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Hickory Lake Campground Introduce

Hickory Lake Campground is a hidden gem located in the picturesque Slate Belt region of Pennsylvania, specifically in Bangor. This destination provides a perfect blend of rustic, primitive camping and traditional RV site comforts, making it a versatile choice for Pennsylvania residents seeking an outdoor escape. Set against a backdrop of mature trees and a tranquil fishing lake, the campground is known for its relaxed pace and genuine "Old Pennsylvania" hospitality. It serves a dual purpose, acting as a vibrant community for long-term seasonal residents while offering a peaceful, secluded retreat for weekend travelers who want to immerse themselves in nature. The property is spacious and well-wooded, providing the kind of shade and privacy that many modern, commercialized parks lack.

The atmosphere at Hickory Lake is distinct from high-traffic resort chains; it is a place where the focus is on community, family, and the simple joys of the outdoors. Visitors often mention the "home away from home" feeling fostered by the friendly management and the regulars who have spent decades returning to their favorite spots. Whether you are bringing a high-end travel trailer or just a single tent and a sleeping bag, the park provides an environment where you can truly disconnect. The balance of open social areas, like the recreation hall and pool, with deep-woods tenting sites allows every type of camper to find their preferred level of engagement with the great outdoors.

Location and accessibility are major highlights for those living in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. Located at 264 Laurel Hill Road in Bangor, PA (18013), the campground is easily accessible from major routes like PA-191 and PA-33. It is a convenient drive for residents of Easton, Allentown, and Bethlehem, as well as those traveling from Northern New Jersey. While the entrance and main areas are easy to navigate, the campground maintains its primitive charm with dirt and gravel roads leading to the more secluded sites. Travelers with low-clearance vehicles are encouraged to drive carefully on the access roads to the tenting area, which are kept in a more natural state to preserve the "back-country" feel of the property. On-site parking is provided, and the facility features wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking lots near the main office and communal hubs.

Hickory Lake Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to both the modern RV traveler and the primitive camper. The facility is equipped to handle various utility needs, including reliable power and water connections. For those who enjoy the social side of camping, the Recreation Hall (often referred to as the "Barn") serves as the heartbeat of the park, hosting events and gatherings throughout the season. The staff is noted for being accommodating, often providing personal touches like delivering purchased firewood directly to your campsite or offering flexible check-in assistance for late-night arrivals.

  • Full RV camping sites with options for 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups.
  • Reliable RV water hookups and on-site sewer services for larger rigs.
  • Secluded tent camping sites located in the wooded back sections for maximum privacy.
  • Free cable TV hookups available at most RV sites for evening entertainment.
  • Seasonal site options for long-term stays (typically from mid-April to October).
  • On-site dump station and mobile pump-out services for convenience.
  • Acceptance of multiple payment types including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
  • A well-maintained bathhouse with hot showers and private restroom facilities.

The features and highlights of Hickory Lake are designed to provide a well-rounded vacation experience. The centerpiece for summer activity is the large, 60-foot by 30-foot swimming pool, which is kept refreshingly clean and is perfect for lap swimming or family play. For anglers, the on-site fishing lake provides a quiet spot to cast a line without the need for a state license, as it is a private pond. Children are well-catered to with a dedicated playground and a variety of organized weekend activities. The recreation hall is famous for its lively evening events, including bingo nights, live bands, and themed dance parties, which help create a fun, high-energy environment for social campers.

  • Large, crystal-clear swimming pool with plenty of deck space for lounging.
  • Private fishing lake stocked for recreational fishing (no license required for campers).
  • Wooded and shaded campsites that provide natural cooling during Pennsylvania summers.
  • Active recreation hall featuring bingo, DJs, live music, and holiday-themed parties.
  • Pet-friendly policies that allow dogs to join the family on their camping adventure.
  • Kid-friendly facilities including a playground and space for bicycles on the roads.
  • Snack bar and game room located within the main communal area.
  • Proximity to local attractions like the Delaware Water Gap and the Pocono Mountains.

For those looking to plan a visit or inquire about seasonal rates, the office can be reached during standard business hours. It is recommended to call ahead for holiday weekends, as the park’s popularity with regular seasonal campers means that transient spots can fill up quickly. The owner, Mike, is known for his speedy communication and helpfulness in securing the right site for your specific needs.

