Hertlein Campsite

- Bethel, PA 19507

Welcome to the heart of Pennsylvania's outdoor adventure scene! For local residents and dedicated hikers in the Keystone State, the Appalachian Trail (AT) offers some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the country. Tucked away on the famed Blue Mountain ridge, between Route 501 and Route 183, lies a true gem for those seeking a rustic, nature-focused overnight experience: Hertlein Campsite.

This secluded location is not your typical drive-in campground; it is a dedicated backcountry camping area directly on the Appalachian Trail, making it a perfect destination for backpackers, weekend hikers, and anyone looking to disconnect from the noise of modern life. Hertlein Campsite has earned a reputation among the hiking community as one of the premier overnight stops in this section of the trail, offering crucial amenities like a reliable water source and numerous picturesque spots for setting up camp.

For Pennsylvanians who appreciate local history and natural beauty, the site offers a unique combination. It sits on land with a fascinating past, including the site of an old power dam built in the early 1900s, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your outdoor adventure. It is an ideal spot to sit, reflect, and enjoy the tranquil sounds of a mountain environment, all while staying within a manageable distance for a local weekend trip.

Location and Accessibility

Hertlein Campsite is situated on Blue Mountain, near Bethel, PA 19507. It is fundamentally a hike-in only location, which is key to its secluded, natural charm and appeal to serious outdoor enthusiasts. It is positioned directly on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail corridor, making it an essential waypoint for long-distance hikers and a rewarding destination for day-hikers from the local region.

Accessing the campsite requires planning and hiking. For those heading Northbound (NOBO) on the AT, the hike in is roughly 5.6 to 6 miles from the parking area near Route 501 (which is close to the 501 Shelter). For those traveling Southbound (SOBO), the campsite is approximately 3 to 4 miles in from the parking area at State Route 183 (State Game Lands Parking Lot 110). While a 3- to 6-mile hike might seem modest, the Pennsylvania section of the AT is often described as one of the rockiest, meaning hikers should be prepared for challenging, technical terrain.

This remote setting ensures a true backcountry experience, but prospective visitors must be aware that vehicles cannot access the campsite directly. The hike, while demanding, offers a profound sense of accomplishment and leads you through historical areas, including the highest point in Berks County, before you reach the peaceful refuge of Hertlein.

Services Offered

As a designated backcountry campsite managed by the Appalachian Trail corridor organizations, Hertlein offers essential, no-frills services focused on sustainability and the Leave No Trace ethic. It is important to note that this is not a commercial campground with drive-up sites, utilities, or staffed facilities.

• Numerous Tent Sites: The area provides many options for pitching a tent. While it can become busy during peak hiking season, the expansive area along the trail and near the pond offers enough space to prevent overcrowding.
• Designated Tent Pads: A couple of designated, cleared tent pads are available, offering flatter surfaces in this generally rocky terrain.
• Reliable Water Source: A major draw of the campsite is the perennial water source. Even during hot, dry summer months, water is typically running in this area, making it a critical resupply point for hikers. Note: All water gathered from natural sources must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.
• Established Fire Pits: Existing fire rings are available for responsible campfires, provided local regulations allow. Hikers are encouraged to keep fires small and use only dead and downed wood.
• Abundance of Firewood: Hikers often report a good supply of dry, downed trees, particularly after maintenance or seasonal changes, which can be broken up for use in the fire rings.

Features and Highlights

The natural and historical features are what truly set Hertlein Campsite apart, making the hike well worth the effort for Pennsylvanians seeking a memorable outdoor retreat.

• Spring-Fed Pond and Waterfall: Down a short side trail from the main tent pads is a beautiful spring-fed pond, providing a serene backdrop for camping. A small waterfall further enhances the peaceful, natural ambiance. The sound of the running water is a highlight mentioned by many visitors.
• Historic Old Power Dam: The pond is actually a pool created by a historic stone power dam, which was built in 1906 to provide hydroelectric power to local towns like Bethel and Strausstown. This piece of local industrial history adds a fascinating layer to the natural setting.
• Swimming Hole: The pond offers a place to cool off during a hot day. The site is locally known for a rope swing out onto the water, offering a fun, refreshing break for hikers.
• Extensive Camping Options: Beyond the tent pads, the immediate area around the pond and further up the hill along the AT (heading North) offers numerous dispersed camping spots, ensuring solitude can be found even when the area is well-used.
• On the Appalachian Trail: For local hiking enthusiasts, being directly on the world's most famous footpath is a draw. It allows for a legitimate, long-distance-style backpacking experience without a major commitment, perfect for a challenging overnight trip.

Contact Information

As a rustic, unmanned backcountry site on the Appalachian Trail, there is no direct management office or reservation system for Hertlein Campsite. This is an undeveloped area managed under the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and local trail maintenance clubs (such as the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club).

Address: Bethel, PA 19507, USA (General area on Blue Mountain)

Phone: There is no dedicated public phone number for the campsite itself. For general information about the Appalachian Trail in this region, local users are advised to consult the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's resources or the managing trail club.

Conclusion: Why Hertlein Campsite is Suitable for Locals

Hertlein Campsite represents a fantastic opportunity for Pennsylvanians in the central and eastern regions to access an authentic, high-quality backcountry experience without traveling across state lines. For our local communities, Hertlein offers a powerful natural escape and a chance to engage with the environment. It is an ideal spot for locals who are looking to:

• Test Backpacking Gear and Skills: The short-to-moderate, yet highly challenging, hike-in distance from Route 183 or Route 501 makes it perfect for a shakedown hike or a quick overnight camping trip.
• Find True Seclusion: The hike-in requirement naturally filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who make the journey are rewarded with the relative peace of a remote mountain setting, a necessary respite from the daily grind of city or suburban life.
• Enjoy Unique Features: The historic dam, spring-fed pond, and beautiful waterfall offer a distinct, picturesque setting that elevates the camping experience beyond a simple clearing in the woods.
• Support Local Trail Stewardship: By visiting and practicing strict Leave No Trace principles, local residents help maintain the integrity of this vital section of the Appalachian Trail, an effort championed by dedicated Pennsylvania volunteers.

For Berks and Lebanon County residents, Hertlein is a conveniently located slice of true mountain wilderness, a place where you can camp under the stars, listen to the water run, and experience the legendary Appalachian Trail right in your own backyard.

Hertlein Campsite

Bethel, PA 19507, USA