Camping options around Delta, Pennsylvania sit mainly along the Susquehanna River corridor in southeastern Pennsylvania. The area features wooded sites at elevations between 250-500 feet with moderate humidity during summer months. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally due to winter weather conditions, with water systems typically shut down from late November through March.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Muddy Run Recreation Park offers a well-designed disc golf course for campers looking for recreational activities. "They have added some new features such as the wonderful water park as well as a very well laid out and up kept disc golf course," notes one visitor who appreciates the park's recreational options.
Kayaking and canoeing: Paddling opportunities abound on the Susquehanna and its tributaries. At Pequea Creek Campground, campers can enjoy direct water access. "We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek. (Nearby site 24 had steps down the 'levee'; affording easier access to the creek)," shares one reviewer who visited in July.
Hiking trails exploration: Several campgrounds provide trail access, with Susquehannock State Park Campground offering multiple hiking options. "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River. There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles," explains one camper who enjoyed the park's natural attractions.
What campers like
Boat rentals affordability: Multiple campgrounds offer watercraft rentals at reasonable prices. One visitor to Muddy Run Recreation Park notes, "$20 to rent a kayak for 1 1/2 hour! Had a great time taking my son for a spin around the lake. The snack shop had burgers and shakes that were very reasonably priced!"
Secluded camping spots: For those seeking privacy, Otter Creek Campground receives consistent praise for its quiet environment. "Great family campground with plenty to do. Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice!" explains a satisfied camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife populations. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports a visitor to Elk Neck State Park. Another camper at Muddy Run notes, "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park."
What you should know
Water access considerations: Water hookups at some campgrounds require extra preparation. At Muddy Run Recreation Park, one camper warns: "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away."
Site terrain variations: Campsite conditions vary significantly even within the same campground. At Muddy Run Recreation Park, "The campsites themselves however are fairly close together and open with little privacy. We were looking for a little more privacy and relaxation, so we didn't use many of those amenities. We lucked out with a lot that was slightly more secluded on the end of a road, but paid for it with a very sloped lot."
Storm precautions: The area experiences occasional severe weather. One Pequea Creek camper notes: "We visited during the late part of the covid19 outbreak in late May of 2020. From the spacious sites, respectful staff and friendly seasonal campers we felt like we didn't have a care in the world."
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad enjoyment: Water recreation options extend beyond natural water bodies. A Muddy Run visitor explains, "The free splash pad is perfect for younger kids and felt great on a hot summer day. Boat rentals were cheap and perfectly adequate. The area of the reservoir where you can travel is limited, but fun to cruise around in an hour or so."
Activity planning: Jellystone Park™ Quarryville caters specifically to families with organized activities. "Super clean, beautiful campground. So many activities to entertain kids, we couldn't fit it all in!" shares one parent. Another mentions, "This park is all for the kids. This will be our second year going. So much to do for the kids."
Age-appropriate selection: Not all campgrounds suit all age groups equally. "We had stayed in this canpground about 5 years ago and we loved it. We returned this year with my 12 and 14 year olds and a 12 year old friend. The kids were bored," reports one Jellystone visitor, suggesting the facilities work better for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Tucquan Park Family Campground offers various sites with different advantages. "We stayed here for a few days for a quick getaway. Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground. We were originally supposed to be in the woods — which FYI is far out of the way of the main activities, and also has a pretty steep incline. But the site was too uneven for our taste so we moved down in the main area."
Leveling considerations: Several campgrounds present challenges for level parking. One camper at Elk Neck State Park advises: "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites."
