Camping in east PA in the summer

[USRoadTripper]

So, I'm NOT a camping person...never been camping actually. But I thought that it might be a fun thing to try during my trip to PA this year since a few of the parks have campgrounds. I just had a few questions.

 

What is the weather like at night in July in east PA? Will I sweat or freeze to death sleeping in a tent, or will it be comfortable? And what about bugs?

 

Anyone stayed at the campground next to Dutch Wonderland? There is no mention of bathroom/shower facilities that I could find on their website. So I'm not sure if that's a place that's accomodating of tent camping or is more for just RV camping.

 

And to really show how little I know...is there a special kind of cord that you have to buy to hook up to the electricity at the campsite? I'm thinking I'll at least want an alarm clock and a camera battery charger, but have no clue what the electrical hookups look like! Is it even possible to just plug a cord into it, or is it strictly an RV hook up type plug?

 

Sorry for what seem like really amateur questions, but I've never camped before! Am looking forward to giving it a try though!

 

-Julie

[Meteornotes]

It will likely be warm in PA in July. You certainly won't freeze. And depending on where you're staying, bugs are a good possibility.

 

You just need a normal extension cord to plug into any outlet I've seen in a campground. Most places I've camped did not have electricity, so someone else should probably confirm this.

 

I know nothing about the campground near DWL. Sorry.

 

Camping rules. Have fun!

 

dt

[moinab]

I can confirm Dave's info. You can use a regular extension cord in camp site electrical hook-ups. We like to bring our coffee maker!

 

I've never been camping in PA, but I've been camping in MN, VT, and MA. If you are going to be in a wooded area, there will probably be bugs. Bring Off, just to be sure.

 

Campgrounds that I'm aware of have tent facilities. Otherwise, they're usually referred to as RV parks. I would check with the park, to be sure, but they should have showers and bathrooms. The only ones I have been to that didn't were designated as "rustic" camping.

 

Sounds like a fun trip - looking forward to your report!

[Yellow Jacket]

If you are talking about the Old Mill Stream Campground, the web site claims they have air-conditioned restrooms.

 

You would want to get a site with water and electric (these are yellow on the campground map). Look on the map for the shower icons that indicate where the restroom facilities are located. You will want to get a site that is near, but not immediately adjacent to the restroom. It sucks to have to walk half way around the world when you wake up in the middle of the night needing to go; but you don't want to be kept up by the parade of other campers doing the same thing.

 

A 50 foot extension cord should be plenty long for most typical campsites. I've been in a few where 25 ft might come up short.

 

 

Average temps for that region are 80s and 60s with the record low in the 40s. You can get by with a medium weight sleeping bag and/or a few blankets. No need for the 0 degree mummy bag in July. You are more likely to need a light weight sheet if it gets really hot.

 

 

Never leave your campsite with the flaps on your tent left open. This attracts thunderstorms and soaks all your gear.

 

 

If you plan to cook on site, have a back-up plan in case it rains.

 

-Alan T.

[USRoadTripper]

Thanks so much for the tips! But actually, I already decided against the camping. I was originally considering it to save some money, but once I found the Crowne Plaza in Allentown for $49 a night...well, there was no need to worry about saving money anymore haha

I'll definitely keep your tips in mind in case I decide to stay there in the future though!

 

-Julie