Camping options near Stockertown, Pennsylvania provide access to both Pennsylvania and New Jersey forests, with sites positioned between the Delaware River watershed and Kittatinny Mountain range. The region's elevation ranges from 400-1,600 feet, creating varied microclimates across campgrounds. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing, making April through October the primary camping season when overnight lows remain above 45°F.
What to do
Hike to local waterfalls: At Hickory Run State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple waterfall trails. "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," reports one camper.
Explore unique geological formations: The Boulder Field at Hickory Run provides an unusual natural attraction. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," shares a visitor. This National Natural Landmark features thousands of red sandstone boulders covering 16.5 acres.
Visit the Lakota Wolf Preserve: Near Camp Taylor Campground, you can experience wolf howls in their natural habitat. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," notes a camper. Tours operate twice daily on weekends.
Paddle local waterways: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. "Well maintained campsites. Fire pit had a medal grate to cook on. Beautiful area. we paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," explains a visitor to Round Valley State Park Campground. The 2,350-acre reservoir permits non-motorized boats and limited electric motors.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Many campgrounds near Stockertown feature well-separated camping areas. At Mountainview Campground, "The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas," according to one reviewer. Another notes, "Our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors)."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more rustic experiences beyond glamping close to Stockertown, Pennsylvania, Round Valley State Park offers boat-in and hike-in sites. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle," writes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The Stockertown region offers excellent opportunities to spot native animals. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "A duck visited us every morning," mentions one camper. Another Mountainview Campground visitor reports, "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
Stargazing: The region's position away from major urban centers creates excellent night sky viewing. "Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice," reports a Mountainview Campground reviewer.
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October. "Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania... 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. The late afternoon sun did hit the front of our trailer, but we used this time for a nap or a went for a drive to explore the area," explains one visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in the region, requiring proper food storage. "Be aware that this area has a high bear population and all campers are required to keep food items in their vehicles or trailers when not at the site," warns a Hickory Run visitor. At Mountainview, another camper shared their experience: "We've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent."
Access challenges: Some primitive sites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley State Park, "Some of the sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across. Beautiful peaceful and primitive," advises a camper. Another notes, "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Jenny Jump State Forest recommends advance planning: "There is also specific areas for group camping but always good idea to reserve in advance to make sure you can lock it down."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer better family amenities than others. "This campground is lovely. Very wooded. Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel. It's GREAT For kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over. The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," shares a Camp Taylor visitor.
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly campgrounds manage quiet hours effectively. "My daughter and I have made Camp Taylor our annual spot for the past 4-5 years and it just keeps getting better. Hiking to the Wolf Preserve, paddleboats, mini golf, swimming in the lake... Plus, unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire."
Explore educational opportunities: The region offers numerous learning experiences for children. At Colonial Woods Family Resort, "They did a few activities the one we did go to was the casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital which is awesome and the kids loved the candy and little prizes they won."
Check bathroom accessibility: When luxury glamping near Stockertown isn't an option, bathroom proximity matters for families with young children. "If you're tent camping the bathrooms are FAR and I highly doubt no one has ever peed outside at night instead of navigating through the night to them," cautions a visitor to Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Some RV sites offer more privacy than others. At Camp Taylor, "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time. The section of spots toward the back by the pond are usually packed and lots of activity and early morning active children."
Be cautious on narrow roads: Some campgrounds have challenging access. "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)," warns an RV owner at Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Check utility hookups: Available connections vary widely between campgrounds. A Hickory Run visitor notes, "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."
Consider seasonal site rental: Many campgrounds offer longer-term options. "Half of this campground is permanent camper site rentals. It was a little to close to each other and not enough privacy," observes a visitor to Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
