Home to 75,000 people, Bethlehem is a beautiful town that is an ideal destination for your next RV adventure. This small town sits only 69 miles north of Philadelphia, where you can find historic venues like Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and the Museum of the Revolution. From professional sports games to Fairmount Park, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and much more, Philadelphia offers a variety of memorable experiences for you to enjoy.
Your visit to Bethlehem also places you close to Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This area is famous for its significant Amish community, and it offers everything from buggy rides to dining experiences, farm tours, Amish markets, and more. When you are in the area, you can also visit the popular town of Hershey, which is home to top-rated attractions like Hershey Gardens, Hersheypark, Zoo America, and other chocolate-themed venues. Lancaster is also in the vicinity and offers more for you to enjoy. Some of its most popular attractions include the Stevens and Smith Historic Site, the Fulton Opera House, and Dutch Wonderland.
Bethlehem sits on the scenic Delaware River and was originally settled by Europeans in 1741. Some of the sawmills and historic houses from this time period remain today for you to explore during your visit. One of these venues is the James Burnside Plantation historical museum, which exhibits several artifacts from George Washington. From the Christkindlmarkt and Illick’s Mill Park to the Steelstacks and more, there is plenty for you to explore during your RV trip to Bethlehem. There are also several popular festivals in Bethlehem throughout the year that may coincide with your travel plans. In July, the Blueberry Festival is held at the Burnside Plantation and includes a range of vendors and exhibits. Also in July, the Bethlehem VegFest offers vegan cooking demonstrations, vendor booths, and live music. In August, Musikfest runs for 10 days and features various artists.
Campgrounds Near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem and the surrounding areas are home to several great RV parks and campgrounds that you can consider staying at on your trip. Allentown KOA offers a family-friendly experience with a picturesque setting. The 40-acre park sits in a quiet valley on a babbling stream. The RV sites include full hook-ups. Some of the many amenities onsite include bike rentals, a group pavilion, mini golf, fishing, a pool, and free wireless internet access. Rates start at $50 nightly.
Evergreen Lake Fishing and Camping is located in nearby Bath and provides travelers with a serene setting close to Blue Mountain. The park’s 250 RV sites are nestled amidst trees and offer full hook-ups, fire rings, and picnic tables. Scheduled activities, an arcade, free wireless internet access, a manmade lake, a playground, mini golf, a convenience store, and other amenities are available for guests at Evergreen Lake Fishing and Camping. Nightly rates are $43 to $46.
Little Red Barn Campground in Quakertown offers everything you need for an enjoyable RV trip. The pad sites are well-spaced in a wooded setting and offer full hookups. Guests can enjoy a game room, a playground, hayrides, horseshoes, sports courts, and a swimming pool during their stay. Rates start at $50 per night.
State Parks Near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Several beautiful state parks close to Bethlehem offer gorgeous scenery and ample recreational activities. Spruce Run Recreational Area spans the perimeter of Spruce Run Reservoir. This 1,290-acre park includes a stunning shoreline that stretches for 15 miles. In addition to viewing the abundant wildlife that is native to the area, you can fish, boat, swim, kayak, and picnic at the Spruce Run Recreational Area.
Jenny Jump State Forest sprawls along the rugged Jenny Jump Mountains. From many vantage points in the forest, you can spot the Kittatinny Mountains and their valleys in the distance. With bears, wild turkeys, raptors, and more in the area, this is the perfect spot for wildlife watching. Fishing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, and more are also available in Jenny Jump State Forest.
Hickory Run State Park is a 15,990-acre park that is located in the Pocono Mountains’ foothills. The Boulder Field National Historic Landmark is located in the park. There are also Hawk Falls, two lakes, extensive streams filled with trout, and hiking trails for you to enjoy during your visit. Swimming, disc golf, and interactive exhibits are offered as well.
National Sites Near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
A great place to learn more about Bethlehem is the Heritage Trail. This trail is suitable for biking, walking, and jogging. It features 80 stops that offer educational details on the city’s history for the last 300 years. Some of the places that you can visit along the trail are the Bethlehem Steel Buildings, numerous Victorian homes, and the Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District.
You can also spend time exploring the Hoover-Mason Trestle. This is a half-mile walking path that takes you through the Bethlehem Steel Buildings and gives you a chance to see the tower blast furnaces up close. The Hoover-Mason Trestle also has educational opportunities that explore the city’s steelmaking history.
Another fascinating area to visit in Bethlehem is the Lehigh and Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum. Open since 1997, this museum has expansive displays that feature the area’s historical train routes. The displays cover 5,000 square feet and boast two levels.
National Forests Near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
In addition to the many state and national parks close to Bethlehem, you can appreciate unspoiled landscapes at some of the nearby national forests. Spanning 514,029 acres, the Allegheny National Forest is a gorgeous area that is perfect for wildlife watching and a variety of recreational activities. This space, which is located in the northwestern area of the state on the Allegheny Plateau, features the Allegheny River, the Kinzua Dam, and the Allegheny Reservoir. Fishing, cross-country skiing, swimming, picnicking, and ATV adventures are some of the popular activities here.
In the southeastern region of the state, William Penn State Forest is another great location to visit while you are in the area. On its 1,683 acres, you will find Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens as well as the Little Tinicum Island National Area. One of the most popular activities in this protected area is hiking. Several hiking trails offer spectacular views and wildlife viewing opportunities, including the Wertz Trail, the Gibraltar Hill Yellow Trail Loop, and the Horseshoe Trail.
Near the New York border, the 265,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest is a beautiful place to explore. It is widely known for its 30,253-acre Hammersley Wild Area, which is the largest area in Pennsylvania that does not have roads. Another notable point of interest is the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail, which is suitable for cross-country skiing and hiking. There are also extensive trails for snowmobiling and ATVs. Fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and biking are also offered in the Susquehannock State Forest.
