Hickory Run State Park encompasses 15,990 acres of woodland terrain in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,900 feet. The park's forested landscape features a mix of oak, maple, and hemlock trees that create distinct seasonal camping experiences. During late spring and summer, overnight temperatures can drop into the 50s even when daytime highs reach the 80s.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Hickory Run State Park offers access to its famous boulder field, a National Natural Landmark spanning 16.5 acres. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes Mike M. about his Hickory Run State Park experience.
Hiking trails: The region offers interconnected trail systems through multiple parks. "The Switchback Trail from the campground [is] a wonderfully scenic trail," according to Dave R. who stayed at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Water activities: At Tuscarora State Park, paddlers can enjoy calm waters alongside tent camping. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my site and the water is so clean and clear," explains Lisa S.
Bike trails: The D&L trail provides miles of biking opportunities near several campgrounds. "Great hiking trails accessible from campground!" mentions Christa I. about Hickory Run State Park, which also offers access to numerous multi-use paths.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the Weatherly area feature generously sized sites. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "The sites are large and many are somewhat private in terms of visual barriers," according to Bridget D.'s assessment of accommodations at Hickory Run State Park.
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently mention well-maintained shower and bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were very clean. Just don't expect the rangers to show up if you need them," notes Shayna from her Hickory Run stay, while another camper at Stonybrook RV Resort observes, "Shower/bathrooms are the best I've ever seen."
Camp stores: Many campgrounds maintain well-stocked stores for supplies. "The camp store had good hours and is stocked to high heaven; you could come here with just the clothes on your back and buy everything you need for a very comfortable stay," reports a Hickory Run visitor.
Yurt options: For those seeking yurt camping in Weatherly, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort provides canvas yurt accommodations from spring through fall. "Staff was nice & showed us to our campground, hauled our firewood, and checked in regularly to make sure we didn't need anything," shares Rosanna C.
What you should know
Bear activity: The forests around Weatherly have significant black bear populations. "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 visitor to Hickory Run State Park.
Site terrain: Many tent sites have natural surfaces that may present challenges. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, a visitor notes, "My only complaint is that the last time we were there, they had cut down some trees and the ground was wonky on our site."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Weatherly operate on limited schedules. "Been here many times always in the fall. Never been here in summer so have never used the pool," says a visitor at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across the area. At Hickory Run State Park, "Cell service is respectable in most parts of the campground," while at Tuscarora State Forest, a camper notes, "No cell service at all unless you drive up to the top of the mountain."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. At the Allentown KOA, a visitor shares, "2 different playgrounds and a pool that could use some updating. Staff was very helpful and accommodating."
Hiking difficulty levels: When planning hikes with children, consider trail ratings. "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. We hiked both with our 2 large dogs," notes a Hickory Run visitor.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change quickly, so pack layers. "It was chilly in the mornings and evenings and warm and sunny during the day. Perfect fall weather," reports Angela from Allentown KOA.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities from late May through early September. "Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania... There is also a lake for swimming," mentions a camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared to level your rig at many area campgrounds. A visitor to Stonybrook RV Resort notes, "Our site was nice and level side to side," while at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, Angie G. mentions, "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entrances for larger rigs. A camper at Stonybrook RV Resort writes, "Just one thing— 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: Water and electric hookups vary widely between campgrounds and individual sites. For those interested in yurt camping near Weatherly, Pennsylvania, several parks offer furnished yurts with utilities. At Blue Rocks, a camper suggests, "Would be much better if they made more sites have even basic electric."
Site size considerations: RV sites range dramatically in size across the region. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, Jonathan F. observes, "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."
