RV Campgrounds In Lehighton, PA -- Find RV Parks
40.8337° N, 75.7138° W
Quick Overview
Lehighton sits in the heart of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region, where the Lehigh River cuts through forested hills and limestone cliffs. This small town of 5,500 residents serves as a gateway to some of the state's best outdoor recreation, from whitewater rafting on the Lehigh Gorge to hiking the extensive trail systems at Hickory Run State Park. The area's rich coal mining history shows up in preserved company towns and restored railroads that now carry tourists instead of coal cars.
RV camping options around Lehighton include several campgrounds and RV parks, with some offering free camping opportunities. You'll find everything from full-service RV resorts with pools and planned activities to quieter state park campgrounds where the biggest entertainment is watching deer browse near your rig. Most parks cater to families and couples looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and comfortable amenities.
From your campsite in the Lehighton area, you're positioned perfectly for day trips throughout Carbon County. Jim Thorpe, just 8 miles south, draws visitors with its Victorian architecture and scenic railroad excursions through the Lehigh Gorge. Hickory Run State Park, 15 miles northeast, offers 15,500 acres of hiking trails, including the famous Boulder Field -- a National Natural Landmark where massive rocks cover 16 acres. The Lehigh River itself provides Class I-III rapids for rafting and kayaking, with several outfitters operating from nearby towns.
Full hookup sites work well for RVers who want to use their rigs as base camps while exploring the region's attractions. State park camping appeals to those seeking a more natural setting among Pennsylvania's hardwood forests. Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the area's reasonable camping rates compared to more touristy mountain destinations. Many campgrounds offer both pull-through and back-in sites, accommodating everything from pop-up trailers to 40-foot Class A motorhomes.
Summer brings peak visitation when families flock here for river activities and comfortable mountain temperatures. Fall delivers spectacular foliage that rivals New England's displays, though you'll need reservations well in advance for October weekends. Spring offers excellent fishing and fewer crowds, while winter camping appeals to snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.
Our listings below cover the full range of RV camping options around Lehighton, from basic overnight stops to full-amenity vacation destinations.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Lehighton
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All Dump Stations Near Lehighton
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocono Point RV & Campground | 2.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Jim Thorpe Camping Resort | 3.5 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Free |
| Riverview Park Campground | 4.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Neebs Campground | 4.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lizard Creek Campground | 5.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Stonybrook RV Resort | 5.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Roundstone Camping Resort | 9.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Don Laine Campground | 10.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Don Laine Campgrounds | 10.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Laurel Lake Campsites | 11.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Pocono Point RV & Campground
2.0 miJim Thorpe Camping Resort
3.5 miRiverview Park Campground
4.2 miNeebs Campground
4.7 miLizard Creek Campground
5.1 miStonybrook RV Resort
5.9 miRoundstone Camping Resort
9.3 miDon Laine Campground
10.5 miDon Laine Campgrounds
10.7 miLaurel Lake Campsites
11.4 miTraveling to Lehighton by RV
Interstate 476 (the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike) provides the most direct route to Lehighton, with Exit 74 putting you just 6 miles from town via Route 209 South. This route handles big rigs easily and avoids the mountain curves that characterize some other approaches to the Poconos. From I-80, take Exit 284 to Route 209 North -- a scenic 25-mile drive through the Lehigh Valley that follows the river for much of the route.
Route 209 itself deserves mention as one of Pennsylvania's more enjoyable RV drives. The road parallels the Lehigh River between Lehighton and Jim Thorpe, offering glimpses of whitewater rapids and towering rock formations. RV drivers should note that some campground access roads branch off Route 209 with fairly steep grades -- nothing dangerous for modern rigs, but worth taking slowly if you're pulling a heavy trailer.
For fuel and supplies, the Sheetz station at the Route 209/443 intersection handles large RVs comfortably and offers competitive diesel prices. Walmart in nearby Palmerton (12 miles southeast) provides full grocery shopping and RV supplies, plus overnight parking if you need a quick stop before checking into your campground. The Cabela's in Hamburg, about 30 miles south, stocks extensive camping and outdoor gear if you've forgotten anything essential.
