Organized Group Tent Camping at Hickory Run State Park

- Albrightsville, PA 18210

Introduction / Overview

For schools, scout troops, church groups, and other organized non-profit organizations across Pennsylvania, the Organized Group Tent Camping Area at Hickory Run State Park offers an affordable and immensely scenic venue for large-scale outdoor excursions. Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains near Albrightsville, this area is distinct from the park’s main family campground, offering a more rustic and secluded setting specifically designed to accommodate large youth and adult groups.

Hickory Run State Park itself is a massive 15,990-acre natural area, celebrated for its unique geological formations and extensive wilderness. The Organized Group Tenting (OGT) area provides a simple, high-capacity base camp where groups can immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty while maintaining a budget-friendly trip. It is important for Pennsylvania groups to understand that this is a truly rustic experience—it is focused on nature access and simplicity, with basic amenities that underscore the outdoor adventure. While this area requires groups to be self-reliant, it grants unparalleled access to the park’s 40+ miles of hiking trails, fishing streams, and the renowned Boulder Field National Natural Landmark, making it a premier destination for educational and recreational group outings.

Location and Accessibility

The Organized Group Tent Camping Area is situated within the expansive Hickory Run State Park, with a general location in Albrightsville, PA 18210, USA. Its exact physical location is generally across PA Route 534 from the main family campground, offering a sense of separation and dedicated space for large groups.

This location in the Pocono Mountains makes it highly accessible for a significant portion of the Pennsylvania population, being only a two to three-hour drive from major metropolitan hubs like Philadelphia and Harrisburg, and just an hour from Allentown, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre. Access is made simple via major interstates, including I-80 (Exit 274), providing straightforward navigation for large vehicles. While the OGT area is rustic and walk-to, the overall park access is excellent. Groups should note that camping trailers and RVs are prohibited in this specific area and must be used in the main family campground. Limited parking is available at the entrance to the OGT area, with extra car parking nearby.

Services Offered

The services at the Organized Group Tent Camping Area are intentionally rustic and designed for large, self-sufficient groups. This is a crucial distinction from the park’s family campground, which features modern amenities like hot showers and full hookups.

• Rustic Accommodations: The OGT area features 13 dedicated sites, available for rent to organized youth and adult groups. The area is open year-round.
• Basic Site Provisions: Each large group site is equipped with several picnic tables and a fire ring with a grill grate, providing the essentials for group cooking and gathering.
• Water Access: Potable water is available at hand water pumps and water spigots within the rustic area, though distance from specific sites may vary.
• Non-Flush Toilets: Restroom facilities consist of non-flush (vault) toilets. Portable toilets are also sometimes utilized, which visitors should be aware of, as their upkeep is sometimes noted as a challenge, especially during peak season.
• No Pets Policy: Unlike designated sections of the family campground, pets are strictly NOT permitted in the Organized Group Tenting Areas.
• No Vehicle Hookups: Camping trailers and RVs are prohibited, and there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available.
• Trash and Cleanliness: Groups are responsible for the cleanliness of their site upon arrival and departure. Past reviews have highlighted issues with prior groups leaving trash, making it essential for incoming groups to uphold park standards and report issues to staff immediately upon arrival.
• Access to Main Campground Amenities: While the OGT area lacks showers, groups may be able to drive a short distance to the main family campground’s modern restrooms with hot showers, available during the main season (typically mid-April through mid-October).

Features / Highlights

The primary highlights of choosing the Organized Group Tent Camping Area are the features of the surrounding state park and the dedicated nature of the site itself:

• Massive Group Capacity: The sites are substantial in size (e.g., Site I is 130 feet long and 85 feet wide, and Site K is 100 feet long and 80 feet wide), allowing up to 40 people per site, which is perfect for large organized groups.
• Boulder Field National Natural Landmark: The park is home to this famous geologic wonder—a massive, 16.5-acre field of large, smooth sandstone and quartz conglomerate boulders, accessible by trail or car.
• Extensive Hiking Network: Over 40 miles of hiking trails traverse the park, leading to scenic vistas, waterfalls (like Hawk Falls), and diverse habitats, providing endless curriculum-based and recreational opportunities for groups.
• Environmental Education: Hickory Run features a new state-of-the-art visitor center and offers curriculum-based environmental education programs available upon request for schools and youth groups, leveraging the park’s unique status as an outdoor classroom.
• Proximity to Other Recreation: The park borders Lehigh Gorge State Park, where mountain biking is permitted, and the area is renowned for fishing in stocked trout streams like Mud Run and Hickory Run.
• Four-Season Use: The OGT area is open year-round, allowing groups to plan winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on designated trails.

Contact Information

For group reservation inquiries, to obtain an Organized Group Cabin Camp Permit application, or for questions regarding the site status and rules, groups should contact the Hickory Run State Park office:

Address (Park Office): 3 Family Camp Rd, White Haven, PA 18661-9712 (Note: This is the park office address, not the OGT physical site)

Park Office Phone: (272) 808-6192

State Park Reservation Call Center: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Organized Group Tent Camping Area at Hickory Run State Park is ideally suited for local Pennsylvania groups because it is an affordable, high-capacity, and direct-access gateway to the Poconos’ best natural features. For non-profit organizations, school field trips, and scout troops, the OGT area offers the specific combination of large space and rustic setting that facilitates bonding and outdoor education, without the high costs associated with more developed campgrounds. It allows local Pennsylvanians to easily coordinate trips to a world-class state park, access over 40 miles of trails, explore a National Natural Landmark, and take advantage of the park's environmental education opportunities. While the rustic nature demands preparedness and adherence to rules (especially concerning noise and cleanliness), the reward is a deep, shared experience in one of Pennsylvania’s most impressive natural areas.

Organized Group Tent Camping at Hickory Run State Park

Albrightsville, PA 18210, USA