Tamaqua, Pennsylvania sits at an elevation of 1,024 feet within Pennsylvania's coal region, where narrow valleys and forested hills create distinct microclimates for campers. Winter temperatures often drop 5-10 degrees lower than surrounding lowlands, with summer camping season typically running from early May through mid-October. The region's former coal mining history has created unique terrain features that influence campground layouts and accessibility.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: 20-minute drive from most campgrounds near Tamaqua takes you to Hickory Run State Park's boulder field, a National Natural Landmark. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," shares a visitor to Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Mountain biking descents: 15+ trails available at Blue Mountain where you can ride the ski lifts up and bike down. "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," reports a camper at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort.
Disc golf through forests: 18-hole course winds through wooded areas with elevation changes. "This place really has something for everyone! Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff. The best part was hiking in the boulder field!" notes a reviewer at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Appalachian Trail access: Multiple trailheads within minutes of campgrounds. "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 an experienced hiker who stayed at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
What campers like
Creek access for paddling: Several glamping sites offer direct water access. "We took a drive on 2 afternoons on a stone road through the woods to see the Boulder Field. It was a beautiful drive. We were on the lookout for bear, but only saw 3 deer," shares a visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Spacious, private glamping sites: Many locations offer secluded options. "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. It was a very quiet weekend for us as our loop was not crowded," explains a reviewer from Hickory Run.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution at most campgrounds outside town centers. "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," enthuses a visitor to Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Lake swimming: Clean, clear water in multiple locations. "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming. The campsites were adequate size," notes a Mauch Chunk Lake visitor.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Required at most campgrounds. "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," cautions a Hickory Run State Park reviewer.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: From modern to rustic. "The bath houses in this loop are non-flush/pit toilets. However, the other camping loops had shower houses and flush toilet restrooms," notes a camper from Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Site selection matters for tents: Rocky terrain can make leveling difficult. "Many sites have exposed tree roots and rocks, recommend extra padding for tenters," advises a visitor to Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Cell service varies by location: Better at higher elevation sites. "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," reports a weekend visitor to Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas. "There is a huge open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," mentions a family at Hickory Run State Park.
Swimming options with varying depths: Lakes accommodate different ages. "The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is cause 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!!" shares a family camper at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Weekend vs. weekday differences: Significantly quieter midweek. "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. You can be down near the creek and in the open more, in the wooded areas, or you can be near the corn field and glacier rock field," explains a visitor to Blue Rocks.
Yurt options for non-tent families: Available at multiple parks. "A group of us stayed here over Memorial Day weekend. The sites were super spacious and private. There was enough room for a full overlanding setup, three vehicles, a hammock, two dogs and a two person tent with plenty of room to spare," reports a visitor to Tuscarora State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring additional blocks. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," shares an RV camper at French Creek State Park Campground.
Pull-through availability: Limited at state parks but common at private campgrounds. "The 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," cautions an RV owner who stayed at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Site size verification: Call ahead for larger RVs. "We arrived here with high hopes and it went downhill from there. Our site was way to small even though we gave the length and width of our rig ahead of time," warns an RV camper from Jim Thorpe.
Creek-side RV sites: Premium locations book months ahead. "This place was pretty nice. The bath houses were really clean. The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is cause the spots were a little tight," notes an RV camper who visited Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
