Best Camping in and near Locust Lake State Park

70% (6 reviews)

Sunrise lake views are the highlight for campers at this small state park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Locust Lake State Park

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Fairview Farms Airfield

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents66 acres · Pine Grove, PA

The 66-acre property has been licensed as an airport (PS20) since the 1980s. It is currently an active, private airport. We don't sell fuel or offer services beyond camping so we primarily have only air traffic with few to no landings each year. In other words, it is very quiet here except during the occasional low pass. We are very eager for pilots to fly in and camp out! The beautiful sunsets and stargazing night skies are a real treat for anyone that comes to visit. Lots of deer, birds, and other wildlife can be seen out and about. Bring your telescope and binoculars to view all the property has to offer! Note that we are always working to improve our slice of heaven, thus we do have tools, vehicles, and equipment stored around the farm that if not used now will be one day. We appreciate your understanding that some areas are used for our personal / farm storage. If you're not into looking at our farmware, there are a few nearby campgrounds. The hot tub is located next to the owner's home. Guests are welcome to use this at any time but must reserve and pay for a time slot. * Book this through the Extras * We are within walking distance of Swatara State Park and close to the Appalachian Trail. Short drive to the local winery, bowling alley, pub/diner, and movie theater. Grocery stores and gas are also nearby. Miles of hiking, rail trail, single-track mountain biking, and kayaking are all right here! See our kayak and bike rentals under extras! Hershey Park is approximately a 30-minute drive from our location. Rausch Creek, Anthracite, and Reading off-road areas are also nearby. Note: Monthly rental discounts are available. Work-stay exchange programs are available. We are always looking for good reliable part-time help on the farm! Please ask! Fall leaves colors are looking awesome! Come enjoy the leaves by day and stars by night beside your campfire! Follow us on Instagram: @fairview_farms_airfield

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(216)

100 Mile View Camping

22 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Jim Thorpe, PA

The 100 Mile View Campground is located 3 miles from Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge State Park, Delaware, and Lehigh Heritage Trail, White Water Rafting, Steam Train Rides, Museums, Music Entertainment at Mauch Chunk Opera House, and Mauch Chunk Lake which is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and fishing. You can get to all of these activities in 3 miles with no traffic by turning left out of our driveway and driving west on Flagstaff Road to Jim Thorpe. We offer hiking and mountain biking trails on our property and a variety of camping opportunities for parties with tents, campers, overlanders, and RVs. Our campsites are booked on ResNexus.com which does not charge additional booking fees for reservations made at our campground. 100 Mile View Camping is a family-run campground that is located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania on a property that has 100 Mile East to West Panoramic Views. It is comprised of several parcels totaling 100's of acres that were purchased over the past 35 years. We have shared our property with hikers, bikers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts since day one. Our campground started with only 6 campsites, but with great reviews, we continue growing and have recently received the approvals to become one of the premier camping and outdoor resort destinations in the Eastern United States. Our founder, Jake Arner, has a passion for the outdoors and for people who show respect for nature and for other people. Jake genuinely enjoys sharing his property with others. This property and Jake's generosity have received 5-star reviews online from many people.

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(239)

River Mountain Outdoors

5 sites · Lodging, Tents83 acres · Bloomsburg, PA

The history of the Pump House began in 1878, when three ambitious men hatched a plan for the world's first long-distance underground oil pipeline which would transport oil from well to refinery more quickly and efficiently than the horse-drawn wagons of the time. Pumping stations were needed every fifty miles along this long route to keep pressure on the pipeline so that the oil could reach its destination. Pump House Bed and Breakfast is one of the only properties in the country in which the both the original homes of the foremen and the large brick buildings remain. Doug, owner, has spent more than 20 years lovingly restoring these foreman houses as well as the large industrial brick buildings. The Brick Barn Hall once housed steam pumps to pressurize the pipe and keep the oil moving, and the Catawissa Cabin behind it served as the telegraph office. The Studio Hall contained boilers that produced the steam to power the pumps, while the adjoining Studio Cabin functioned as a blacksmith's workspace. Today, the buildings function as reception spaces for weddings and other special events, and house private suites as well as an art studio where Doug pursues his work and teaches drawing, ceramics, and stained glass classes. The Season House, one of the two foreman homes, features additional guest accommodations while Doug resides in the other foreman house. Visit and experience a piece of PA history! The 2004 This Old House feature on Doug's

100%

(5)

Lakewood Park Campground

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents54 acres · Barnesville, PA

Our family campground is open, now with over 130 sites and is currently being expanded, to add more deluxe back-in and pull-thru sites! Our campground and cabin rentals are available year-round and all of our RV sites are full hookup sites! Come and enjoy a getaway while enjoying our 63 acres, 10-acre lake, great fishing, playground, weekend activities, and kayaking/paddle boating! We have two state parks, both with lakes, only 15 minutes away.

