Hickory Lake Campground

For Pennsylvanians seeking a genuine escape into the outdoors, one that offers a more traditional and less commercialized camping experience, Hickory Lake Campground in Bangor, PA, presents a compelling option. Tucked away amidst the natural beauty of Northampton County, this campground stands out for its unique blend of secluded primitive tent sites and a vibrant, long-term seasonal community. It's a place where the sounds of nature can truly take over, and where the camping experience is less about manicured perfection and more about authentic outdoor living.

Hickory Lake Campground is not your typical resort-style RV park. Instead, it caters to those who appreciate a rustic charm and a focus on community among its seasonal residents, while also providing surprisingly private and appealing options for weekend tent campers. While some might arrive expecting a "KOA type experience," it's essential to understand that Hickory Lake offers something different – a more down-to-earth approach to camping that prioritizes natural settings and a welcoming atmosphere over extensive modern amenities at every turn. This distinction is key for setting expectations and ensuring visitors find exactly what they're looking for in a Pennsylvania camping destination.

From its reasonable rates to its friendly staff and the lively community events, Hickory Lake Campground has cultivated a loyal following. It offers an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature, all while providing essential comforts like hot showers and a community space for socializing. Whether you're a seasoned back-country enthusiast looking for a safe, secluded spot or a family seeking an affordable and friendly base for a weekend adventure, Hickory Lake Campground provides a unique slice of Pennsylvania's outdoor lifestyle. This article will delve into the specifics of what makes Hickory Lake Campground a suitable choice for local users, highlighting its location, services, distinct features, and how to plan your visit.

Hickory Lake Campground is conveniently located at 264 Laurel Hill Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA. This address places it within Northampton County, in the picturesque slate belt region of Eastern Pennsylvania. Bangor, a borough in this area, offers a blend of rural charm and accessibility to larger towns and attractions within the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

The campground’s location provides a pleasant balance for those looking to escape but not be completely isolated. While it is set on Laurel Hill Road, which suggests a more rural approach, it remains within reasonable driving distance for many Pennsylvanians. Visitors coming from various parts of the state will find the drive manageable, typically accessing the area via state routes that connect to the broader highway network. The setting offers the tranquility of the countryside, with ample natural surroundings, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat.

For those driving to the secluded tent sites within the campground, it is crucial to note that the access road is described as a "long (rocky, not maintained) dirt road." This detail is vital for planning, as "jutting giant rocks" could pose a challenge for low-clearance vehicles like "little sedans." Therefore, visitors planning to reach the primitive tent sites should ideally use a vehicle with higher clearance or drive with extreme caution. Despite this rustic access, the overall location offers the benefit of feeling truly "back country camping on a safe property," providing the seclusion preferred by some campers while still being part of a managed campground environment.

While the immediate surroundings are natural and quiet, Bangor and nearby communities offer basic amenities, including grocery stores and local services, ensuring that campers can easily restock supplies if needed. The location strikes a balance, offering a genuine outdoor experience that is both accessible and effectively isolated from urban noise.

Hickory Lake Campground provides a range of services designed to accommodate both its long-term seasonal residents and its more transient weekend campers, offering a balance of rustic charm and essential conveniences. Based on customer reviews, the following services and amenities are generally available:

• Tent Sites: Secluded and lovely primitive tent sites are available, offering a "back country camping" feel on a safe property. These sites are at the very back of the campground, ensuring privacy.
• RV Sites: The campground clearly caters significantly to "long-term 'seasonal' campers" with RV sites, many of which appear to be permanent setups. This suggests full hook-ups or at least electrical and water connections for RVs.
• Restrooms and Showers: While described as "quite far from the tents," full bathrooms and showers are available. These facilities are noted for having "hot water" and being private, though reviews suggest they "weren't cleaned often."
• Water Access: A "spigot" is located "down a long (rocky, not maintained) dirt road from the tent sites," providing a water source for primitive campers. RV sites would have direct water hookups.
• Porta-Potties: For tent campers, a "portapotty" is also available down the dirt road from the tent sites, offering a closer restroom option than the main facilities.
• On-Site Office/Staff: While the office might not always be staffed during off-hours (especially for late arrivals), there is staff available. Customer reviews highlight staff as "kind and accommodating," willing to assist with check-ins and even help transport purchased firewood.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood can be purchased directly at the campground, a convenient service for campers.
• Ice Sales: "A nice big bag of ice is only $1.50," indicating that ice is readily available for purchase on-site at very reasonable prices.
• Recreational Hall (Rec Hall): A "rec hall" is available where the campground hosts "events... for a community atmosphere." This includes activities like "bingo" and evenings with a "DJ and a dance party," fostering a lively social environment for those interested.
• Swimming Pool: The campground features a "nice big pool" suitable for swimming laps, which is noted as "very refreshing!"

It's important for prospective visitors, especially weekend tent campers, to be aware of the distances to facilities and the rustic nature of some access roads. However, the available services cover essential needs for a comfortable stay.

