Hickory Lake Campground

- 264 Laurel Hill Rd, Bangor, PA 18013

Introduction / Overview: Your Authentic Pennsylvania Camping Destination

When Pennsylvanians look for a campground, the desire often falls into one of two categories: a heavily amenitized, resort-style park, or a more authentic, rustic retreat that provides true escape. Hickory Lake Campground in Bangor, PA, leans distinctly toward the latter, offering a genuinely unique and community-focused outdoor experience in the eastern part of the state. It is not the "KOA type experience" that some highly commercialized sites provide, but rather a property that prioritizes community, affordability, and secluded, natural settings.

This campground has clearly established itself as a haven for long-term seasonal campers, creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where visitors feel instantly welcome, even on a short weekend trip. This community-centric nature means the site has a distinctly neighborly feel, with regular events in the rec hall and a visible camaraderie among campers. However, it's the contrast with its secluded and lovely tent sites, nestled deep within the property, that makes Hickory Lake stand out. These sites offer a more primitive, back-country-style camping experience on a safe, maintained private property—a perfect blend for those seeking solitude without sacrificing essential comforts like a hot shower.

With very reasonable rates and a transparent pricing structure (no hidden taxes or fees), Hickory Lake Campground has successfully drawn attention for providing exceptional value. The dedication of the staff, including a highly responsive owner, adds to the positive experience, making this a commendable choice for local residents across the Lehigh Valley and surrounding regions who are looking for a reliable, no-frills, community-driven campground. The high customer ratings reflect the satisfaction of those who appreciate its unique, rustic charm.

Location and Accessibility: Nestled in Bangor, PA

Hickory Lake Campground is conveniently located in the tranquil, natural setting of Bangor, Pennsylvania. This location places it within easy driving distance for residents throughout the entire eastern half of the state, including those in the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and greater Philadelphia areas. Its position allows for a quick weekend escape without an excessively long drive, connecting locals directly to the beautiful, rolling terrain typical of this part of Pennsylvania.

The full address for the campground is:

Address: 264 Laurel Hill Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA

It is important for visitors, especially those heading to the secluded tent sites, to be aware of the property's internal roads. Access to the most primitive tent areas involves driving down a long, rocky, and unmaintained dirt road. Campers driving low-clearance vehicles, such as smaller sedans, are strongly advised to proceed with extreme caution due to the presence of large, jutting rocks that could potentially damage the underside of a vehicle. This rugged internal access contributes to the secluded nature of the tent sites but requires mindful driving from visitors. For RV and travel trailer campers utilizing the main sites, the drive is considerably less challenging, as evidenced by the easy access for larger vehicles like a travel trailer to sites closer to the main facilities.

Services Offered

Hickory Lake Campground provides a core set of services and amenities that ensure a comfortable and engaging stay, whether you are a short-term visitor or a long-term seasonal resident. These offerings focus on essential comfort and community engagement:

• On-Site Retail and Pricing: The campground maintains very reasonable prices for essential items purchased on-site, such as large bags of ice, offering great value to campers.
• Firewood Delivery: For those staying at the secluded tent sites, the staff offers the accommodating service of delivering purchased firewood directly to the chosen campsite, a significant convenience given the distance and road conditions.
• Warm Shower Facilities: Private shower facilities are available with reliable hot water, a crucial comfort for any camper. While the cleanliness may vary, the provision of a private space and guaranteed warm water is a valuable amenity.
• Pool Access: A nice, big swimming pool is available for all campers to enjoy, which is ideal for a refreshing swim or swimming laps, particularly on warm Pennsylvania summer days.
• Flexible Check-In: The staff is friendly and highly accommodating, offering flexibility for late arrivals. Campers who arrive after hours may arrange to check in the following morning, though a staff member is generally available to assist with finding sites and initial needs.
• RV Utility Connections: Established RV sites (such as F 2 mentioned by a customer) are fully equipped to handle travel trailers and likely offer standard utility hookups, catering efficiently to the large seasonal population.

Features / Highlights

The distinguishing features of Hickory Lake Campground that appeal to the local Pennsylvania camping market are deeply rooted in its distinct atmosphere and pricing model:

• Secluded, Primitive Tent Camping: The tent sites are located at the back of the campground, accessed via a challenging dirt road. Their seclusion is a major highlight, often ensuring complete privacy and offering the quiet and solitude of backcountry camping while remaining on a secure property.
• Strong Community and Seasonal Focus: The campground is primarily catered to and filled with seasonal campers who have built a fun, friendly, and welcoming crowd. This provides a strong community atmosphere, with everyone made to feel at home, even short-term "weekenders."
• Vibrant Social Events: The rec hall acts as a social hub, hosting regular community events such as Bingo nights and DJ dance parties. This is especially attractive to families, as the events create a safe and engaging environment for kids to run around and play together.
• Transparent and Affordable Pricing: The very reasonable rates, coupled with a policy of no hidden taxes or fees published on their site, make it an exceptionally affordable option for families and individuals seeking a cost-effective getaway.
• Responsive Customer Service: The owner and staff, praised for their kindness, accommodating nature, and speedy email responses to inquiries about availability, ensure that the booking and arrival process is smooth and helpful.
• Variety in Experience: Hickory Lake successfully accommodates two very different groups: the long-term, community-seeking RV camper, and the short-term, solitude-seeking tent camper, each finding their ideal experience within the property's diverse layout.

Contact Information

For local Pennsylvania residents looking to inquire about seasonal sites, weekend rates, or general availability, the management of Hickory Lake Campground can be contacted using the following information:

Address: 264 Laurel Hill Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA

Primary Phone: (570) 897-5811

Mobile Phone: +1 570-897-5811

The owner, Mike, is known for his responsiveness, including late-evening email communication, which adds a layer of personalized service for prospective campers.

Conclusion: Why Hickory Lake Campground is Suitable for Locals

Hickory Lake Campground is an excellent choice for Pennsylvania residents, particularly those in the eastern region, because it provides an authentic, dual-track camping experience that meets the needs of two major local demographics.

First, for the local family seeking a summer-long community hub, the seasonal focus offers a friendly, established network of neighbors and regular social events, making it a true home-away-from-home. The reasonable rates reinforce its suitability as an affordable, long-term recreational destination.

Second, for the local individual or small group craving a secluded, back-to-nature escape, the unique, remote tent sites offer a level of peace and privacy rarely found in a commercial campground. This provides a perfect, nearby option for those who want the isolation of primitive camping but with the security and convenience of having a warm shower and friendly staff only a short distance away (albeit down a rugged road).

The campground’s location in Bangor makes it easily accessible for a quick weekend trip from major metro areas, saving valuable travel time. By delivering great value, accommodating staff, a fun community atmosphere, and truly secluded primitive sites, Hickory Lake Campground stands out as a high-value, authentic, and genuinely accommodating outdoor resource for the Pennsylvania community. It’s the ideal local spot for those who prefer genuine camping charm over glossy, resort-style amenities.

Hickory Lake Campground

264 Laurel Hill Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA