Thinking about traveling to Pennsylvania? With over 300,000 acres of state parks, there are more than enough opportunities for outdoor activities.
With a wide range of activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and boating, there is something for everyone.
The best part? Pennsylvania state parks charge no fees for entry. They even offer gift cards for use at the parks for camping, cabin rentals, picnic pavilion rentals, and state park gift shops.
If your travels are taking you anywhere near Allentown, there are some amazing parks nearby that are a great place to begin your adventures.
Map of State Parks Near Allentown PA
Here is a map of the Pennsylvania state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Allentown
Here are each of those state parks with distance from Allentown and what is special about each.
1. Nockamixon State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 15 miles southeast of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: 1542 Mountain View Dr, Quakertown, PA 18951
Situated 19 miles Southeast of Allentown, Nockamixon State Park encompasses 5,283 acres of park surrounding Nockamixon Lake. The lake is an artificial reservoir and is situated in a prime location just outside of historic Philadelphia.
There are so many activities to be enjoyed at the park that it is easy to see why it is one of the most popular parks in Pennsylvania.
Visitors to the park enjoy boating and fishing on the lake, and boat rentals are available at several marinas in the park. In the winter, the lake freezes over, and guests of the park enjoy ice fishing as well.
The lake is dammed at Tohickon Creek, and twice a year, if water conditions are high enough, the dam is released and whitewater rafting becomes an activity at the park for a limited time.
While swimming is not permitted in Lake Nockamixon, there is a public swimming pool that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. The pool does have a fee for use.
There are numerous hiking and biking trails in the park, however the Southern side of the park is bike free, making it an ideal place for horseback riders to explore.
Hunting is also permitted in the park. Hunters are expected to follow the rules of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Nockamixon State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 5,286 acres (2,139 ha) in Bedminster and Haycock Townships in northern Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
Highlights associated with Nockamixon State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Nockamixon State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Beltzville State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 20 miles north of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: 2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235
Located in the Southern foothills of the Pocono Mountains, Beltzville State Park lies just 30 miles North of Allentown via I-476. The park offers excellent trout fishing in Pohopoco Creek, which feeds into Beltzville Lake.
The lake is a popular spot for boaters and fishers alike, and it has a sandy beach perfect for families.
Besltzville State Park offers a wide variety of educational programs from the months of March through October.
The environmental center and amphitheater are host to hands-on activities, guided walks, and educational programming. Visitors can gain an appreciation for and understanding of both natural and historical resources.
One local historical landmark, an original covered bridge built across Pohopoco Creek in 1841 has been preserved and moved to the park’s picnic area for pedestrians to enjoy.
The park is open every day, year-round, from sunrise to dusk, however, both the beach and park office have specific hours of operation. Camping in the park is not permitted, but there is information is available on nearby camping locations.
Beltzville State Park is a 3,002-acre (1,215 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Franklin and Towamensing townships, Carbon County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Highlights associated with Beltzville State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Beltzville State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Tohickon State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 21 miles southeast of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: 193 Municipal Road, Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania 18942
Tohickon State Park is a state park in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Established 1973.
Highlights associated with Tohickon State Park include waterfall scenery, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Tohickon State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Ralph Stover State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 23 miles southeast of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: 6011 State Park Rd
Pipersville, PA 18947
Ralph Stover State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 45 acres (18 ha) in Plumstead and Tinicum Townships, Bucks County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Highlights associated with Ralph Stover State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Ralph Stover State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 23 miles east of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (park office)
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is a New Jersey state park along the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
Highlights associated with Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Delaware Canal State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 27 miles southeast of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: 11 Lodi Hill Rd
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Delaware Canal State Park is a 59-mile-long (95,000 m) Pennsylvania state park in Bucks and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania.
Highlights associated with Delaware Canal State Park include river access and historic sites.
See our full Delaware Canal State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Spruce Run State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 28 miles east of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: Union, New Jersey
Spruce Run Recreation Area is a 1,290-acre (5.2 km2) New Jersey state recreation area located in Union Township and Clinton Township in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States.