GreenHills Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Birdsboro, PA

** Early check in (Only when confirmed with Marty the night before via text.) @@@ BIG GROUPS @@@. please message us if you want the whole campground to yourselves. (make sure the dates are open) Please do not mislead about the number of guests you will have, its very easy for us to check. Please be honest! Any attempt to mislead will result in booking termination and or permanent ban from campground. NO ATVs. Quiet hours start at 10pm - 9am. Music and noise has to be low not to disturb other campers. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ PLEASE order your fire wood before booking date, we dont have extra fire wood laying around, Please dont order wood when you arrive to camp (order before booking date ) 2-3 bundles of wood lasts all day so please order accordingly to what you will need. (You can always bring your own firewood or when you arrive go into the woods and collect loose dry branches/firewood from the ground, there is plenty., If you are looking for peace and complete seclusion, this is the place for you to camp, you will not hear or see any cars once you enter the campsite. Property is located one hour outside of Philly and 2hours away from NYC. 30 beautiful acres with woods and open fields, lots of wildlife, On site parking... after it rains mushrooms like (chicken of the woods) pop out everywhere all you have to do is look. In the summer it smells like flowers all day long, its truly beautiful. This property offers about 6-7acres of fields and 23 acres of woods, the landscape is flat and hills. Places to visit near by! 1. Exeter scenic river trail -park closes at 6pm 2.Berks natural ephraim -hiking 3. Birdsboro waters -park closes 8pm 4. Horseshoe trail -hiking 24/7 5.Birdsboro preserve -park 24/7 6.French creek - state park closes 9pm 7.schulkill river trail -hiking 24/7 8.Rustic Park - closes 9pm 9.Trailhead - Cocalico double trail - hiking Most of these are 4-10mile range from campground ⛺️ Animals you can spot: on campground property. Deer Fox Coyote Turkey Rabbit Turtles Beavers Squirrels Chipmunk Learn more about this land: pitch your tent or park your rv and enjoy the seclusion and silence, 3-4 miles away from major grocery stores and shopping plazas this property is unique and one of a kind, its located in a valley with woods around it and 2 big fields, lots of wildlife including deer turkeys and rabbits, seen daily.

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Dude, Girl! Ranch.

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Andreas, PA

On almost 2 acres you will have a small barn with a loft and a queen mattress. There is a stove and wood to be burned. There is an outside shower, native plant gardens, a pergola with chiminea, an edible herb and vegetable garden and a fire pit. There is also a hammock under some huge Norway Spruce trees. Feel free to relax! Distance to more fun: 20 minutes to Jim Thorpe for biking, hiking, rafting, browsing cute shops, excellent restaurants. 12 minutes to Mauch Chunk Lake Park and the historic Switchback Trail 14 mins to Lehighton (Downtown Farm Market on Saturdays) Blended Bakery too! 15 mins to the Lehighton Outdoor Center for bike and rafting rentals (maybe kayak lessons) 25 minutes to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary 15 minutes to Bake Oven Knob (hike and a view) 20 mins to Blue Mountain Ski Area and Bike Park 20 mins to Beltzville Lake 10 minutes to Tamaqua 16 minutes to The Hometown Farmer's Market (9-9:00 on Wed only) 20 minutes to Tuscarora State Park 30 mins to Cabela's Outdoor Store Restaurant Recommendations - I love to snack and eat. Ask me about savory to sweet. I teach yoga and have a super cool loft space. A class can usually be arranged during your stay. Regular classes are held Monday evenings at 5:30pm and 7:00pm and Friday mornings at 5:45am for the early birds.

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(57)

Pocono Point

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Lehighton, PA

Pocono Point RV & Campground offers a truly unforgettable vacation experience, where you can enjoy the culture of historic Jim Thorpe any time of year. Our camping near the Pocono Mountains offers an array of stay types like full-hookup RV sites, cozy cabins, as well as the authentic experience of rustic tent camping. We also have one-of-a-kind views over the Delaware Water Gap. Pocono Point RV features accommodations for every family to enjoy; whether you’re camping for the first time or take the family out for an adventure every year, we have the site, tent, or cabin for you.

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West Creek Campground

15 sites · Lodging68 acres · Benton, PA

West Creek Campground is your premier glamping experience. With different sites to choose from and customizable levels of comfort, you are able to enjoy all that nature has to offer without compromising your needs. West Creek offers camping sites, canvas tents, Cabin and small huts! Only 8 miles from Ricketts Glen and with tons of other activities on our grounds and around us, it's the perfect nature getaway!

