Nockamixon State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The most popular draw to this park in Eastern Pennsylvania is the expansive Lake Nockamixon, a man-made reservoir popular with boating enthusiasts and anglers. The park first opened for public enjoyment in 1973. In addition to the lake, the park's 5,286 acres include scenic rolling hillsides, several creeks that feed into the lake, a seasonal swimming pool, and the perfect setting to view lots of visiting waterfowl. Equestrians will find more than 20 miles of horseback riding trails to explore on the southern end of the park, and there are several hiking and mountain biking trails to choose from as well.
Spring 30 - 51 F
Summer 60 - 80 F
Fall 42 - 64 F
Winter 33 - 53 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Nockamixon State Park
The campground at Nockamixon State Park has 12 rustic cabins only. There is no overnight RV camping or tent camping at this state park.
What to Do at
Nockamixon State Park
Park staff hosts regular recreational and educational events that are open to the public, including guided tours, hands-on programs for kids, and evening events, so be sure to check the park's website or stop by the visitor center to view the schedule. Kids will love the splash area at the swimming pool, and there's a playground for the younger ones as well.
Fishing
Lake Nockamixon is an excellent place to go fishing. Cast your line for white perch, crappie, striped bass, walleye, muskellunge and bluegill. Other fish you can catch include chain pickerel, largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as channel catfish. Younger anglers can head over to the Children’s Fishing Pond to gain some experience. Ice fishing is available during the winter. You'll also need a Pennsylvania fishing license.
Geocaching
You'll have to hike a bit to find them, but there are at least two geocaches hidden somewhere within Nockamixon State Park. Check out the clues on your geocache app and have fun exploring the park on the hunt for hidden treasure. Bring a pen to sign the logbook once you find it, and be sure to re-hide the cache well after you are done.
Nature Watching
For the best view of the dam, there's an overlook along South Park Road just to the west of a bridge that passes over the creek. Birds that enjoy relaxing near the dam include sandpipers, herons, killdeer, great egrets and kingfishers. The Sentinel Rock formation along the biking trail is also a unique geological feature that might pique your interest.
Stargazing
Public star-watching parties are held regularly at the park in partnership with the local Bucks-Mont Astronomical Association. You can come out during a meteor shower or any astronomical event to learn more about the heavens above and to enjoy peeking through a high-quality telescope.
Flora and Fauna
Hardwood forests, open fields and pine plantations line the areas around the lake, and you'll find lots of grasslands filled with native Indian grass, bluestem and switchgrass. Waterfowl such as geese, swans, grebes, ducks, loons and more stop by the lake regularly. Raptors can be seen in the spring and the fall. Black bears are occasionally spotted within the park as well, though you're more likely to spot rabbits and wild turkeys.
Hiking
Enjoy a scenic view of the lake and pass by an old quarry and the remnants of a former summer camp while enjoying a stroll along the trail at this picturesque state park. There are several trails to choose from, including the popular Old Mill Trail, which is rated as moderate and spans just over a mile long. The Quarry Trail is another popular choice, as it is rated as moderately difficult and extends for 2.65 miles.
Swimming
Swimming is not allowed in Lake Nockamixon due to algae growth, which affects the fish populations. However, there is a swimming pool at the park, which is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Boating
The lake has five different public boat launch areas. If you have a kayak, check out the time of the dam's daily water release to enjoy paddling in whitewater conditions. Boat rentals are available if you didn't bring your own.
Biking
There's a 10-mile off-road mountain biking trail system that cyclists can enjoy. To find the trailhead, head to the eastern end of Haycock Cove. In addition, a 2-mile paved multiuse trail provides cyclists and others with an easy way to navigate within the park. This trail starts near the marina and leads along the day-use area, provides access to the swimming pool and the playground and heads toward a pond and a scenic waterfall.
How to Get to
Nockamixon State Park
If you're coming from Allentown, take the I-78 E until you reach exit #60 for PA-309 S toward Quakertown. Get on the 309 heading south and continue until the road name changes into Passer Road. This will junction with PA-212, where you will take a right to head south. Turn left onto PA-563 to enter into the park.
Entering Nockamixon State Park
The parking area near the marina has electrical vehicle charging stations.
Nockamixon State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Nockamixon State Park
The park is open year-round but is usually busiest in the summertime when the weather is better for outdoor activities. Summers have warm and pleasant weather, and the winters are cold, but precipitation can occur at any time of year, so come prepared for this possibility. After a good snow, park visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along the biking trails.
The most common animals you might see during your visit include squirrels, wild turkeys, groundhogs, pheasants and white-tailed deer. Birds you might spot include blue-winged and prairie warblers, woodpeckers, Baltimore orioles, white-eyed vireos and in the summertime, eastern wood-pewees. Bald eagles can occasionally be spotted near the lake's dam.
No. RV camping is not available at Nockamixon State Park.
Although there is no RV or tent camping available at this park, you can reserve one of 12 rustic cabins if you'd like to stay overnight at the park.
Dogs are welcome at Nockamixon State Park, though they are prohibited in some areas, including at the swimming pool. Please make sure to keep your pets on a leash at all times while visiting the park, and be sure to clean up after them as well.