Lehigh Valley Marketplace

By Cathy Kiley

Now is a great time for taking in the fall foliage and what better way to appreciate the colors of the season than to spend a few days communing with nature? There are many untouched, natural wooded areas remaining close to home so let’s go camping and really appreciate the great outdoors.

Campsites have come a long way over the years and there are many right here in the Greater Lehigh Valley. All of the locations I visited for this article welcome tent, cabin and RV campers and most have a relatively large seasonal camping population. Although all sites offered similar amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds for the kids, mini-golf and game rooms with organized activities (in addition to laundry, showers, bathroom facilities as well as electrical, water and sanitary hook-ups,) each had its own “feel” and something special to offer campers, be they novice or seasoned adventurers.

Let’s start in New Tripoli at the Allentown KOA.  Located just a few miles off Route 100 North, the drive through the farmlands is beautiful, especially at this time of year. You’ll see the entrance to the campground just after you pass the signs for the Lehigh Valley Zoo. I followed the entry lane along a stream and came to the office where I was greeted by Tiana and Jess who manned the office and general store that day.  They provided me with a map and sent me on my way to explore the picturesque 40 acre grounds nestled in the woods. I noticed that they have Deluxe Kabin Kottages and Lodges (which is more my speed) and most of the comforts of home are available in each site — including cable television and telephone service with long-term rentals. All recreational activities are available at Allentown KOA as well as fishing along the stream and Saturday hayrides. Nearby attractions include Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Lehigh Valley Zoo, great shopping and Shankweiler’s Drive-In. Remember, you are not far from the Poconos and there are golf courses nearby this friendly camping resort. Visit koa.com/where/pa/38110/print.htm to view their extensive website and make reservations. Note that pets are welcome at Allentown KOA and no alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted on the property at any time.

Further off Route 78 West in Lenhartsville is the Blue Rocks Family Campground. The campground was originally established in 1930 as a gathering place for local families to picnic; however since the 1980s when the park was taken over by the Wood family, its popularity has grown to host visitors from both near and far. There are a host of activities for campers to enjoy including fishing and wonderful hiking with access to the Appalachian Trail, Pulpit Rock Lookout and the Pinnacle Point. However, the real attractions here are the Blue Rocks — a natural geological phenomenon called a Block Field formed, it is believed, during the Ice Age. The Tuscadora quartzite blocks, up to 20 feet long, were formed by natural process and gradually moved down the mountain over thousands of years. The rocks are  really worth the trip. What is different about this campground is that day visitors are welcome to hike, picnic and explore. I noticed more campers in tents in this campsite than others I visited. I would be remiss if I did not mention that  a four-wheel drive car or rugged vehicle should be used here. Nearby attractions include Cabelas, Crystal Cave, Hawk Mountain and Amish Country. There is a snack bar on site as well as a general store. Log onto: bluerockscampground.com for more information.

Just off exit 23 of Route 78 West in Shartlesville is the attractive Appalachian Campsites family resort.  The entrance leads up a lane to the gated 86-acre camping community.  I was greeted by property manager Tom Delancy who explained that the park has been here well over 30 years. Upon taking my tour I couldn’t help noticing how quiet this campsite was. The buildings are clean and well-kept with hanging pots of flowers everywhere. An on-site restaurant and ice cream parlor are both open on weekends. There were many seasonal RVs and a few sites with tents but I liked the many colorful cabins with screened porches and all the comforts of home near the pool and fishing pond. And everyone zips around on golf carts. Located nearby are Hershey Park, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine, nearby State Game Land for hunting, Pat Garrett Amphitheater, Rodale Institute, rodeos and horseback riding and Blue Marsh Lake for boating, fishing and swimming. Visit their website at: appalachianrvresort.com to see everything this resort has to offer for a weekend or the season.

Nestled on 250 shady wooded acres at the base of Blue Mountain in Bath is Evergreen Lake fishing and camping resort.  Family-owned and operated since 1960, Evergreen Lake offers some very special activities to their visitors.  First, there is a 25-acre lake on site for trout, bass and catfishing.  This is a no limit “fish and pay” lake, and no fishing license is required.  There is also a smaller pond area just for the little ones to enjoy. I recently took my four-year-old grandson there and he caught three beautiful trout in an hour.  Talk about positive reinforcement!   There is a white sandy beach and boat rentals are available. Evergreen Lake is a lovely, tranquil and clean facility and I was told there are many weddings held at their gazebo followed by a reception in their private outdoor pavilion.  Nearby attractions include the Appalachian Trail, bowling, golf, hiking, biking, Dorney Park and the Pocono Mountains. Check out their website, evergreenlake.net, for further information.