RVers coming from the New York metro area often choose Route 80 West to Route 209 North as the most RV-friendly path, avoiding the steeper grades and tighter curves of some Pocono approaches. The entire drive from the George Washington Bridge takes about 90 minutes in normal traffic.
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Dump Station Costs in Lehighton
RV camping around Lehighton runs $25-45 per night for basic sites with electric and water hookups, while full hookup sites at private campgrounds range from $35-65 nightly during peak season. State park camping offers the best value at $19-28 per night, though these sites often lack sewer connections. Premium RV resorts with pools, WiFi, and planned activities charge $50-80 nightly but include amenities that can save money on entertainment.
Free camping represents a portion% of the area's options, with a portion% requiring payment. This reflects the region's focus on developed campgrounds rather than dispersed camping opportunities. However, some creative boondockers find overnight parking at 24-hour businesses or use apps like iOverlander to locate informal camping spots.
Seasonal pricing varies significantly, with July and October commanding premium rates due to summer recreation and fall foliage. May and September offer shoulder season pricing that's 20-30% lower than peak rates. Winter camping, where available, drops to $15-25 nightly as most seasonal amenities close.
Passport America membership pays for itself quickly here, as participating campgrounds offer 50% discounts on regular rates. Good Sam membership provides 10% discounts at many area parks plus valuable roadside assistance for mountain driving. Harvest Hosts locations within 50 miles include several wineries and farms that welcome RVers for $25-35 per night.
Grocery costs run slightly above national averages due to the region's tourism focus, though Walmart and Aldi locations within 15 miles provide competitive pricing. Diesel fuel typically costs 10-20 cents more per gallon than Pennsylvania's state average.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Lehighton
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Best Time to Visit Lehighton by RV
Winter
December-February
20-40°F
Crowds: Low
Many campgrounds close; state parks offer limited winter camping for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing enthusiasts.
Spring
March-May
35-70°F
Crowds: Medium
Excellent fishing season with moderate crowds; some campgrounds reopen in April with limited amenities initially.
Summer
June-August
60-85°F
Crowds: High
Peak season for river activities and family camping; book popular campgrounds 2-3 months ahead for weekends.
Fall
September-November
40-75°F
Crowds: High
Fall foliage draws heavy crowds in October; many campgrounds close after Halloween weekend until spring.
Explore the Lehighton Area
Hickory Run State Park offers the area's best value for RV camping, with spacious sites, clean facilities, and direct access to 44 miles of hiking trails. Sites 15-25 in the main campground work well for larger rigs, though you'll need to book summer weekends months ahead. The park's Boulder Field trail makes an easy 3-mile round trip from the campground -- perfect for morning walks before the day heats up.
Boondockers should explore the Lehigh Gorge State Park area, where dispersed camping is allowed in designated spots along old railroad grades. These sites don't offer hookups but provide incredible river views and direct access to the 26-mile rail-trail. Check with park staff about current regulations, as rules change seasonally to protect wildlife.
Jim Thorpe's downtown restaurants cluster within walking distance of the train station, making it easy to park your rig at the campground and drive your tow car or truck into town. The Molly Maguire Pub & Steakhouse serves solid American fare in a building that housed Irish coal miners 150 years ago. For groceries and camping supplies, the IGA in Lehighton stocks basics, though serious shopping requires a trip to Walmart in Palmerton.
Bring your camera to Lehigh Gorge State Park in early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the limestone cliffs just right. The overlooks along Route 209 between Jim Thorpe and White Haven offer spectacular shots of the river valley, especially during fall foliage season. Most campgrounds welcome pets, and the rail-trail provides excellent dog walking opportunities away from traffic.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Lehighton
What are the best RV campgrounds in Lehighton?
Hickory Run State Park offers the top combination of value, amenities, and location, with spacious sites and direct trail access. Private campgrounds like those along Route 209 provide full hookups and resort-style amenities. Most RVers appreciate the state park's natural setting and reasonable rates, while families often prefer private parks with pools and planned activities.
