Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- 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.
Locust Lake State Park
Sunrise lake views are the highlight for campers at this small state park.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Locust Lake State Park
It’s time to choose sides for the battle of the century… or at least to figure out which campground at Locust Lake State Park is right for you. On the northern side of the lake you’ll find the tent-only campground, whose amenities include a playground for the kiddos, and easy access to the lake’s swimming area. On the southern side of the lake you Read more...
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Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Public campgrounds (book externally) —