Equestrian trails at French Creek State Park offer varied terrain experiences through wooded areas and along two lakes. Located about 15 miles southeast of Reading, the park connects to multiple trail systems for day rides. Trail sections can be rocky and challenging during wet weather. Hunting is permitted in most areas of the park during fall seasons, requiring riders to wear blaze orange for safety. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is accessible via connecting trails. Water for horses is limited on trails, so riders should bring sufficient water for their animals.
What to do
Primitive camping at designated sites: Sassafras Hill Camping Area and Carvolth Camping Area offer dispersed camping options with pet-friendly sites. You'll need to bring all supplies, including water, as these locations provide no amenities.
Swimming and fishing: Visit Tuscarora State Park Campground where campers can enjoy water activities at the lake. "The main attraction for this park is their lake, which you can swim in, fish, kayak or drop in a boat," writes Tiffany K. The park connects to multiple trail systems and features yurts as alternative accommodations.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural location offers excellent night sky viewing at Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms. "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos," notes Jen R. The campsite provides a canvas tent with queen bed, additional tent space, and cooking equipment.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Many campgrounds near Tamaqua feature private campsites with natural barriers. "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 Paige H. about Tuscarora State Park.
Clean facilities: French Creek State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," says Jen R. The park offers 200 individual sites across four loops with various amenity levels.
Quiet environment: Mountainview Campground provides a peaceful setting for campers seeking tranquility. "This place was actually fantastic, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains," writes Christina H. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grates.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from spring through fall, with limited winter options. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations, as one camper notes: "It went down to 40 degrees that night so we had to make due with extra layers and bundle up."
Alcohol policies vary: Check individual campground rules before bringing alcohol. Starlite Camping Resort allows alcohol, while state parks typically prohibit it. "Alcohol is prohibited" at Tuscarora State Park, notes Mandy F.
Cell service limitations: Reception varies widely across the region. At Tuscarora, one reviewer mentioned it's great "If you want to be disconnected, literally because there is no cell service." Some private campgrounds maintain better connectivity, with one noting: "There is no internet, but we had good cell phone service."
Wildlife awareness: The woodland setting means animal encounters are common. "There are bear in the region so be weary with your food. No noise pollution. No light pollution," explains Zoltan P. about Tuscarora State Forest. Another camper mentioned finding "a couple of large black rat snakes near our campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Haldeman Tract Campsites and several other campgrounds feature play areas for children. At French Creek, one visitor noted: "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line."
Book sites together: When camping with multiple families, reserve adjacent sites early. "We had some friends who camped with us so we were able to rent two sites aside of each other which was great. We had sites #32 & #34 in Loop B and the kids had a lot of room to run and play between the two sites," shares a French Creek visitor.
Consider alternative accommodations: For families new to camping, several parks offer cabins or yurts. "My girlfriends and I just stayed in the yurts for annual glamping trip. We reserved 3 of 4 yurts for first weekend in June...Yurts have 2 sets of bunk beds with one set having full size mattress on bottom. Yurts have heat and fans," explains Mandy F.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Most campgrounds have a mix of level and uneven sites. At French Creek, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," according to Jen R. This feature helps reduce setup time and makes stabilizing your RV easier.
Hookup availability: Mountainview Campground offers different utility levels. "Our spot was #27 and pretty spacious. The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure. The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp," notes Sarah.
Terrain considerations: The rolling landscape requires planning for access. At Starlite Camping Resort, "it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," explains Craig F. For larger rigs, one camper advises: "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills."
Ranger