It has been a long time since I drove down along the scenic Delaware River to historic Bucks County and had forgotten how beautiful it is. Located a few miles off Rt. 611 in Upper Black Eddy is Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort. Here they combine the untouched beauty of nature with a wide array of camping accommodations guaranteed to delight every member of your camping party.  I chatted with Charlene and Pat who were manning the General Store when I visited. The store offers basic camping needs and food supplies as well as freshly brewed coffee throughout the day. The adjacent activities room with widescreen televisions is staffed with a full-time recreational director and is busy every day hosting fun things. The large porch with comfy rockers allows a view of the large playground and mini-golf so parents can relax in the shade and watch the kiddies have fun. Current owners are David and Linay Haubert but the resort has been in the family since 1978. This camping facility is attractive and well-kept with pools, stocked fishing lakes, fountains, tennis and all the amenities you would imagine.  Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort is located a short distance from Nockamixon State Park, Lost River Canyons, the Sands Casino and Bucks County Playhouse. There are golf courses nearby and you are not far from Philadelphia attractions.  Check out colonialwoods.com for complete resort information.

Drive north on Route 611 into Mount Bethel and you will find Driftstone on the Delaware offering the best in Delaware River Camping this side of the Pocono Mountains. I met with property manager Jeff Ackerman in the rustic barn who then set me out in the right direction for my tour. Ackerman’s family opened the 185-site resort in 1966 and many campers have been coming back every year since. Driftstone on the Delaware offers the convenience of its own boat launch on site and “Rapid Rocks,” a safe, protected bathing area for youngsters with a mild current allowing kids to splash, drift and have fun in the river. Canoes, kayaks and raft rentals are available or you may bring your own.  If you don’t enjoy the river, spend a relaxing day by the pool with a covered pavilion to allow for plenty of shade. There are video games, pool tables and a whole lineup of activities in the recreational center as well as an oversized chess game outdoors to be played on a cool evening.  This is a very tranquil, clean and friendly location.  I also liked that they had a security person at the entrance who gave me a one-hour car pass and directed me to the property manager before going off on my own. Check out their website at driftstone.com and see a full line-up of activities at this pleasant camping resort.

There are numerous camping areas in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area just a few miles north of the Greater Lehigh Valley in the Pocono Mountains each offering its own blend of amenities and access to state forests.  I would highly recommend researching these sites online at the National Park Service’s website: nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm.  The site also provides information regarding wilderness camping and hiking in the protected park system for those adventurers not interested in organized campsite living.

Before departing on your camping weekend, check out a few local retailers in the area for supplies. I spotted Orikaso fold-flat plastic tableware at Nestor’s on MacArthur Road in Whitehall. The plastic plates, bowls and cups fold flat after cleaning to neatly fit into your backpack. I also found a compact Bugaboo Mess Kit Ensemble with non-stick pans that I thought was pretty cool as well as Mountain House freeze-dried meals and water purification drops for those avid campers who venture far away from civilization. At the nearby Army and Navy Store on Grape Street, I checked out Emergency Preparedness Kits, sets of three rechargeable flashlights and a wonderful supply of canoes, kayaks, fishing equipment and protective raingear and clothing. I found a Weber Q-Grill at Neighbors Home and Garden Center in Hellertown and spoke with Glenn who explained that this is the number-one selling portable gas grill in the United States and one of the finest quality grills on the market.  It has all of the features of larger Weber Grills but its size makes it convenient to take along on your camping trip.  It has a portable stand and other accessories to go with it too.  I also spotted a great selection of tabletop ceramic citronella torches that would be terrific for your campsite dining table. Basic Tiki Torches were also available to stick into the ground to keep the bugs away.

All campers should be reminded of safety precautions before setting out on their adventures.  In that light, I am passing on a few tips I received from Jill Sober of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.

• Plan your trip, obtain proper maps and be aware of the weather forecast and all operating instructions for your camping equipment BEFORE you set out.

• Take a toolkit and spare parts for emergency repairs.

• Proper clothing and shoes for camping and/or hiking should always be worn to protect your body from the elements and your feet from stones and roots.

• Use the buddy system — travel in pairs for safety and always let someone know of your planned whereabouts.

• Take enough food, keep perishables cold and keep food in your car or camper, out of the reach of animals.  Do not cook in your tent.  Keep campsite clear of food scraps and containers. The same applies to your pets, always clean up after them and properly discard their food scraps as well.

• Never feed the wildlife. Treat non-food articles such as gum, soap or toiletries like food. They smell good and attract the bears.

• Know the local rules regarding campfires and only use established fire circles. Always keep fires small and have a large bucket of water nearby.  Protect your long hair or ponytail around a fire and only toast those marshmallows over coals, not flames, to avoid a dangerous situation.

That being said, remember to put safety first, pack up your car or camper and set out on a fun weekend in the woods at one of the Lehigh Valley’s many campsites. Those mentioned herein are just a few from which you may choose but they are a fine representation of what is available to campers of all ages and abilities. And, since you’re so close to home, you won’t need to hear “are we there yet?” for hours on end!

Avid world traveler Cathy Kiley considers camping in any form a unique type of recreation.  She was pleasantly surprised by the friendly and diversified camping facilities available in the Lehigh Valley.