Camping near Walnutport, Pennsylvania offers access to both Pocono Mountain terrain and the Lehigh River watershed. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 500-1,200 feet, creating temperature variations of up to 10 degrees between river valleys and mountain sites. The camping season typically runs from early April through late October, with many facilities closing for winter due to freezing conditions and limited road maintenance.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Visit the unique glacial boulder field at Blue Rocks Family Campground where campers can climb and explore the rock formations. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field... There is really something for everyone at this campground. There is a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials," notes a reviewer.
Waterfront activities: Launch kayaks and paddleboards directly from lakeside sites at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, located 20 minutes from Walnutport. "I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," shares one camper. The park features a swimming beach and boat rentals.
Trail hiking: Access the Appalachian Trail system from multiple campgrounds in the area. The Pinnacle Trail near Blue Rocks offers a moderate 2-3 hour hike with views. "It is right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!"
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many campers appreciate the waterfront sites at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, noting the easy access to water activities. "The D&L trail also runs at the back of the campground, giving great bike access to mauch chunk lake," explains one reviewer who highlighted the resort's waterfront advantages.
Family amenities: Families consistently praise the facilities at Allentown KOA, particularly for younger campers. "This campground is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays. There is showers and bathrooms a crick goes through the campground," a visitor reports.
Clean facilities: Campers repeatedly mention bathroom cleanliness as a highlight at certain locations. One camper noted about Mauch Chunk Lake Park: "Easy drive from Philly area, courteous staff, very wooded and quiet at night. Has many sites right along the lake edge, some very large." This speaks to the basic but well-maintained infrastructure.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. One camper at Pocono Point mentions: "Cute campground with RV and creekside tent sites near Lehigh Gap. My favorite spots are the tent-only sites along the creek. They are peaceful and separate from the RV area."
Weather impacts: Spring camping can bring challenging conditions with rain and mud, particularly at higher elevations. Fall offers colorful foliage but cooler nights, often dropping below 40°F. Summer weekends fill quickly, especially holiday periods.
Reservation windows: Most campgrounds open their reservation systems 6-12 months in advance, with holiday weekends booking completely within days of opening. At Hickory Run State Park, campsites for summer weekends are typically fully booked by February.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for sites near play areas to allow easy supervision. "Great campground with lots of amenities. The staff was friendly, the store had essentials and more, and there was great hiking right from the grounds," noted a family who stayed at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Swimming options: For summer visits, prioritize campgrounds with pools or swimming beaches. At Stonybrook RV Resort, "The pool was warm, clean and enjoyable. There's a nice playground and a GaGa pit. There's lots of space to walk your dog on leash but no dog park."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer animal sighting opportunities. As one Hickory Run visitor noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult entrance roads. A Stonybrook RV Resort camper mentioned: "The entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn't easy in a 45' motorhome towing a Jeep."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites book quickly during peak season. A visitor to Jim Thorpe Camping Resort cautioned: "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. We were always looking for a place to park our tow because we had no extra space in front or back."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV sites close by early November. One camper at Allentown KOA reported: "They allow to dump and fill fresh water for a small 10$ which is quite nice. Was quick and convenient, lady at the front desk was very kind!" This service remains available at some locations after camping season ends.
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