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Best Campgrounds near Allentown, PA

1,048 Reviews

The rolling hills surrounding Allentown, Pennsylvania feature a mix of established campgrounds and state parks catering to various camping styles within a 30-mile radius. Allentown KOA in New Tripoli provides family-oriented facilities with full hookups, while Nockamixon State Park Cabins offers more rustic accommodations approximately 20 miles southeast of the city. Quakerwoods Campground in Quakertown maintains a community atmosphere with seasonal campers and welcomes short-term visitors. Blue Rocks Family Campground near Lenhartsville sits below the Appalachian Trail, offering tent sites on higher ground and RV sites in lower sections. The region's campgrounds typically operate from April through October, with a few state park facilities remaining open year-round.

Reservation requirements vary significantly across the area, with most private campgrounds accepting bookings up to six months in advance. Pennsylvania state parks like French Creek State Park Campground implement a reservation window that opens 11 months before arrival. According to one camper at Quakerwoods, "The location is 90 minutes to NYC, 60 minutes to Philly and 20 minutes from Allentown and Bethlehem," highlighting the strategic position for exploring the broader region. Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions, particularly after rainfall. One reviewer at Locust Lake State Park noted, "It rained heavily during our first day there and the sites became extremely muddy," suggesting gravel sites offer better drainage. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours, with some private facilities conducting regular security patrols throughout the evening.

Waterfront sites at several campgrounds receive consistently positive feedback, though availability is limited. French Creek State Park features two lakes with fishing opportunities and boat rentals available seasonally. Tent campers sometimes report challenges at RV-oriented facilities, with one visitor noting, "We are tent campers and were placed at the far end of the campground... All of the locations around or close to the bathroom/shower rooms were RVs." Pennsylvania state parks generally maintain well-kept facilities with clean restrooms and hot showers included in camping fees. Proximity to hiking trails varies considerably between campgrounds, with some requiring short drives to trailheads. The region's fall foliage draws significant crowds in September and October, making advance reservations essential during this peak season. Wildlife sightings, including bears in more remote areas, add to the camping experience but necessitate proper food storage.

Campground Showdown near Allentown, PA

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

French Creek State Park CampgroundFrench Creek State Park CampgroundFrench Creek State Park CampgroundFrench Creek State Park CampgroundFrench Creek State Park CampgroundFrench Creek State Park CampgroundFrench Creek State Park CampgroundFrench Creek State Park Campground
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Hickory Run State Park CampgroundHickory Run State Park CampgroundHickory Run State Park CampgroundHickory Run State Park CampgroundHickory Run State Park CampgroundHickory Run State Park CampgroundHickory Run State Park CampgroundHickory Run State Park Campground
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Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites Near Allentown, Pennsylvania (179)

    1. Quakerwoods Campground

    16 Reviews
    Coopersburg, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 536-1984

    "The location is 90 minutes to NYC, 60 minutes to Philly and 20 minutes from Allentown and Bethlehem. Bucks County is a bit hard to explore and lower Bucks is a hike but, there is nothing closer."

    "Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting"

    2. Allentown KOA

    15 Reviews
    Germansville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 298-2160

    "This campground is nestled in rhe mountains of Pennsylvania. This campgound is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays."

    "We chose this campground mainly because it was close to home and we could camp and not miss my daughter's soccer practice/game.  We were pleasantly surprised by the campground. "

    3. Tohickon Family Campground

    16 Reviews
    Richlandtown, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 536-7951

    "Nothing bad about this place, I love that it's set far enough away from the main road that you don't get the noise."

    "Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!!"

    4. Nockamixon State Park Cabins

    13 Reviews
    Richlandtown, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 529-7300

    $70 - $92 / night

    "They have a lot of land so it’s easy to find a secluded spot to hang out away from paths and people!"

    "Great place to picnic fish from land or boat, go for a nice scenic walk, go Kayaking, etc. If you don't own a boat, you can rent one right at the lake."

    5. Blue Rocks Family Campground

    26 Reviews
    Lenhartsville, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 756-6366

    "According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."

    "Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."

    6. Boulder Woods Campground

    11 Reviews
    Red Hill, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 257-7178

    "Nice place, a bit to close to the highways"

    "It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field, we reserved the majority of the sites in this location so it worked well. The RV spots seem nice and large."

    7. French Creek State Park Campground

    82 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $90 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."

    8. Ringing Rocks Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Kintnersville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 982-5552

    "Store has most, if not all you essentials. ( had to get an extension cord because I forgot one of mine) so, if everything was positive, why did I give it four stars??"

    "There are many beautiful sights around including the Delaware River, ringing rocks Park, and Nockamixon. The park is clean and well-maintained, the facilities are clean as well."

    9. Colonial Woods Family Resort

    11 Reviews
    Kintnersville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 847-5808

    $52 / night

    "Dump station location isn’t ideal on a busy morning."

    "Just walking around the campground is beautiful. Will definitely come back, the best campground for complete family fun!"

    10. Hickory Run State Park Campground

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

    $15 - $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.   "

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Showing results 1-10 of 179 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Allentown, PA

432 Photos of 179 Allentown Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Allentown, PA

1048 Reviews of 179 Allentown Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2026

    Melody Lakes Country Estates

    More Community Living Than Campground Stay

    Tucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.

