Best Campgrounds near Thornhurst, PA

The Pocono Mountains region surrounding Thornhurst, Pennsylvania features a variety of established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Hickory Run State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and reservable sites from April through October. Nearby Tobyhanna State Park Campground provides similar options with additional amenities including showers and laundry facilities. Several private campgrounds like Mount Pocono Campground and Hemlock Campground & Cottages supplement the state park options, providing seasonal camping from spring through fall with varying levels of amenities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Thornhurst area, with most campgrounds operating from mid-April through October. Winter conditions make many sites inaccessible, while summer brings higher visitation. A visitor to Tobyhanna State Park noted, "Being able to wake up lakeside up in the mountain and looking at the view was an experience that I will always treasure!" Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, though some primitive sites may require careful navigation. Several campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption, particularly the state parks, and quiet hours are strictly enforced. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, especially in more remote areas near the Delaware Water Gap.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Thornhurst area. Pickerel Point Campground at Promised Land State Park features lakeside walk-in sites, though one camper mentioned "chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad!" Many campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with several reviewers mentioning deer, birds, and even beavers. Hiking trails connect many of the camping areas to natural features like waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Campers seeking more privacy should consider sites away from main roads, as some reviewers noted that roadside locations can be less secluded and noisier, particularly on holiday weekends when campgrounds reach capacity.

Best Camping Sites Near Thornhurst, Pennsylvania (207)

    1. Hickory Run State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Albrightsville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (272) 808-6192

    $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.   "

    2. Tobyhanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tobyhanna, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 894-8336

    $20 - $43 / night

    "Breathtaking views from nearby trails and nearby Big Pocono State Park. The park staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about nearby trails and best places to get the most out of the views!"

    "Scenic state park with a lake. You can swim in the lake in the summer or do a 5-mile hike around the lake along well-marked walk paths. There are at least two parking lots(no parking fees)."

    3. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park

    33 Reviews
    Skytop, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 676-3428

    $20 - $44 / night

    "Pros: -beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."

    "Some sites are right on the lake, just put the kayak on the shore, and you're ready for an early morning paddle."

    4. Mount Pocono Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mount Pocono, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 839-8950

    $54 / night

    "Pocono Campground in the Poconos, Pennsylvania is a very active and fun vacation vacation destination! There are lots of amenities for every family member and the staff is friendly and welcoming."

    "Great hiking trail right from the site. Be prepared for walking up and downhill - quite the unexpected workout. Many seasonal sites with friendly people."

    5. Hemlock Campground & Cottages

    5 Reviews
    Mount Pocono, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 894-4388

    6. Frances Slocum State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Shavertown, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 696-3525

    $20 - $48 / night

    "Was also an easy back in site as there’s an adjacent road (to parking and the amphitheater) right in front of it. All sites only have electric and only certain allow pets."

    "Large, wooded sites, good bathhouse, nice trails close by. A little highway noise, but dark and quiet at night. Very peaceful place."

    8. Peaceful Woodlands Campground

    4 Reviews
    Long Pond, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 646-9255

    $35 - $165 / night

    "ATV trail access so there are ATV’s moving about but it was not that bad."

    9. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    28 miles
    Website

    "The tent camping area was right along the river, some sites with direct access, some you'd have to walk a little more to the larger access areas."

    "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

    10. Mountain Vista Campground

    20 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 223-0111

    "Love the Campground except our site is near a fairly busy road which takes away from that beautiful tranquility. They have camouflaged it as best they could. Friendly staff. Lots to do."

    "Close to Bushkill Falls which we hiked. 👍"

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Recent Reviews near Thornhurst, PA

1091 Reviews of 207 Thornhurst Campgrounds


  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • j
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Cranberry Run Campground

    Don’t Stay here!!

    It’s not a campground. It’s where people stash their rvs, some of whom seem to live here permanently. Caretaker was rude. Sites were all rocky and many on steep inclines. Complete waste of our time. Plus, the site looks nothing like the pictures they post, which is an area you can’t camp at. Don’t stay here.

  • b
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Gravel lot

    It’s a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me.

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

  • Janine D.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kittatinny Campground

    Not worth the money or time

    If we could rate this a 0 we would.  We were expecting a weekend of kayaking and relaxation when in fact we got an overcrowded, noisy and dirty weekend that was overpriced.  I will give the river a 10, it was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun.  We arrived at about 8:00 in the evening with several camps blaring different genre of music, not a problem, considering we still like it as loud as possible sometimes, but it didn't end at quiet time, it continue until well over midnight.  The campsites are so close together it was like being packed into a sardine can.  The campsite across the pathway didn't have their dog on a lead and we woke up with a pile of dog excrement next to our trailer, that was a howdy-do morning for ya.  We were super excited to take our kayaks out on the river, paddle up stream and float down with our pup, but we were told that we couldn't launch from this location.  (What kind of crap is that)  This location was a receiving location only and "absolutely no launching" was allowed.  If you are looking for a party spot to come with your friends, this is definitely the place for you!  If your looking for a chill place to camp next to the river where you can tube, kayak and enjoy your peaceful weekend, this is NOT the place.  The amount of money we spent for 2 nights was outrageous for such a sucky weekend, will not be going back!

  • Dani T.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Bake Oven Knob

    Bake Oven lot & Appalachian Trail

    I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems. This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania. There are two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent. There's also a trail shelter about a .5 mile in, but I haven't been to that. The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky.

  • Jennifer G.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lakewood Park Campground

    Beautiful and Fun

    Beautiful and fun. Kind staff. Hoping for a dog park in the future.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Chill

    Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh.


Guide to Thornhurst

Camping near Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hickory Run State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "We took the short drive to Hawk Falls Trail and also completed the Orchard Trail Loop." The park has plenty of scenic routes for all skill levels.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Lackawanna State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper noted, "There is fishing and boating, and an amazing network of hiking and horse riding trails."
  • Swimming: Keen Lake Resort Campground has a lovely swimming area. One happy camper said, "The lake is huge; there's so much I could say but I would run out of room."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Tobyhanna State Park Campground mentioned, "The facilities were clean, well organized, and access to the lake was satisfactory."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the generous spacing between sites. A review from Mountain Vista Campground highlighted, "The sites are a bit small, but overall, great place to camp."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Camp Taylor Campground offer fun activities for kids. One family said, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get busy and noisy. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground noted, "If you are looking for a nice peaceful getaway...this is not it."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "Cell phone signal isn't all that great, and I wish there was more space in between the campsites."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Driftstone Campground advised, "Check in was a breeze and they are very courteous."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One family at Keen Lake Resort Campground said, "Activities all day long for the children."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: If you’re bringing pets, check for dog-friendly sites. A camper at Hickory Run State Park Campground mentioned, "Lots of people walking dogs."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground noted, "We had running water and an electric outlet."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review from Mountain Vista Campground mentioned, "The campground itself is a little hilly, but the sites were pretty level."
  • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A visitor at Allentown KOA said, "They allow to dump and fill fresh water for a small $10."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has electric hookups if needed. A camper at Tobyhanna State Park Campground noted, "Mix of electric and non-electric sites."

Camping near Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Thornhurst, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Thornhurst, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 207 campgrounds and RV parks near Thornhurst, PA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Thornhurst, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thornhurst, PA is Hickory Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 60 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thornhurst, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Thornhurst, PA.

What parks are near Thornhurst, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Thornhurst, PA that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River.