The best camping in Locust Lake State Park, PA

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Fairview Farms Airfield

98%
(818)
25mi from Locust Lake State Park · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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
Pets
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from 
$50
 / night

100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

97%
(410)
20mi from Locust Lake State Park · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · Jim Thorpe, PA
You can get directions to 100 Mile View Camping by using Google Maps or Apple Maps, "100 Mile View Camping". 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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from 
$44
 / night

Grampy's Red Rock Rabbit Ranch

97%
(119)
50mi from Locust Lake State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Schwenksville, PA
50-some years ago, the legendary Grampy David made his way to The Red Rock Rabbit Ranch. There he resides: a good-hearted curmudgeon, a handyman, a grumpy, Ywengling-drinking philosopher, the wittiest mason, carpenter, roofer, etc. you'll ever meet. I'm his grandson, a documentary filmmaker helping to make ends meet here by sharing this glorious space with Hip Campers. 50 acres of serene woods, fields, a pond, and Mine Run Creek. This is a place to relax, to get in touch with nature and reconnect with the people you love. Spring Mount Adventures is nearby. The Perkiomen Creek Trail is only a mile away. Crawfish, sycamore trees, foxes, pileated woodpeckers, and more! Caring for the land: please do not collect your own firewood on the land. That wood is decomposing and contributing to the health of the forest, providing numerous habitats for bugs. Note on dogs: we run a dog-sitting business, so there may be a pack (2-5) of dogs that come through the woods with us on walks. All dogs we sit are friendly towards humans. Food recs: Raw Replenish in downtown Schwenksville has healthy smoothies and salads. Thai Spice is ten minutes away. Trouble's End brewing is 15 minutes away in Collegeville, with delicious beer and a Spicy Chicken sandwich.
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from 
$43
 / night

StarDust Farm Dinner, B&B

46mi from Locust Lake State Park · 2 sites · Lodging · Pen Argyl, PA
Home Welcome to our quaint and cozy stay located in the rolling hills of Pen Argyl, PA. Your drive in is filled with small family farms and scenic views of the Pocono Mountains along the way. This 5-acre, 900 sq ft home is a short drive to Blue Mountain, Jack Frost Big Boulder, and Camelback Mountain for winter sports, as well as just 3 miles from the Wind Gap Appalachian Trail. The Space The house features a semi-professional kitchen, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom. In addition, there is a pub room with a wood fireplace, gaming table, and marble-topped bar. This rustic space offers heating and cooling, electricity, hot water, and a fridge/freezer. Outside, there are multiple sitting areas, including a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and a table with chairs. When the airstream on the property is also booked, the backyard and garden are shared. Guest Access Guests have full access to the house. Other Things to Note Services: During your farm stay vacation, you may opt for our locally sourced, farm-to-table dining experiences prepared by professional chefs with a combined 30+ years of experience. This can include a multi-course dinner, decadent dessert, and a hot breakfast. Menus can be reviewed and orders placed 48 hours before arrival. Property Notes: The property is a working farm with animals. We work as quietly as possible in the morning, but there may be some noise. Guests are welcome to join us in the morning to experience farm life! Because of the nature of the property, please carefully read and understand the following: • Other dogs are not allowed on the property, as we have two dogs of our own, Taco and Smokey. They are friendly and would love to meet you! • During winter and early spring, it can be chilly at night and in the early morning. In addition to the baseboard heating system, extra blankets are provided. • Please turn off all lights and the TV before going to sleep. Thank you!
Potable water
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$134
 / night

The Lookout

94%
(291)
17mi from Locust Lake State Park · 4 sites · Tents · New Tripoli, PA
Our property consists of 20 acres of the beautiful Blue Mountain. At the Lookout you can see for 40 Miles across the valley below. With views from Allentown, Lyons and Reading.  The area with the view is a shared area for both sites. Feel free to use the fire ring while you sit and watch the evening sky. It is breathtaking at night.  At the bottom of the mountain there is a Gunclub with a shooting range and you will hear shooting from the property. Please note it is far away and there is no danger Our property is mostly the mountain side. But with an area that is flat for tent camping. The property is close to Route 309 but there is a camping area away from the road. Our land is next to the road and you will hear some road noise. We are next to National Parks land which also consists of the Appalachian Trail and also against the Pennsylvania Game Lands. You can walk up the street or trail to Thunderhead Lodge Restaurant. Leaser lake is a short drive if you like fishing or kayaking. The Wanamakers Store is a unique place to visit with amazing sandwiches. The Wanamakers and Kemton railroad is close by for a weekend train ride. Bear Rock Junction is close by for mini golf and ice cream. Eight Oaks Distillery is only a few minutes away. Several wineries and antique shops as well. You may also see Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers come thru our property to stay at the hostel. Please welcome our hikers as they come to rest their weary bodies. Welcome to the Lookout. We have made many improvements to our land but also try to maintain the beauty it is. We plan to keep upgrading our property. We plan to use the land for Recreational activites. We have a Hiker Hostel in the Building. The Building was previously the Blue Mountain Lookout Restaurant but has been neglected for approximately 20 years. We are trying to restore the property to bring it back to life.
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from 
$50
 / night

