214 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Thornhurst, Pennsylvania ranges from tent and RV sites with electric hookups to lakeside walk-in sites, with most campgrounds located 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.
"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. "
from $20 - $72 / night
Check Availability"We were looking for a lakeside campground with a spacious campsite that could comfortably fit two large tents and two vehicles."
"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!"
from $20 - $43 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $44 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $54 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $48 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"ATV trail access so there are ATV’s moving about but it was not that bad."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"No electric, no water, no dump site, no shower, Vault toilets in walking distance."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
GuideThis is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
LegendWhat a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
GuideStayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
Travelersolid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
GuideSmall campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
ScoutThis clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
RangerGorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
ScoutWas my first ever camping trip with a travel trailer. Site was very clean and well maintained and staff was friendly and great to deal with. Pull through sites (section K) was a little tight - maybe that’s the norm, don’t have anything to compare to but some awnings were near the neighboring camper. Overall, awesome experience.
Camping near Thornhurst, Pennsylvania sits within the forested highlands of the Pocono Mountains, with elevations averaging 1,800 feet above sea level. This location experiences distinct seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 78°F and winter lows often dropping below 20°F. Road access becomes particularly challenging from November through March when snow and ice affect the forest service roads connecting to more remote camping areas.
Boulder exploration: 5.4 miles northwest of Hickory Run State Park Campground offers unique geological features. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes visitor Mike M. The boulder field remains accessible year-round but requires appropriate footwear.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk hours provide optimal viewing at Tobyhanna State Park Campground. Erik M. reports, "Just stayed 2 nights with my 7 yrs. old daughter we had a blast. Everyone was very nice camp host and DCNR were very helpful. We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area but never really thought that we would see one."
Lakeside activities: Fishing, boating, swimming available from May through September at multiple locations. "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," explains J K. about Tobyhanna State Park. Canoe and kayak rentals cost $15-25 per day at most locations.
Hiking trail connections: Network of trails link camping areas to waterfalls and scenic overlooks. At Hickory Run State Park Campground, Shirley M. found "44 miles of trails. They are rated from easy to difficult. 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."
Lakefront access: Sites with water views consistently receive higher ratings. At Pickerel Point Campground, Nancy L. shares, "Certain sites allow pets. My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" Many water-adjacent sites require reservation 6+ months in advance for summer weekends.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms matter to campers with families. According to a visitor at Mountain Vista Campground, "Bathhouse was very clean. Lots of kids for our daughters to hang out with. Close to Bushkill Falls which we hiked." Most campgrounds clean facilities 2-3 times daily during peak season.
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation buffers provide separation at select locations. Fransheska A. noted about Worthington State Forest Campground, "The spots are huge, and mostly private. When we go camping we don't want to be right up against our neighbors and at Worthington we pretty much had our own little island."
Year-round options: Limited winter camping possibilities exist despite seasonal closures. Mara S. discovered, "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers." Winter camping requires additional preparation with temperatures regularly below freezing.
Bear safety protocols: Required food storage practices at all campgrounds in the region. "Do not leave any food out be sure to lock up everything in car," warns Erik M. at Tobyhanna State Park. "We were warned at check in that there have been a lot of bears in the area."
Site selection considerations: Location within campgrounds affects noise levels and privacy. At Frances Slocum State Park Campground, Jackie F. advises, "We had site 44 in the Stony Point loop and it was by far the largest campsite on the property. We had a thick covered wooded area to our right and a huge grassy area to the left."
Cellular connectivity: Variable reception depending on specific location and carrier. At Pickerel Point Campground, Mara S. notes, "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon." Signal strength varies significantly within short distances due to mountainous terrain.
Site surface considerations: Ground materials vary across campgrounds. Alaina Z. cautions, "Chunky bluestone gravel on the sites, so bring a sleeping pad!" Many campground reviews mention the importance of appropriate sleeping surfaces for tent campers.
Playground access: Centralized recreation areas within walking distance of family-friendly loops. One camper at Mount Pocono Campground shares, "There is a huge swimming pool and a toddler's pool. There is an on-site store with everything you need to make your stay comfortable. The game room has pool tables, ping pong, arcade games, library, gym, and so much more!"
Organized activities: Scheduled programming available weekends May-September. Nick L. reports, "Friendly environment, plenty to do with family. Take a walk to the nature trail, go fishing or hiking. Take the kids to the arcade, play pool billiards. We were there for July 4th weekend. They had a schedule for events all weekend."
Education opportunities: Nature programs offer structured learning experiences. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," notes Shayna about Hickory Run State Park.
Campsite selection: Request sites away from roads when making reservations. Emilie D. cautions, "Just finished up two nights in site 123. These sites are RIGHT AGAINST THE ROAD. Other state parks tend to make their sites deep, whereas these are wide."
Campsite access: Narrow approach roads require careful navigation in larger vehicles. "Careful on the roads to the campsite, they're a bit on the bumpy side. Definitely smaller roads than your usual ones. We have a minivan so we had to take our time on all the pot holes," advises Christine N. about travel to Worthington State Forest Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites limited at state park campgrounds. Debbie W. appreciated at Pickerel Point, "We had full hookups (20/30/50 amp, water & sewer). There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna."
Seasonal considerations: Spring access challenges due to wet conditions. Laura Z. experienced issues at Hemlock Campground & Cottages: "Unfortunately, it was a giant mud pit when we were there. The spots and road are not paved or have gravel."
Site dimensions: Width vs. depth variations across different campgrounds. John S. observed at Peaceful Woodlands Campground, "The sites could be a little larger. The one we had was cramped between the picnic table, fire ring, 6 person tent and the car."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Thornhurst, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Thornhurst, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 214 campgrounds and RV parks near Thornhurst, PA and 6 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 61 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thornhurst, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 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.
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