Bear Creek tumbling over boulders through the forest at Camp Dietrich

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Camp Dietrich on Bear Creek

Private creekside glamping on 425 wooded acres along Bear Creek, bordering Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Camping made easy: four safari-tent sites, a private waterfall and swimming hole, and gear to borrow. Just bring your food and clothes.

Loved by campers

Hipcamp

100%

of Hipcampers recommend
232 reviews

Airbnb

4.92–5.0

rated across all 4 sites
81 reviews · Superhost

What guests talk about most

  • Warm, hands-on hosts. Scott and Christina greet you, help cart your gear to the site, and go out of their way to help.
  • The waterfall and swimming hole. The highlight of most stays, along with tubing, rock-hopping, and spotting salamanders and trout.
  • Real privacy. Sites are spread out, and you fall asleep to the sound of the creek.
  • Great for families. From toddlers to preteens to first-time campers, and dogs are welcome too.
  • Coming back. Many guests are on their second or third stay.

Summarized from guest reviews on Hipcamp and Airbnb.

A two-tier waterfall pouring into a green swimming hole framed by mossy rock ledges

Your own waterfall

A short hike from the campsites, a private waterfall spills into a swimming hole. Spend the afternoon swimming or tubing, then lie in a hammock by the creek.

Hike several miles of marked trails across 425 private acres of hemlock, oak, and rhododendron forest. The land borders more than 8,000 acres of public land in Lehigh Gorge State Park and PA State Game Lands.

Choose your site

Each site is private, drive-in, and right on the creek, with a canvas safari tent on a wooden platform. Every rate includes 4 guests, and every site can be booked instantly on Hipcamp.

Prices are Hipcamp base rates for 4 guests, before Hipcamp's service fee, and may change. Check the listing for current rates and availability.

What's at your site

At every site

  • Canvas safari tent on a platform with queen bunk beds
  • Covered dining area and picnic table
  • Fire pit with a supply of firewood
  • Shelter with a shower and camp toilet
  • Lanterns
  • Extra platform for your own dome tent
  • Wood stove or heater in the tent on cool nights

Around the property

  • Private waterfall and swimming hole
  • Miles of marked trails, plus rope and suspension bridges
  • Catch-and-release trout fishing
  • Potable water
  • A simple play area for kids
  • Pets welcome

The Checkpoint Shed

Forgot something? Our gear shed at the entrance is stocked with pots and pans, Coleman stoves, coolers, dishes, mugs, games, and books that any camper can borrow. That's why guests say all you really need to bring is food and clothes.

Good to know before you go

Tips from past guests:

  • Bring hiking boots and water shoes. The terrain is rocky and hilly, and you'll want to be in the creek.
  • Pack your own towels. Towels aren't provided.
  • Use Google Maps, not Waze. We'll send the exact address after you book.
  • AWD or 4WD helps. The sites are drive-in and listed as fine for 2WD, but the drive is stone, so guests recommend AWD.
  • Plan to unplug. There's no Wi-Fi at the sites.
  • You're in bear country. Bears do pass through, so keep food out of your tent.
  • Firewood is supplied, and you can buy extra if you need it.
  • Rain is no problem. Guests say the tents stay dry, even in heavy rain.

Things to do nearby

  • Historic Jim ThorpeAbout 15 min. Restaurants, shops, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, and the Asa Packer Mansion.
  • Lehigh Gorge State ParkAbout 3 miles. Hiking, plus rail-trail biking along the gorge.
  • Whitewater rafting & kayakingPocono Whitewater is about 10 min away.
  • Bike rentalsPocono Biking in Jim Thorpe is about 15 min, and their White Haven shop is about 25 min.
  • Penn's PeakAbout 15 min. Concerts at a mountaintop music venue.
  • Beltzville State ParkAbout 6 miles. A lake for swimming and boating.
  • Glen Onoko Falls & Hickory Run State ParkMore waterfalls and trails to hike.
  • Skirmish PaintballAbout 20 min.

Meet your hosts, Scott & Christina

Bear Creek is our happy place, and sharing it with campers is our favorite part. We'll meet you when you arrive, help carry your gear to the site, and make sure you have everything you need. Then we'll let you enjoy the creek in peace. Many of our guests have become repeat visitors, and we love seeing them come back each year.

Scott & Christina

Questions? Planning a group trip?

We're happy to help you pick a site or plan your stay. Send us a note, and when you're ready, book through Hipcamp or Airbnb.