See our full Spruce Run State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Lehigh Gorge State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 36 miles northwest of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: S Lehigh Gorge Dr, Weatherly, PA 18255
Just 37 miles North of Allentown, Lehigh Gorge State Park provides some of the most breathtaking outdoor experiences in Pennsylvania.
The steep-walled gorge rises above the Lehigh River. The geographic feature has been shaped in both natural-made and man-made ways.
The area was a heavy coal mining region during the Industrial Revolution, and visitors to the park can learn about the history of the area at local museums, such as the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, or even ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for an up close view of the gorge.
For foot travelers, the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and sightseeing. Pets are welcome, too!
There are many small towns along the way for bike rentals, lunch breaks, or shopping. Historic Jim Thorpe is one of many small towns that draw tourists for relaxing time after a long day of outdoor experiences.
The gorge is also well known for its waterfalls. They provide beautiful scenes for photography and nature lovers will enjoy the serene landscapes.
Adventurers will love the opportunity to brave the rapids in the Lehigh River. Class I, II, and III rapids challenge whitewater rafters at all levels of experience.
Local businesses provide gear and guides for adventures for families with children to the most radical rafters.
For those who prefer the more peaceful waters, the Lehigh River is also prime for fishing. Local outfitters and guides can help to provide the best experiences for fishers of any experience level.
Lehigh Gorge State Park is a 4,548 acres (1,841 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Luzerne and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania.
Highlights associated with Lehigh Gorge State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Lehigh Gorge State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Fort Washington State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 36 miles south of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: 500 S Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA 19034
The 493-acre Fort Washington State Park is named after the temporary fort that George Washington’s troops established, and it is rich in historical value.
The ADA-accessible park offers a variety of modern recreational facilities. It is perfect for individuals with an adventurous spirit as well as those looking for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The park witnesses the seasonal migration of 16 species of raptors and has an observation deck that is sure to appeal to birdwatchers.
It also features dedicated picnic areas with 300 picnic tables and 2 pavilions. It is best to visit it in the spring when the dogwood trees are in bloom.
It also features hiking, biking, and running trails appropriate for hikers of all levels, including a strenuous trail with an elevation gain of 60-111 meters.
You can park your RV on the campgrounds that boast amenities like accessible restrooms, group tenting area, pit toilets, bathroom facilities, access to potable water, and a playground for a top-tier camping experience.
They only allow pets in some areas, so do your homework before bringing your pet along.
Fort Washington State Park is a 493-acre (200 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Springfield and Whitemarsh Townships in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Highlights associated with Fort Washington State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Fort Washington State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Locust Lake State Park
Distance from Allentown: about 36 miles west of Allentown (straight-line).
Location: Locust Lake Rd, Barnesville, PA 18214
If you are looking for a beautiful place to camp, look no further than Locust Lake State Park.
Surrounded by two campgrounds, Locust Lake is 52 acres of space for boating, swimming, and fishing.
Also ringed by beautiful forests, the park offers many hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Locust Lake State Park is located just 42 miles Northwest of Allentown and offers plenty of activities for families to take a side excursion for some outdoor fun.
The park is open for day use from sunrise to dusk, but parking is limited to the visitor’s center for day use to keep traffic at a minimum for camper safety. If you are visiting the park for the day, be prepared for a short hike to the beach from your vehicle.
The park offers a wide variety of educational programs, including curriculum-based environmental education programs for local school groups. They also provide teacher training through workshops in environmental education.
Locust Lake State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 1,089 acres (441 ha) in Ryan Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Highlights associated with Locust Lake State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Locust Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
Conclusion
Allentown is in a prime location in Southeastern Pennsylvania making it an outstanding central vantage point for day trippers or campers to visit some of the area’s most beautiful State Parks. Whether you are just passing through or looking to spend a few days, these parks offer the best of the natural beauty of Pennsylvania.
