Camping near Atglen, Pennsylvania offers easy access to Pennsylvania Dutch country with its unique Amish communities and rolling farmland. The region sits at elevations between 400-800 feet, creating varied terrain for both wooded and open-field camping experiences. Most rv parks near Atglen operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lake-In-Wood Campground, campers can enjoy a well-stocked fishing pond. "Nice fishing in the lake," notes Edward M., who appreciated the convenient on-site fishing within walking distance of his campsite.
Cultural experiences: Explore authentic Amish communities surrounding many Atglen area campgrounds. "I don't know if the Amish camp, but regardless, if you'd like to experience what it's like to go camping in Amish country then Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort has you covered," writes Stuart K., who enjoyed the rural setting.
Shooting activities: Some campers report proximity to shooting ranges near certain campgrounds. "There is a shooting range close by so you could hear the trucks beeping and the noise from there but that was the only negative thing," notes Jen R. about Lake-In-Wood Campground, suggesting planning around these hours if you prefer quiet afternoons.
Water recreation: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers direct water access for boating. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," shares Janet P., highlighting the convenience for water enthusiasts.
What campers like
Entertainment options: Many campgrounds feature organized activities throughout the day. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," writes Leanne B., demonstrating the family-friendly atmosphere.
Swimming amenities: Pools remain a popular feature at campgrounds in the region. "The pool was very nice and refreshing. I liked how the kid area wrapped around and connected to the deeper end," notes Jen R. about Robin Hill Campground, providing a positive perspective on the swimming facilities.
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer notably larger sites than others. "We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," reports Leanne B. about Circle M, indicating the waterfront sites tend to offer more room to spread out.
Themed accommodations: Sun Valley Campground offers unique camping experiences. "The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined," writes Scott J., highlighting the entertainment value beyond just the campsites.
What you should know
Cellular coverage variations: Service varies significantly throughout the region. "Cable does not work. No internet. 2 bars LTE on T-Mobile," reports Lori about Sun Valley Campground, suggesting campers should have backup communication plans.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. "The sites were nice size and orderly. Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it," notes Jwalker about Spring Gulch Resort Campground, showing quick response to maintenance issues.
Seasonality impacts: Most campgrounds have limited shoulder season amenities. "Office is closed due to covid but the pool is open. There was a Leibys ice cream truck and food stand open the whole weekend," reported Becca U. about Sun Valley in 2020, showing adaptability during challenging times.
Variable bathhouse conditions: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms were heated, and okay. I didn't care for the shower curtain system it seems less private," mentions Kasey M. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, offering insight on comfort considerations.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween activities: October brings special events to many campgrounds. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shares Kasey M. about Circle M, suggesting families should consider fall camping for these special activities.
Playground access: Consider campsite proximity to play areas. "The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill," notes Jen R. about Robin Hill Campground, highlighting the convenience of having recreation areas nearby when camping with children.
Water features for kids: Appalachian Camping Resort offers family-friendly water activities. "Great sites. Family friendly. Lots for the kids to do," states Tracy O., pointing to the range of activities available for younger campers.
Family programs: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. "They had a craft show in the barn which was nice," mentions Jen R. about Spring Gulch, indicating additional indoor options when weather doesn't cooperate.
Tips from RVers
Big rig navigation: Larger motorhomes should research access routes carefully. "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers," warns Justin B. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, cautioning about tight spacing that can complicate setup.
Hookup reliability: Water quality varies between campgrounds. "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay," shares Justin B. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, suggesting bringing filtration systems.
Arrival timing: Many campgrounds have specific arrival protocols. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level," reports Nick E. about Circle M, indicating the advantage of securing premium sites when available.
Site selection strategy: At Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, site location matters. "From a foodie standpoint, take my word for it, there is VERY little around these parts and what you can find nearby are local joints," advises Stuart K., emphasizing the importance of bringing supplies.