    While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.

    HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.

    LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2026

    Quakerwoods Campground

    Quaint Country Camping in Classic Bucks County

    Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.

    HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.

    LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2026

    French Creek State Park Campground

    French Creek State Park

    This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.

  • E
    Mar. 25, 2026

    Echo Valley Campground

    Nice park

    Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.

  • Jenni D.
    Feb. 5, 2026

    Hidden Acres Camping Grounds

    Hidden gem

    Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 12, 2026

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Not a campsite

    This is a trailhead, not a campsite. It is ranger enforced, I can confirm because it happened to me. Super nice ranger, but he said camping here is not allowed and considered “theft” since they do have sites available with purchase of a permit. You can find more information at reserveamerica.com under PA state parks. It is also right across from the Delaware State Forest District Office, so you can buy permits there as well. There is a campsite about a mile down the road from this trailhead that allows “motorized roadside camping” a.k.a. car camping. You can still try this gravel lot if you insist, just know you may be rolling the dice on this one.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2026

    Mohican Walk-In Campsites

    Great Spot for many Adventures!

    The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 6, 2026

    AT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap

    Great view

    We had to stop short of our intended site as we were caught in a flash rain and thunderstorm. More tents than should have fit parked here for the night.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 23, 2025

    Jugtown Mountain Campsites

    A decent, clean campground.

    I stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's.  The place is attached to a trailer company.  Most of the good camping spots are for RV's.  There is a small area up the hill for tents.  I was the only one in the Tent area.  The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.

Guide to Allentown

Campgrounds surrounding Allentown, Pennsylvania provide diverse accommodation options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. The area features several family-oriented facilities like Quakerwoods Campground and Allentown KOA, both located within a 30-minute drive of the city. These mixed-use campgrounds typically offer water and electric hookups, with many providing sewer connections for RVs. State parks including Nockamixon State Park and French Creek State Park supplement these private options with cabin accommodations and natural settings approximately 20-30 miles from Allentown's city center.

Most camping areas in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter availability. "We stayed here a couple years ago. We chose this campground mainly because it was close to home and we could camp and not miss my daughter's soccer practice/game," noted one visitor about Allentown KOA, highlighting the convenience of proximity to urban amenities. Weather considerations significantly impact camping experiences, with summer highs reaching the 80s and occasional thunderstorms. Fall offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities but requires warmer sleeping gear as temperatures drop. Many campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours beginning at 11:00 PM, and advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer weekends and holiday periods.

Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere of streams and wooded settings as highlights of the camping experience. The Allentown KOA receives particular praise for its creek-side sites, with one visitor describing it as "utterly magical" with a "creek running below the road." Family-friendly amenities appear consistently across multiple campgrounds, including swimming pools, fishing ponds, playgrounds and organized activities. Several reviews note the prevalence of seasonal campers at certain facilities, which can affect the availability of prime spots for weekend visitors. Proximity to nearby attractions represents another advantage, with easy access to Pocono Mountain recreation areas, Dutch Country attractions, and Philadelphia day trips approximately 60 miles south, making these camping areas ideal base camps for exploring eastern Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Allentown, PA?

Yes, there are several free overnight parking options near Allentown. The Home Depot — Allentown South offers convenient overnight parking close to Highway 78, making it a practical stopover location. For those willing to drive a bit further, Walmart — Phillipsburg Supercenter provides a spacious parking lot that can accommodate overnight stays. These locations are intended for self-contained vehicles and typically allow one-night stays. Remember to always check with store management upon arrival as policies can change, and practice good etiquette by purchasing something from the store and keeping a low profile during your stay.

What are the best campgrounds near Allentown, PA?

Quakerwoods Campground stands out for its strong community atmosphere, with seasonal campers who are welcoming to newcomers. The staff is friendly and the campground offers a genuine camping experience with a homey feel. For those seeking more amenities, Mount Pocono Campground in the Poconos is an excellent choice with its large swimming pool, toddler pool, and on-site store. The campground offers numerous family-friendly activities and facilities, with staff known for being welcoming and helpful. Both campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Allentown and provide different camping experiences depending on your preferences.

What KOA campgrounds are available in the Allentown area?

The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA is the closest KOA campground to the Allentown area. This campground offers the standard KOA amenities that campers have come to expect, including full hookup sites, cabin options, and family-friendly facilities. While it's not immediately in Allentown (about an hour's drive), it provides a convenient option for those loyal to the KOA brand. KOA campgrounds typically offer consistent quality with clean facilities, organized activities, and reliable service. For those willing to travel a bit further, there are additional KOA locations in the broader region, but the Philadelphia-West Chester location remains the most accessible option for Allentown visitors.

Are there any state parks with camping options near Allentown, PA?

Nockamixon State Park near Quakertown is one of the closest state parks to Allentown, offering cabin accommodations and various outdoor activities. The park features a lake for boating and fishing, plus miles of hiking trails. Another option is Hickory Run State Park Campground near White Haven, which provides drive-in camping with toilet facilities and sites that can accommodate larger rigs. The park spans over 15,000 acres with streams, boulder fields, and numerous recreational opportunities. Both parks require reservations, especially during peak season, and typically offer more affordable rates than private campgrounds while providing access to Pennsylvania's natural beauty.

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