Hickory Lake Campground offers several unique features and highlights that set it apart and make it an appealing choice for a specific type of camper in Pennsylvania. These attributes contribute to its distinct character and positive reputation:

• Highly Secluded Tent Sites: A major highlight is the availability of "secluded and lovely" primitive tent sites located at the "very back of the campsite." These sites offer a genuine "back country camping" experience, appealing to those who prefer privacy and quiet in nature. The ability to be "the only tent campers there" reinforces this sense of seclusion.
• Authentic Primitive Camping with Comforts: For primitive campers, the campground provides the "appeal of back country camping on a safe property" while still offering "some comforts like warm showers." This balance is a significant draw, allowing campers to disconnect without fully roughing it.
• Strong Seasonal Community: The campground is "definitely catered to long-term 'seasonal' campers," which fosters a stable and often "very fun crowd" in the rec hall. This established community creates a welcoming atmosphere, even for "weekenders," who are made to "feel very much at home."
• Affordable Rates and Transparent Pricing: Hickory Lake Campground is noted for its "very reasonable rates" with "no hidden taxes or fees - just the rates they publish on their site." This transparency and affordability are significant advantages for budget-conscious campers.
• Community Events and Activities: The "rec hall" hosts regular "events" like bingo and DJ dance parties, fostering a lively and inclusive "community atmosphere." This is particularly enjoyable for families, as "kids were running around together," finding "lots of other kids to play with."
• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Despite sometimes unmanned office, staff members are praised for being "kind and accommodating," with specific mention of helpfulness during late check-ins and even assisting with firewood delivery to tent sites.
• Nice Big Swimming Pool: A "nice big pool" is available for swimming laps, providing a refreshing amenity, especially during warmer months, and a great option for family fun.
• Responsive Communication: The owner, Mike, is highlighted for his "speedy email response" to inquiries, demonstrating a commitment to good customer service from the initial contact.

As a professional content writer providing factual and SEO-optimized information, it's important to base details on publicly available data. Regarding promotions or special offers at Hickory Lake Campground, the provided customer reviews emphasize the campground's already "very reasonable rates" and transparent pricing, noting "no hidden taxes or fees - just the rates they publish on their site." This suggests that the campground's value proposition is built into its standard pricing structure rather than relying on frequent, temporary promotions.

While specific, time-limited promotional offers are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, the consistent affordability is a significant draw in itself. Campgrounds that cater to seasonal campers, as Hickory Lake does, often have established rates for longer stays that inherently offer better value than short-term bookings. For weekend campers, the "very reasonable rates" are consistently highlighted as a key factor in choosing this destination.

Prospective campers are encouraged to contact Hickory Lake Campground directly to inquire about their current rates, any seasonal packages, or specific deals that might be available for their desired length of stay or type of site. Direct communication with the staff, who are noted for being "kind and accommodating," will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding pricing and availability.

For individuals and families interested in learning more about Hickory Lake Campground, checking availability, or making a reservation, the following contact information is available:

• Address: 264 Laurel Hill Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA
• Phone: (570) 897-5811 (This is the primary contact number for the campground.)

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially if arriving late, as reviews indicate that "there was no one in the office when I arrived" at times. However, staff are noted to be "kind and accommodating" for check-ins, even after hours if pre-arranged. For specific inquiries regarding the suitability of vehicles for the dirt road to tent sites, or details about RV hook-ups, direct communication via phone is the best approach to ensure a smooth arrival and stay. You can also likely expect a "speedy email response" from the owner, Mike, if you choose to reach out via email, though an email address is not explicitly provided in the available data.

For Pennsylvanians, Hickory Lake Campground in Bangor offers a uniquely appealing and highly suitable camping experience that caters to specific preferences, particularly those seeking authenticity, community, and affordability. It stands out as an excellent choice for locals for several compelling reasons that align with common desires for an outdoor escape.

Firstly, its strength lies in providing genuinely "secluded and lovely" tent sites that offer the essence of "back country camping on a safe property." For residents who crave privacy and quiet in nature, far from crowded campgrounds, this is an invaluable feature. The ability to feel truly alone in the woods, yet still have access to essential comforts like hot showers (even if a bit of a walk), provides a perfect balance for those seeking a rustic yet manageable outdoor adventure. This caters to a segment of the local camping community that values an unmanicured, natural setting over extensive amenities at every site.

Secondly, the strong sense of community, particularly among its "long-term 'seasonal' campers," creates a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that is distinctly Pennsylvanian. Reviewers highlight how "all the regular campers made us feel very much at home," fostering a friendly environment that extends to weekenders. The presence of a "rec hall" with organized "events" like bingo and dance parties provides opportunities for social interaction and family fun, allowing "kids" to easily connect and play together. This blend of individual privacy in the tent sites and a lively communal spirit offers the best of both worlds, appealing to families and individuals alike who appreciate a sense of belonging during their leisure time.

Finally, the "very reasonable rates" and transparent pricing make Hickory Lake Campground an incredibly attractive and accessible option for many Pennsylvania households. In a time when recreational costs can quickly add up, the affordability of both camping rates and on-site purchases (like inexpensive ice) makes a memorable outdoor getaway feasible without breaking the bank. Coupled with its convenient location within Northampton County, offering a rural escape that is still within reach of various parts of the state, Hickory Lake Campground provides a unique and highly suitable destination for locals seeking an authentic, community-driven, and budget-friendly camping experience.

Hickory Lake Campground

264 Laurel Hill Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA