The Benton, Pennsylvania area features several well-maintained campgrounds nestled within the Pocono Mountains foothills at elevations ranging from 800-1,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Fall camping season sees significant temperature drops, with nighttime temperatures potentially reaching the 30s by mid-October.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers access to 22 named waterfalls along well-marked hiking paths. "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike," notes one visitor at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.
Amusement park access: Camp within walking distance of roller coasters and rides. "Connected to the park, a great way to visit! If you're an early to bed kinda person it'll be tough, the roller coasters are right there!" reports a camper at Knoebels Campground. Some nearby campgrounds provide shuttle service to the park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature stocked fishing ponds or river access. "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry. 10 minutes to Knoebels with the mighty Phoenix. The best wooden coaster on the planet," shares a regular visitor to Lake Glory Campground who has been camping there for 16 years.
Mountain biking: Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort offers unique downhill biking experiences. "If you choose adventure this is the place for you, ride the ski lifts up to the top of the mountain then you get to bike down it, they have rental bikes available or bring your own," explains a camper who discovered this former ski resort.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Many rv sites near Benton, Pennsylvania offer ample room between campers. "The site was nice and level side to side. Their pool looked very nice although we did not use it. Same with their patio set up around the store," notes a holiday weekend camper at Stonybrook RV Resort.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept restroom facilities. "The bathhouse (hooray) was great. Recently renovated, they were extremely, clean and dry," reports a visitor to Moyers Grove Campground who appreciated the facilities after attending a local music festival.
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events for all ages. "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone. I find that a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children and with my kids being 13 and 12, they're usually left out of the fun. There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids, candy scramble in the dark for adults and kids," shares an Appalachian Camping Resort visitor.
Proximity to rivers and lakes: Waterfront campsites provide scenic views and recreation. "We stayed at Lake Glory every year while visiting Knoebels. It's so much quieter than Knoebels campground and so much more room. We love the creek side sites! Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away," explains a regular visitor.
What you should know
Variable cell service: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. "There was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. (Verizon did have some service.) Also, there is no cable and our antennae was unable to pick up any TV channels," explains a Moyers Grove camper about connectivity limitations.
Reservation timing: Book early for popular camping seasons. "We stayed at Appalachian to visit a friend who has a seasonal site. Our site was full hook up. It was a nice size and was in a good location - near the ponds, pool, office, and bathhouse - but was still quiet!" notes a visitor who secured a prime location at Appalachian Camping Resort.
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. "We stayed here during the winter January-February no activities going on. It does offer beautiful views especially covered in snow. Has a heated pool and playground, laundry facilities and a small game. Shower/bathrooms are the best I've ever seen," reports a Stonybrook RV Resort visitor about off-season amenities.
Water quality concerns: Some parks experience periodic water supply issues. "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth," notes a Ricketts Glen visitor who received advance notification about water restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Consider campgrounds with multiple activity areas. "My family has been going here for the last 3 years. We love camping here. They have a pool and fun activities though the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," shares a repeat visitor to Twin Grove RV Resort.
Kid-friendly bathrooms: Some facilities better accommodate children than others. "I do have to say I love the bath houses here. They are each their own individual rooms split into shower/changing room. I like the privacy and it made it much easier when my daughter was small," explains a Lake Glory Campground visitor.
Budget-friendly options: Consider total costs including activities when selecting a campground. "We should have looked into a pass to do more because the extras can get expensive. But everything is right there and you never have to leave so it's worth it in my opinion," recommends a visitor to Splash Magic RV Resort.
Noise considerations: Campground locations impact sleep quality for children. "With the amusement park across the street, and the cool stream to splash in, it's a small kids dream," notes a longtime Knoebels camper, though others mention noise from nearby attractions can impact sleep for early-to-bed families.
Tips from RVers
Water hose requirements: Prepare for distant water connections. "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot," advises a Moyers Grove camper.
Site selection strategies: Research campground maps before booking. "The sites are SUPER tight. We were packed in like sardines. We had a site right on the river which was absolutely beautiful. Navigating to the site itself definitely tests your skills when you have a total rig length of 52'," shares a Splash Magic RV Resort visitor who noted electrical voltage issues during peak usage times.
Buddy site awareness: Some rv sites near Benton require specific parking configurations. "We were unaware that our site was a buddy site. The site we got was the only one available for the size of our camper. The buddy site was very narrow and since our buddy arrived first we had no choice but to park farther down on the site to avoid our awnings touching and that left us very uneven," explains an Appalachian Camping Resort visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C," notes a recent Ricketts Glen visitor describing their site conditions.
