Camping near Temple, Pennsylvania offers sites ranging from rustic forest settings to creek-adjacent campgrounds. The region sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations between 300-1,100 feet, creating varied camping terrain. Many campgrounds remain open from early April through late October, though some offer year-round accommodations with winter accessibility dependent on weather conditions.
What to Do
Boulder field exploration: Blue Rocks Family Campground in Lenhartsville provides access to a unique glacier rock field. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field. Our friends were able to camp right aside of us in their tent and use our RV site for cooking and campfire," notes one camper at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Stocked ponds and small lakes offer various fishing experiences at several camping temple PA locations. At Sun Valley Campground, visitors can fish in well-maintained ponds. The campground features "two ponds for fishing" and "a variety of sites for whatever your needs are," according to reviews.
Hiking access: Many camping spots near Temple connect directly to regional trails. "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!" shares a visitor about Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Creek-side relaxation: Several campgrounds offer direct stream access. At Shambala at Mystic Hollow, campers enjoy "great creekside campsites for anyone looking to pitch a tent and enjoy some time by the water," making it ideal for those seeking a water-adjacent experience.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: French Creek State Park Campground receives positive feedback for site spacing. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports a visitor to French Creek State Park Campground.
Seasonal accessibility: Some campgrounds provide year-round options. A December camper noted about French Creek: "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby."
Solo traveler safety: Female solo campers report feeling secure at camping areas near Temple PA. "I'm a women in my thirties traveling alone and I felt very safe here. The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early," shared a winter visitor to French Creek.
Diverse accommodation options: Campers appreciate the range of lodging styles. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, visitors enjoy "a big lawn in the middle which rolls down to the lake" and unique rental options that create memorable stays.
What You Should Know
Seasonal weather challenges: Spring and fall camping may involve temperature fluctuations. One camper at French Creek reported: "Cold it was, 15 degrees was a teeth chattering experience. However our A Liner Ranger kept me warm and cozy."
Site terrain variations: Rocky sites can limit tent placement at some locations. A visitor to Hickory Run Family Camping Resort observed, "many of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent."
Limited water hookups: Not all electric sites include water connections. At French Creek, "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water."
Pay showers: Some campgrounds require quarters for showers. Hickory Run visitors note "you have to pay $.25 to take a shower. We weren't expecting that!"
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly water features: Pools designed for different age groups enhance family stays. At Sun Valley Campground, visitors appreciate the "large size pool for the bigger folks and a walk in pool for the toddlers."
Activity scheduling: Many Temple PA camping options provide structured family programming. Sun Valley offers "planned activities for children and adults," while another visitor noted "fun activities for all to enjoy."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Appalachian Camping Resort, families appreciate amenities including "a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials."
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds position families near regional points of interest. "If you don't want to hang around the campground there are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by," notes a French Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Robin Hill Campground, "Sites are swampy if they've had rain! Took us over two hours to disconnect because of mushy, muddy site!"
Paved parking pads: Many sites include level concrete areas for RVs. At French Creek, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze," eliminating the need for extensive leveling equipment.
Tight navigation: Some campgrounds require careful maneuvering. Robin Hill features "very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," while other parks provide wider roads and more accessible sites.
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