Riverview Park Campground, Lehighton, PA

Introduction / Overview: Rustic Charm by the River

For Pennsylvanians looking for an authentic outdoor experience—one that connects them directly with the state's rugged natural beauty—Riverview Park Campground in Lehighton offers an ideal retreat. Situated right on the bank of the scenic Lehigh River, this campground is a gateway to the best of Carbon County's adventure landscape. It is not a sprawling RV resort but rather a focus on essential, rustic camping that appeals to anglers, cyclists, hikers, and those who prioritize river access and trail proximity.

Managed by East Penn Township, the campground is part of the larger Riverview Park complex, which provides a convenient blend of natural seclusion and community amenities. It is celebrated for its well-maintained, designated camping areas, particularly for tent camping, making it a perfect spot for those wanting to wake up early for fishing or simply enjoy the tranquil sounds of the river. The camping season at Riverview Park typically runs from April through October. As a local township resource, booking your site often involves acquiring a permit directly from the municipality, which ensures fair use and management of this prized riverside spot.

The appeal of Riverview Park Campground lies in its simplicity and unparalleled location. It's a place where the focus is firmly on the outdoors, where campers can enjoy a campfire under the stars and easily launch a kayak onto the water. While some reviews note a 'wild west' atmosphere due to high usage, the overall consensus highlights the excellent river swimming opportunities and the sheer beauty of the location.

Location and Accessibility

The location of Riverview Park Campground is a major draw for Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the Lehigh River and the D&L Trail system.

The official address is 465 Riverview Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235, USA.

The park's setting places it squarely in a hub of regional recreation:

Direct River Access: The campground sites are positioned right along the Lehigh River, offering unique riverfront camping and easy, direct access for fishing, swimming, and launching kayaks or canoes via the public boat ramp within the park.
The D&L Trailhead: Riverview Park serves as the East Penn Trailhead of the historic Delaware and Lehigh (D&L) Trail. This connection provides cyclists, runners, and walkers with immediate access to miles of well-maintained pathways along the old canal and railroad beds, connecting the area to other popular PA trail towns like Jim Thorpe.
Regional Exploration: The campground is a convenient drive to some of Pennsylvania's most notable natural attractions. Lehigh Gorge State Park, known for its deep gorge, spectacular waterfalls, and whitewater rafting, is close by. It also offers easy access to the trails near the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.
Local Community: Situated in the Lehighton area, the campground is accessible via regional roads, making it a straightforward drive for residents coming from the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, and even the Greater Philadelphia region, positioning it as an excellent local weekend getaway.

Services Offered

As a municipal campground focused on a primitive camping experience, the services at Riverview Park are designed to cover the basic necessities while keeping the environment natural and the cost affordable.

Primitive and Tent Camping: The primary offering is for tent-only sites that are situated right along the river. These are perfect for traditional tent campers, pop-ups, and overnighters on cycling or paddling trips.
Reservation System: Camping requires a permit and reservation, which must be obtained through the East Penn Township office. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends, as camping without one results in an additional daily charge.
Site Features: Each designated campsite is furnished with essential outdoor amenities, including a picnic table and a fire pit for cooking and campfires.
Restroom Facilities: Clean, well-maintained vault toilets (or "comfort stations") are available in the parking area of Riverview Park, a very short and convenient walk from the camping spots.
Water and Sanitation: Non-potable water fill areas and trash receptacles are provided to ensure a clean stay. A private dump station is also available for campers.
Limited Hookups: While the focus is on dry camping, a small number of electric sites with 30-amp service may occasionally be available, though the majority are non-electric, reinforcing the rustic experience.
Local Support: Guests can call the Township Office directly to manage permits and reservations, ensuring direct communication with the local managers of the park.

Features / Highlights

Riverview Park Campground shines due to its recreational assets and integration with the wider community park features, offering much more than just a place to pitch a tent.

Lehigh River Recreation: The highlight is the easy, immediate access to the Lehigh River, which is ideal for fishing (with a required PA license), swimming, and tubing during warm weather. The public boat launch makes watercraft entry simple.
D&L Trail Access: As a trail head, the park is a premier destination for bikers and hikers using the D&L Trail, a part of the long-distance trail network that runs through the region's historic industrial landscapes.
Disc Golf Course: For a fun, modern park activity, Riverview Park features a popular disc golf course, offering a casual sport for campers and day visitors alike.
Family Play Area: The adjacent Riverview Park complex includes a cool playground designed for children, making it a welcoming destination for families.
Park Amenities: Visitors can utilize the rentable party pavilions and barbecue grills within the main park area for larger group gatherings or picnics.
Local Food Options: The park occasionally hosts local food vendors, such as a popular food truck on weekends, providing convenient, tasty meal options for campers and park-goers who don't want to cook every meal.
Scenic & Quiet Atmosphere: Although popular, the riverside location offers a distinct feeling of escaping into nature, particularly along the river's edge, creating a serene backdrop for a true Pennsylvania camping trip.

Contact Information

For permit applications, reservations, or general inquiries about camping at Riverview Park Campground, please use the contact information for East Penn Township.

Address: 465 Riverview Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235, USA

Phone (Township Office): (570) 386-5735

General Phone: +1 570-386-5735

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in the eastern half of the state, Riverview Park Campground is perfectly suited for a quick, affordable, and highly rewarding outdoor escape. It offers a rare opportunity for true riverside primitive camping that is often hard to find outside of state forest lands, yet it’s conveniently close to civilization and major regional attractions.

The campground directly addresses the needs of active Pennsylvanians. If you own a kayak and a bike, this is your dream destination: you can literally roll out of your tent and onto the Lehigh River or the D&L Trail within minutes. It is an ideal stopover for long-distance trail adventurers or a base camp for families exploring the rich history and outdoor challenges of the Lehigh Gorge and Carbon County. The requirement to obtain a permit through the local township office keeps this experience grounded in community, ensuring the upkeep and local control of this valuable recreational resource. For those who embrace the spirit of rustic camping and seek to fully utilize Pennsylvania's rivers and trails, Riverview Park Campground in Lehighton provides the perfect, no-frills, scenic adventure you’ve been looking for.