The D&L Blog

Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to start planning you’re next getaway- if you haven’t already. And what better way is there to enjoy all the beauty the DLNHC has to offer than by going camping?

Whether you’re ready to go off-the-grid or GLAM-ping, there’s a spot for you in the Corridor!

(Please note that this blog is about camping within the whole D&L Corridor, not specifically along the D&L Trail. We are working on updating our resource for camping grounds along the D&L Trail; the old version can be found in this 2009 blog. For now, our guidebook has pages specific to bike camping routes, you can get your own copy here.)

Ricketts Glen State Park 

An area with plenty to explore, Ricketts Glen State Park (RGSP) is approximately 13,193 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls, and creeks located in Luzerne, Colombia, and Sullivan Counties. You can hike, swim, bike, fish, and – most importantly – camp.  

RGSP has over 150 different camp sites that range from Deluxe Cottages to Rustic Organized Group Tenting to Modern Tenting and everything in between. This makes RGSP an excellent choice for both small personal gatherings and large community get-togethers. Some spots even let you bring your furry friends along! 

While you’re enjoying the beauty of nature, make sure to take time to check out the many trails. Although most visit the moderate to hard Falls Loop, there are various trails that rank easier to hike. There are also a few multi-use trails that allow for cycling or horseback riding and are ADA accessible. 

After a fun hike, don’t forget to take a trip to Lake Jean where you can get some well-deserved R&R. You can have a relaxing picnic on the shore, rent a boat and explore, grab a snack from the concession stands, or just chill out in the cool waters.  

RGSP is open every day from sunrise to sunset. However, times may vary at specific campgrounds. For more information visit their page on the DCNR Website. To book your camp site, click here.  

Riverview Park  

Want to enjoy a primitive camping experience at the only riverside site along the Lehigh River? Then check out camping at Riverview Park in Carbon County! With direct access to the Lehigh River, swimming, kayaking, and fishing is just the beginning of what you can do at this campground.  

With the Lehigh River on one side and railroad tracks on the other, this location acts as the East Penn Trailhead of the D&L Trail. Take a bike ride south to visit the Lehigh Gap Nature Center or travel north towards Marvin Gardens. No matter which route you take, you’re bound to see some beautiful scenery provided by the Kittatinny Ridge.  

Although this may be a “primitive” camping site, that doesn’t mean you have to give up too much comfort. A playground, a disc golf course, bathrooms, and charging stations are all available at this small community park.  

And we cannot forget the Krazy Chicken Lady (KCL) Food Truck! Offering homemade pierogies, cheesesteaks, French onion soup, and more, KCL is a D&L Trail Friendly Business that’s a hit with both locals and visitors alike.  

Riverview Park is a seasonal camping ground. Permits can be obtained through East Penn Township. 

Allentown KOA Campground (Kampgrounds of America) 

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city proper is Allentown KOA Journey. This 40-acre site offers all the amenities needed to have a fun-filled getaway with the family (furry and not) in Lehigh County.  

Located within a mountain valley, Allentown KOA is a perfect outdoor resort. Amenities include a game room, two playgrounds, a pool, hayrides, bike-rentals, on-site hiking and fishing, a recreation center that hosts weekend activities, a general store, and more. From modern options like RV sites and fully functional cabins, to primitive tents and lodging opportunities, you can plan your vacation to your needs.  

And due to its location in the Lehigh Valley, you’re never too far away from an exciting adventure. The Lehigh Valley Zoo, Dorney Park, Trexler Nature Preserve, and more are all perfect for a close, fun day-cation. Of course, it is not too far away from the D&L Trail either! 

If Allentown KOA Journey does not suite your needs, worry not. KOA is a camping and outdoor experience company with almost 500 sites across the country and more in Canada. In Pennsylvania alone there are 19 different sites to visit. 

Allentown KOA is a seasonal campground. To reserve your spot at Allentown KOA Campground, visit the website here. To learn more about Kampgrounds of America and find the closest location near you, click on this link.  

Driftstone Campground 

Experience the Pennsylvania side of the Scenic Wild Delaware River at this next location in Northampton County! Driftstone Campground has been around for over 50 years and is still going strong. 

At Driftstone, it might be quicker to ask what you can’t do rather than what you can. This campground boasts spacious sites for tents, pop-ups, trailers, motorhomes, and fifth wheels.

With amenities that include onsite bathhouses, laundry, a store, and even spots for cable and television, it comes as no shock that pets are allowed as well. 

The list for outdoor and indoor recreation is not small either. Go fishing or boating in the Delaware River, enjoy a relaxing time in the swimming and wading pools, play a round of volleyball in the courts or softball in the fields, set the kids free in the game room, or join the rest of the guests at the “Back of the Barn” (the recreation hall). And this list still doesn’t cover it all.  

Even if you manage to run out of things to do at Driftstone, there’s still more to explore in the region. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Lakota Wolf Preserve, National Canal Museum, and more are all within a 30-minute drive! 

Camping at Driftstone Campground is seasonal, from May to October. To find out more and reserve your spot, visit their website here. 

Nockamixon State Park 

Boasting 5,286-acres in the scenic and pastoral Bucks County is Nockamixon State Park (NSP)! Just a drive away from the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York, this state park is an excellent option for both day trips and overnighters.  

NSP has twelve sites to reserve, some of which are pet friendly. Two of these sites are ADA accessible pavilions, the rest are part of cabin colonies.  

The main attraction of this state park is Lake Nockamixon, a 1,450-acre artificial reservoir fed by Tohickon Creek, Three Mile Run, and Haycock Run. A prime destination for boaters and anglers, it also serves as a resting place for migrating waterfowl. You can also enjoy picnicking, swimming in the pool, hiking, biking, disc golfing, grilling, and more during your stay at the park. 

The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset with day use areas closing at dusk. Nockamixon State Park is one of the most popular camping locations in eastern Pennsylvania. Be sure to plan appropriately – reservations fill up quickly!  

For more information, visit their page on the DCNR website. To book your campsite click here.

Don’t forget to log your miles! Any activity you do can count towards your next health and wellness incentive. For more information, visit tailonthetrail.org. 

Written by: Gianna Caruso, D&L Communications Coordinator

*all sources are linked within the article.