlighting the importance of confirming current policies.
Site proximity considerations: Some campgrounds position sites very close together. "The RVs were parked so close together that none of us could use our awnings," reports Donna C. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, recommending campers check site dimensions before booking, especially for larger rigs.
Weekend noise levels: Many campgrounds become busy and louder on weekends. "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," Danielle F. notes about Mauch Chunk Lake Park, suggesting weekday stays for those seeking quiet.
Playground quality: Allentown KOA features multiple play areas. "2 different playgrounds and a pool that could use some updating. Staff was very helpful and accommodating," mentions Brandon W., whose assessment helps families prioritize campgrounds based on children's facilities.
Stream exploration: Sites with creek access provide natural entertainment. "Loved being right next to the stream. No fish in sight though. Sites were huge!" reports Kelly J., who found the water features at Allentown KOA engaged children throughout their stay.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and dusk offer prime animal sighting times. "We saw beautiful fawns drinking in stream," shares Becky M. about her experience at Allentown KOA, noting the regular wildlife appearances added educational value to their family camping trip.
Bathroom proximity: With children, consider bathroom location when selecting sites. "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," advises Sarah L. from her stay at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant adjustment. "Our site was way to small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time," notes Donna C. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, recommending bringing extra leveling blocks for the region's uneven terrain.
Water and electric access: Stonybrook RV Resort offers reliable hookups. "Very very level site. But beyond the pool there wasn't much to do," reports Tori, highlighting the trade-off between convenience and activities at this location.
Quick overnight stops: Some campgrounds accommodate late arrivals. "When I arrived, check-in was easy and professional. A host had me follow him to a super convenient pull-through site, and stayed to make sure I was all set," explains Corby M. about Allentown KOA, noting the gravel site was level enough to avoid unhooking from his truck.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options exist but with limited facilities. "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow," shares Jamie S. about Stonybrook RV Resort, mentioning the exceptional bathroom facilities remained open year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Slatington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Slatington, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 202 campgrounds and RV parks near Slatington, PA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Slatington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Slatington, PA is Hickory Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Slatington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Slatington, PA.
What parks are near Slatington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Slatington, PA that allow camping, notably Blue Marsh Lake and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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