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(20)

Solace Cabinette

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Lebanon, PA

The rustic Cabinette is nestled on 15 acres, a comfortable walking distance to the beautiful Berry Patch bnb main house. Truly unplug from the crazies and experience quiet and solitude, surrounded by nature, while enjoying the view outside or thru the skylight ceiling inside the cabin. Camp cook over the fire pit or order a hot breakfast from the main house kitchen. Currently there are no outdoor amenities but those can be found in the main bnb house as well. Explore nearby parks, riding/walking trails or if you are feeling more like tourists, Hershey, Lancaster, and Lititz provide plenty of options to consider.

Killinger Creek Kustoms

5 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Annville, PA

We have a 52 acre farm with goats , chicken and other animals. We are located close to lots of attractions , 10 mins to Hershey park. 30mins to lancater. There is a small creek running through our property. We offer electric hook up and can fill your water tank. Unfortunately we do not have a place to dump your camper at this time. We have a fire pit if you like to sit , relax and enjoy nature.

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Peace & Quiet by the River!

4 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · New Ringgold, PA

My farm is just beautiful. I have owned it for 46 years and am proud as can be of its beauty and serenity. Welcome to our perfect outdoor haven, a beautiful 150 acre farm, providing an extraordinary escape from the hustle and bustle of our modern world. Two of our exclusive campsites are located on the banks of the Little Schuylkill River, with the world-renowned Hawk Mountain Sanctuary boarding on the other side of the river. The third site, has an open view of Hawk Mountain and the farm, to say nothing of the full sky view.. Our private, exclusive campsites, easily encompassing about 5 acres at each site and surrounded by the 150 acre farm, are designed to take advantage of the natural surroundings. Here you will find yourself off grid and alone with nature. Imagine yourself pitching your tent along the river or on the hill top, viewing countless birds of prey and all types of wildlife with no other folks around, except for your people. The location could not be better or more private. Our family for years have camped and played at these site, enjoying the river and night sounds. We are a working Christmas Tree farm as well. Truly private camping, not a commercial camp ground. Very few camping sites exist where you can just have your own space, but you may have it here. My family are stewards to this wonderful farm, and are thrilled to share it with you. We want you to chill and to find tranquility, to respect our sites and make memories that are treasured. Details: We will consider 1 night stays for weekdays, please contact for availability and pricing. We will also consider more than 8 campers. Please inquire! Because we are a tree farm, we cannot allow you to bring wood from other locations on to the farm. Wood is for sale here and we request a pre order so we can have it ready at your site. You may purchase through Hipcamp or directly from us. All sites have a picnic table, a Hawk Shadow Out House, water to wash things, a preparation table and a good bundle of kindling to start off your camping experience. There Is a shovel, cooking grates, log benches and a neat campfire ring. Potable water is available at the farm and you may refill when needed. Campsite #1 (Lean To Site) This site is along the river. It is private and lovely. You may park your car above the site and walk down to the river and camping area. Short, 50 yards, but a steepish walk. Pack in and out accordingly. Very private, lots of space. It is perfect. Campsite #2 (Dog Gone Site) This site is also along the river. It is private and has the same set up as site one. Park your car on top of hill and walk on down. It is a lovely spot. Walk is about 50 yards down a steep hill. Pack accordingly. Campsite #3 (High Site) Site 3 is above the river and looks over Hawk Mountain and the farm. It is private with beautiful views. Unreal full moon gazing............. Sunrise, Sunset, Moon rise, Bird watching, all very visible from this site. Car accessible, no walking to campsite required. At all sites, different seasons bring different activities. Spring: Kayaking, fishing and hiking. Summer: hiking, fishing in the pond, cooling off in the swim hole. Fall: raptor watching, hiking, biking plus fishing, (license required), in the Little Schuylkill. The nights are dark with star lit skies. We have a 1.5 acre bass pond on the farm for fishing, so bring your rod. Big bass in there!! Your camp site is surrounded by woods and forest, fields and trees. You are a two hour drive from center city Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from down town New York City. One hour from Harrisburg. What to do here? Plenty! Hiking! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary entrance is only 3 miles away. www.alltrails.com/parks/us/pennsylvania/hawk-mountain-sanctuary https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8018169/hawk-mountain-sanctuary Both entrances to the Appalachian Trail, Eckville and Port Clinton, are a 10 minuet drive. A visit to Yuengling Brewery, in Pottsville, Americas older brewery, is a 20 minute drive. Jim Thorpe is a fourty five minute drive. Kutztown University is 35 minutes away. The heart of Amish Country is an hour drive. Biking, both country road and mountain. You need your own maps! Fishing in our beautiful river or on our pond! Cabela's in Hamburg is just 15 minutes down the road. But most of all to do here is to relax, fish, play in the river, walk and visit with your family and friends. Please see schuylkillriver.org for more information about our area. Hawk Shadow is located between New Ringgold and Port Clinton on the east side of the Appalachian Mountain. Very Rural. There is plenty of local produce, we can give you directions to our local farm stands. Fresh butchers are not far away. Swap meets and antique auction houses are scattered around the area. Yes, you can drive to the area of the campsite, but no, you cannot drive down actual site at campsite #1 and #2. Parking at site 3, no walk required.. Contact me and we will give you as much information as we can. Enjoy, have fun and be peaceful! Look at these sites for hiking and activities in the area!! www.alltrails.com/parks/us/pennsylvania/hawk-mountain-sanctuary https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8018169/hawk-mountain-sanctuary schuylkillriver.org

