Hickory Run State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Hickory Run State Park is located in Carbon County, in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. Covering an area measuring 15,990 acres, the state park is famous for Boulder Field, a unique and awe-inspiring boulder-strewn area. It is also home to over 40 miles of scenic hiking trails, as well as miles of trout streams and three state park natural areas. Many species of wildlife also call the region home, with visitors most commonly spotting white-tailed deer, black bear, and squirrels, all of which may be hunted legally in permitted areas of the park.
Although the state park does receive ice and snow in winter, its mild climate means that it is open every day of the year for recreational activities such as swimming, skiing, ice skating, hiking, picnicking, and more. Summer sees maximum temperatures of 80°F, compared to lows of just 13°F in winter. As a result, you’ll certainly want to come prepared for your trip to this incredible state park. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about Hickory Run, including camping, activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 22°F - 68°F
Summer 52°F - 80°F
Fall 28°F - 71°F
Winter 13°F - 37°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Hickory Run State Park
If you’re thinking about staying in or near Hickory Run State Park, why not do so in an RV? Unlike tents, RVs provide you with a soft, comfortable bed, as well as your own private bathroom and fully-stocked kitchen. If you don’t own an RV, you can rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget or needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
Hickory Run State Park has its own camping facilities, including sites with full hookups or electric-only. There are also cottages and tent-only sites on offer. The base rate for camping starts at $15 per night.
There are also plenty of other RV parks and campgrounds located near the state park. We’ve listed three of the top-rated facilities below.
Lehigh Gorge Family Campground
Lehigh Gorge Family Campground is a family owned and operated facility which has been running for over 39 years. It’s just a short drive from the state park and is situated along the scenic Lehigh River, at the doorstep of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. Trailer sites start at $47 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes (trailer sites only)
Other amenities: showers, picnic tables, fire rings, cable TV.
Peaceful Woodlands Family Campground
ThePeaceful Woodlands Family Campground sits at the base of the Dixon Miller Recreation Area on 50 acres of beautiful woodland. With a wide range of facilities and affordable rates, there’s no wonder it constantly receives great reviews from visitors. RV sites start at $47 per night, based on 4 occupants.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: swimming pool, camp store, miniature golf, playgrounds, play field for lawn games, arcade games, library, restrooms, hot showers, recreational hall, dump station, propane, ice, firewood.
The Woods Camping Resort
The Woods Camping Resort isn’t for everyone, but it certainly is unique. This LGBTQ themed camping resort is for over-18s only, as clothing within the resort is optional. It’s located on 161 private acres in the beautiful Pocono Mountains and has been voted as one of the best gay campgrounds in North America. Rates start at $25 per person for a single visit membership.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes (with overnight accommodations only)
Other amenities: restrooms, showers, clubhouse, café, dance club, swimming pool, hot tubs, bonfire, pavilion, lake, paddle boat rentals, cable TV.
What to Do at
Hickory Run State Park
Inside Hickory Run State Park
At Hickory Run State Park, there’s something for every type of visitor – whether it’s swimming, trout fishing, winter sports, or exploring the region’s 40+ miles of trails. We’ve rounded-up the state park’s most popular activities below.
Swimming : During the summer months, swimming is available in Sand Spring Lake, which is partially bordered by a sand beach. While conditions are usually fairly calm, keep in mind that no lifeguards patrol this area.
Trout Fishing : There are miles of streams stocked with brook and brown trout within the state park, as well as lakes, making it a fishing paradise. The lower 2.9 miles of Hickory Run, from near the Saylorsville Dam to the Lehigh River, is a catch and release fishing only area. Fishing in Sand Spring Lake and the swimming area, however, is prohibited.
Winter Sports : During the winter months, the Sand Spring Lake freezes over and is perfect for ice skating. Additionally, 14 miles of designated skiing trails are available (they’re marked with blue blazes). One of the most popular trails for cross-country skiing is the Sand Spring Trail. Visitors can also enjoy 21 miles of designated snowmobiling trails during this period.
Hiking : The most popular times of the year for hiking within the state park include from mid-June until mid-July when the mountain laurel and rhododendron are in bloom and again in mid-October at the height of the fall foliage. There are24 marked trails resulting in over 40 miles of hiking opportunities. These range from easy to more difficult.
Disc Golfing : There is also a 19-hole disc golf course in the Sand Spring Day Use Area. It is about one mile in length with a flat, moderately wooded course.
How to Get to
Hickory Run State Park
From I-80, take Exit 274 at the Hickory Run State Park Exit, and drive east on PA 534 for six miles.
From the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take Exit 95 and drive west on PA 940 for three miles, then turn east on PA 534 for six miles.
Entering Hickory Run State Park
There are no entrance fees or day use fees for any state park in Pennsylvania.
If you’re planning a trip to Hickory Run State Park, then you sure are in for a treat. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, check out the incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The busiest time of the year is often during trout season, which opens the first Sunday in April and runs through Labor Day.
The average daytime high in the summer at Hickory Run State Park is 80 degrees. June is the wettest month, with an average of 11.7 rainy days. The snowiest month is typically February when an average of 9.5 inches of snow falls.
Hickory Run State Park is an important mammal area. The observant visitor may see black bears, deer and over 48 other mammal species. This park is also an official important bird area, and you may see many species of wood warblers.
There are 380 camping spots at Hickory Run State Park. Of those, 127 can accommodate RVs and travel trailers. Only 15 have full hookups. Reservations are required, and spaces often fill up months in advance.
Leashed pets are allowed at Hickory Run State Park. Note that they are only allowed to stay in designated camping spots. Some of the 40 miles of hiking trails are open to pets while others are not. Signs are clearly posted as to whether dogs are allowed.