Close to Ricketts Glen State Park

97%
(307)
31mi from Locust Lake State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hunlock Creek, PA
This is Prime Agruculture. We sit on 6 acres of Beautiful land Surrounded by Trees, Birds, Starry Nights and Clear Sunny Days. We have a little bit of every wild life around our area. People love coming here because it is a piece of serenity, private and friendly. Please come join us. We are welcoming people. Close to Ricketts Glen State Park. Any Animal You Bring goes when you go. You DON'T Leave any animal unattended. Area surrounded by nature! Have a fire for you and your family. Cook on The Grills That we Provide. Buy a Bundle of wood to enjoy the true experience in camping. Sit under the canopy listen to music. Go for walks in the Rustic Woods. Go for a Hike up at Ricketts Glen State Park. Go Kayaking, Fishing, Boating, hike the River lands flea markets, antiquing theres lots to do.
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from 
$45
 / night

Shambala at Mystic Hollow

96%
(184)
23mi from Locust Lake State Park · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Mohrsville, PA
We will be decorated for Halloween. We are currently working a scary trail. Pitch your tent along Irish Creek under a canopy of Maples at Mystic Hollow. Irish Creek stream is a tributary to the Schuylkill River. The land is mostly flat for walking to camping area. There is also a small bridge that goes over a small strip of wetlands. Fire rings are included. I can haul your gear to your spot with tractor and wagon if needed. There is a port-a-potty close by. If you have your own portapotty, you must take the waste with you. We have no way to dispose of human waste. Absolutely no disposing of human waste on the property or in the trash. There will be a fine. We are flexible with check-in and check-out times if we are not at full capacity. Just let us know ahead of time. 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 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. Expect to hear owls, blue heron, cows, goats, chickens, hawks, eagles, dogs, racoons and coyotes. Racoons will steal food that is not put away or in coolers. Deer may walk past in the middle of the night. 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.
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$38
 / night

RoundStone

100%
(274)
16mi from Locust Lake State Park · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · Weatherly, PA
Rustic tent sites and log cabins on nearly 400 acres nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. The property has been in our family since the late 1800's, initially operating as an ochre mill. We are near the historic town of Jim Thorpe, Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Hickory Run State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Tuscarora State Park, and more. ***PLEASE READ BELOW AND READ EACH SITE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING*** - Our tent sites are rustic with NO electric or running water. Cabins have electric, but no indoor plumbing. Porta-Johns are available throughout the grounds. (Some sites are closer to port-a-johns than others.) We do not provide potable water or showers for tent campers but we allow responsible use of the stream for cleaning. Cabins have a rustic outdoor shower available May-October. Please inquire for camper vans and pop ups. - FIREWOOD: Due to the threat of invasive pests, we ask that you do not transport wood onto the grounds. We have firewood for sale for $7 per crate. You can pick and crate your wood at the wood pile on the grounds at your convenience. Please bring cash if possible or get in touch at the end of your stay to pay via Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. -We have a variety of wildlife in the area, including BLACK BEARS. Please follow 'Leave No Trace' protocols and be mindful of trash and food throughout your stay. Keep your coolers in your vehicles and take garbage to the dumpster frequently. We have a dumpster available to you on the grounds. -Check in is contactless. Upon booking, you will receive directions to your site. **If you would like to stay for one night during the week or one night on a weekend during November-April, please get in touch and I can adjust the booking specifications. Otherwise, weekends are typically a two night minimum. Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend are a three night minimum **
Pets
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from 
$55
 / night

Other options near Locust Lake State Park

The best camping in Locust Lake State Park, PA 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

  1. You can reserve the park’s 282 campsites, which include tent-only sites and 88 electric hookup sites, via the Pennsylvania State Parks website. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
70%
6 ratings · 1 review