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Shambala at Mystic Hollow

15 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Mohrsville, PA

Pitch your tent along Irish Creek under a canopy of Maples at Mystic Hollow. Irish Creek, which is a stream, is a tributary to the Schuylkill River. Site are a 5 minute walk from main house. The land is flat for walking to the camping area. A slight bit bumpy in a small area. I can manage just fine in flip flops but I did want to provide the information if anyone would be using a wheelchair. There is also a small bridge that goes over a small strip of wetlands. Fire rings are included. Tables can be provided. Just let us know ahead of time. I can haul your gear to your spot with tractor and wagon if needed. I have electric available. There is a port-a-potty close by. Showers and bathrooms are in the main house. Please let us know in advance if you would like to use them. Open fire cooking grills can be provided if needed. I have a sink set up for washing dishes, etc.. The fresh water is from our well located on the property. We are flexible with check-in and check-out times if we are not at full capacity. Just let us know ahead of time if you want to check in or out earlier or later. We allow dogs. They must be on leashes unless they are friendly and play well with others. You must clean up your dog's poop! No exceptions! We are 5 minutes from the Schuylkill River. 10 minutes from Ontelaunee Lake. 15 minutes from Blue Marsh. 15 minutes from the Appalacian Trail. Trail heads nearby would be Port Clinton, Hamburg, Bernville, Bethel, Blue Rocks, Kempton... 20 minutes from Hawk Mountain. We are an hour from Jim Thorpe. There are several wineries in the area including Long Trout Winery where wine is cool and hippy chicks rule! My favorite! Lots of wildlife in the area. Expect to hear owls, blue heron, cows, goats, chickens, horses, hawks, eagles, dogs, racoons and coyotes. There is a good chance of being visited by racoons at night if your food isn't stored away properly. Also, the deer may walk past in the middle of the night as well. We do also get wild turkey during different times of the year. Hiking, kayaking, tubing, fishing, mountain biking, bike trails, etc... all nearby. Sadly there are no fish in Irish Creek worth catching. The Crayfish are! As with any land situated along a water source, there is always a possibility of flooding. We flood maybe once a year, once every other year. If that should happen, we will assist in hauling gear. There is higher ground for tents to be set up if need be. There will also be rooms available to rent in the near future. Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions. 420 friendly. LGBTQ friendly. If you are coming from out of state: Pennsylvania has a quarantine order for untreated firewood entering the state to protect its forests from invasive species. Firewood must be kiln dried, heat treated, fumigated, or USDA certified to enter the state. However, commercially imported wood that has been heat-treated according to USDA regulations typically doesn't fall under these bans.

The best camping near Locust Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Locust Lake is the glittering centerpiece of the eponymous state park, framed by the forested slopes of Locust Mountain. Take to the water to boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, fish for trout and bass, or enjoy ice skating and ice fishing during the winter freeze. Hiking trails loop inland through the forest, but the most scenic is the 1.3-mile bike trail that circles the lake. Campers can stay right by the lakefront at Locust Lake State Campground—tent sites sit by the swimming beach on the north bank and RV sites by the boat launch to the south.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve the park’s 282 campsites, which include tent-only sites and 88 electric hookup sites, via the Pennsylvania State Parks website.
Campsite reservations open 11 months in advance and can be booked up until noon on the day of arrival. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campsites can book up fast, especially if you want a lake view. Aim to book at least three months in advance for summer or holiday weekends.

When to go

Camping season in Locust Lake State Park runs from the start of the Southeast trout season (typically early April) through the third weekend in October. The park stays open year-round, with seasonal activities taking place on and around the lake, but wintertime sees far fewer crowds. Time your visit for fall for the most colorful views—fall foliage peaks in early October, and the lakeside blazes red and orange.

Know before you go

Locust Lake State Park is set 50 miles northwest of Allentown. Parking is limited, and day-use visitors must use the parking at the entrance—a half-mile walk to the park.
There are no admission fees for Pennsylvania State Parks, but campsite booking fees apply.
Park facilities include a camp store and boat rentals (open during camping season), a boat ramp and fishing piers, restrooms, picnic areas, three playgrounds, and a dump station.
Fires are only permitted in grills and fire rings, and complete fire bans are possible during dry periods.
You can bring your own boats, and electric motors are permitted, although restrictions apply. Swimming is only permitted at the swimming beach.
ADA-accessible campsites, fishing piers, and parking spots are available.