Is there free RV camping near Lehighton?
Free camping options are extremely limited in the Lehighton area, with most sites requiring payment. Some dispersed camping exists in Lehigh Gorge State Park, but these primitive sites lack hookups and have specific regulations. Walmart in Palmerton allows overnight parking, though this serves more as a stopover than a camping destination for exploring the region.
What is the best time of year to camp in Lehighton?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather, with May and September providing excellent conditions and smaller crowds than peak summer months. October draws huge crowds for fall foliage but requires advance reservations. Summer provides perfect weather for river activities, though expect higher prices and busier campgrounds throughout the region.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Lehighton?
Several private RV parks around Lehighton offer full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. These campgrounds typically charge $35-65 per night and include amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and recreational activities. State park campgrounds generally provide electric and water only, requiring periodic trips to dump stations for sewer needs.
Can I boondock near Lehighton?
Boondocking opportunities are limited but exist in designated areas of Lehigh Gorge State Park along old railroad grades. These primitive sites offer river views but no hookups or facilities. Some national forest lands within 30 miles provide additional dispersed camping options, though most RVers find the area's developed campgrounds offer better value and convenience.
How far is Jim Thorpe from Lehighton campgrounds?
Jim Thorpe sits just 8 miles south of Lehighton via Route 209, making it an easy day trip from area campgrounds. The scenic drive follows the Lehigh River and takes about 15 minutes in normal traffic. Many RVers use Lehighton-area campgrounds as base camps for exploring Jim Thorpe's Victorian architecture, scenic railroad, and downtown restaurants without dealing with the town's limited RV parking.
What are the best RV campgrounds in Lehighton?
Hickory Run State Park offers the top combination of value, amenities, and location, with spacious sites and direct trail access. Private campgrounds like those along Route 209 provide full hookups and resort-style amenities. Most RVers appreciate the state park's natural setting and reasonable rates, while families often prefer private parks with pools and planned activities.
Is there free RV camping near Lehighton?
Free camping options are extremely limited in the Lehighton area, with most sites requiring payment. Some dispersed camping exists in Lehigh Gorge State Park, but these primitive sites lack hookups and have specific regulations. Walmart in Palmerton allows overnight parking, though this serves more as a stopover than a camping destination for exploring the region.
What is the best time of year to camp in Lehighton?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather, with May and September providing excellent conditions and smaller crowds than peak summer months. October draws huge crowds for fall foliage but requires advance reservations. Summer provides perfect weather for river activities, though expect higher prices and busier campgrounds throughout the region.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Lehighton?
Several private RV parks around Lehighton offer full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. These campgrounds typically charge $35-65 per night and include amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and recreational activities. State park campgrounds generally provide electric and water only, requiring periodic trips to dump stations for sewer needs.
Can I boondock near Lehighton?
Boondocking opportunities are limited but exist in designated areas of Lehigh Gorge State Park along old railroad grades. These primitive sites offer river views but no hookups or facilities. Some national forest lands within 30 miles provide additional dispersed camping options, though most RVers find the area's developed campgrounds offer better value and convenience.
How far is Jim Thorpe from Lehighton campgrounds?
Jim Thorpe sits just 8 miles south of Lehighton via Route 209, making it an easy day trip from area campgrounds. The scenic drive follows the Lehigh River and takes about 15 minutes in normal traffic. Many RVers use Lehighton-area campgrounds as base camps for exploring Jim Thorpe's Victorian architecture, scenic railroad, and downtown restaurants without dealing with the town's limited RV parking.
Are there free dump stations in Lehighton?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Lehighton.
All Dump Stations Near Lehighton (169)
RV ParkPocono Point RV & Campground
RV Park with Dump StationsJim Thorpe Camping Resort
RV ParkRiverview Park Campground
RV ParkLizard Creek Campground
RV ParkNeebs Campground
RV ParkStonybrook RV Resort
RV ParkRoundstone Camping Resort
RV ParkAllentown Koa Journey
RV ParkAllentown KOA
RV Park