Contact Information:
Address: 264 Laurel Hill Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA
Phone: (570) 897-5811
Mobile Phone: +1 570-897-5811

What is worth choosing about Hickory Lake Campground is the exceptional value and the unique "best of both worlds" layout. For the price-conscious traveler, the rates are among the most reasonable in the region, offering a high-quality experience without the hidden fees or inflated costs of corporate resorts. If you choose a tent site here, you are choosing a level of seclusion that is rare in the Lehigh Valley—you can be deep in the woods, unable to see another campsite, yet still be a short walk away from a hot shower and a morning swim. This makes it a perfect "starter" location for those who want to try backcountry-style camping while still having the safety net of a managed property.

Furthermore, the campground is worth choosing for its community spirit. For those who enjoy making new friends, the Saturday night events in the recreation hall are legendary among the locals, creating a "fun crowd" atmosphere where everyone is welcomed. Conversely, for the traveler who just wants to sit by a fire and listen to the crickets, the geography of the park allows for that absolute quiet. The combination of clean facilities, friendly staff, and the freedom to choose your own level of adventure—from high-energy social weekends to primitive, isolated retreats—makes Hickory Lake Campground a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Pennsylvania.

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
63 reviews
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Jade Murphy
Sep 12, 2023

This location is definitely catered to long-term "seasonal" campers as opposed to weekend campers.If you are expecting the KOA type experience, you're going to be disappointed. Although there is a spigot and portapotty down a long (rocky, not maintained) dirt road from the tent sites, the actual bathrooms and showers are quite far from the tents. Most of the RVs look permanent with dilapidated decks.However, if you're interested in more primitive camping, the tent sites are secluded and lovely. They are at the very back of the campsite and we were the only tent campers there (so we couldn't see anyone). All the appeal of back country camping on a safe property and with some comforts like warm showers.You really do need to be careful driving down the dirt road to the tent sites though. I was expecting a typical smooth grated dirt road, but was not prepared for the jutting giant rocks smashing the bottom of my little sedan.The showers looked like they weren't cleaned often, but they were private and had hot water (which is more than can be said for some other camping locations).There was no one in the office when I arrived, but man working when I got there late in the evening was kind and accommodating. I had been told by phone the previous day that I could do check in at morning if no one was there when I arrived (I knew I'd be getting in late.) The man I did see (on my search for open tent sites) opened the office to check me in, and gave me a map of the grounds. He also brought the wood I purchased up to the tent site I picked for me.They have events in the rec hall for a community atmosphere if you're into that. Kids were running around together, which was nice to see.I prefer secluded camping, so I personally liked this campground.

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A V
Aug 25, 2019

The 4.6 out of 5 star rating drew my attention initially - only 1 other nearby campground had such a high rating. Their very reasonable rates might've been what ultimately drew me in and why Hickory Lake Campground ended up being our destination for camping this past weekend. I also appreciated the speedy email response I got from the owner when I wrote late in the evening to inquire about availability of accommodations (thanks Mike).No hidden taxes or fees - just the rates they publish on their site. And their prices within the campground are very reasonable too (e.g. a nice big bag of ice is only $1.50). Friendly staff and a very fun crowd can be found in the rec hall each evening. On our 1st night they had bingo; the 2nd night there was a DJ and a dance party. Lots of fun for my 8-year old niece who was with us - she found lots of other kids to play with. Although we were just weekenders all the regular campers made us feel very much at home.I enjoyed swimming laps in their nice big pool. Very refreshing!All-in-all I give the place a thumbs-up. I'd definitely go back again.We were in my 2007 Northwood Nash 25 S travel trailer at campsite F 2. Thanks Hickory Lake!!

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Shelly Hellier
Aug 09, 2020

This place caters to seasonal campers. The short term people are put in spots in an open area by the maintenance building that leaves its light on all night. The office was only open on Friday and Saturday - not during the week and there was no sign stating how to contact anyone if needed. Facilities are a bit run down. Driveway needs the holes patched. It was VERY rough going in and out of the place. I am also attaching a picture of what we picked up on our site in less than 20 minutes. So glad we did not pop a tire putting camper in place!!! Decent place for the seasonal folks - I would not go there if you are not seasonal!

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Debra Millar
Sep 06, 2024

staff is friendly and helpful with things to do in the areacamp sites are good and treedBUT the rest rooms need cleaning and upgrading ( one is closed ) No wifi No sewer hookup

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Peter Campbell
Jun 02, 2021

This is a seasonal place with, I’m sure nice people. But by no means is this an up to date campground for 2021. No Verizon data. And no provided internet service. Sites are close and tight. No dump station or full hookups.Ron the owner is super nice and gave us a space on short notice. Some challenges noted by other reviews about access, and the security gate.