Many campgrounds near Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania occupy the ridge and valley terrain of the central Appalachians, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet above sea level. The area experiences typical northeastern seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Fall camping is especially popular during peak foliage season from late September through mid-October, creating competition for reservations at the most sought-after sites.
What to do
Paddle the Susquehanna River: Sites at Riverside Campground offer direct river access. "We all took the kayaks out on the Susquehanna River that runs behind the property for a sunny paddle," notes camper Amanda. Some visitors combine water activities with fishing, as the river offers multiple access points.
Live entertainment options: Many campgrounds schedule weekend activities during summer months. One camper at Riverside Campground mentioned, "The bands were great both nights. We ended the night with hamburgers music and a friendly (competitive) game of corn hole."
Swimming opportunities: Most campgrounds with pools maintain seasonal operating hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Splash Magic RV Resort offers expanded water recreation. "There is a great water park as well as adults only pool for those wanting a break from the little ones," reports reviewer Tom H.
Hiking at nearby state parks: Trail options range from easy lakeside paths to challenging waterfall routes. Multiple campgrounds serve as base camps for day hikes. A visitor to Ricketts Glen State Park Campground shared, "Trails & waterfalls can't be beating. Definitely the best." The falls trail features varying difficulty levels and requires proper footwear.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise waterside camping options. At Lake Glory Campground, "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," reports Eiron S.
Access to amusement parks: The proximity to Knoebels serves as a primary draw for many visitors. One Lake Glory camper explained, "It's so much quieter than Knoebels campground and so much more room... They have a shuttle to head to the park - but it is one more nice thing they add to help make your stay relaxing."
Individual bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds offer private bathroom setups. A camper at Lake Glory noted, "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."
Fall foliage viewing: The region's deciduous forests provide scenic autumn camping. As one visitor to Locust Lake State Park Campground observed, "PA is beautiful in the fall. Nice campground with some trails and access to Pottsville - for the best brewery tour ever - Yeungling!"
What you should know
Cell coverage limitations: Service reliability varies significantly across carriers and locations. One camper at Whispering Pines Camping Estates reported, "The only major con was the phone service. We have Verizon and my work phone is T-Mobile and at most would get 2 bars of LTE but it mostly stayed at 1."
Limited grocery options: Remote campgrounds require advance supply planning. "There's also not much in the way of grocery stores or restaurants nearby. There's one small grocery store and a couple restaurants about 9 minutes away... The nearest Walmart is about 25-30 minutes away," noted a Whispering Pines camper.
Site spacing variations: Privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At Knoebels Campground, a camper observed, "The sites are very close to one another. We lucked out in Bermuda Triangle as there was a little more space and we were further away from some of the noise."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can be substantial, especially in transitional seasons. A Knoebels visitor warned, "We went in late august and although it was pool weather during the day time the temperatures dropped somewhat dramatically into the evening hours so bring clothes for both 70-80 degree weather and 40-50 degree weather overnight."
Tips for camping with families
Book early for holiday weekends: High-demand periods fill quickly, particularly at popular destinations. At Knoebels Campground, a camper advised, "The staff is super helpful, the showers are warm and plentiful. Book early as they sell out fast!"
Consider noise levels: Campgrounds near attractions can experience extended activity hours. A Knoebels visitor mentioned, "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!"
Playground access: Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain basic play areas. At Whispering Pines, a visitor noted, "We had a full view of the playground where the young ones had a blast! The pool down the road was perfect for the kids and just right for adults to get in and cool off."
Cabin options for newer campers: Several facilities offer cabin rentals for those without equipment. A Knoebels guest explained, "We have camped in our pop up but we have also rented the cabins here too. Either way is a great way to stay the weekend and enjoy the park. Single cabins have three double beds with two up top in the loft and one down below."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring equipment adjustments. One RVer at Knoebels reported, "The site was plenty spacious for our pup and TV, but was not level at all. In fact, none of the surrounding sites looked very level."
Full hookup availability: Service options vary widely between facilities. At J&D Campground, campers found "Very large sites, W/E/S/C& wifi." The proximity to attractions often comes with tradeoffs in site quality or spacing.
Site assignment policies: Some campgrounds pre-assign spaces regardless of preference. A J&D camper noted, "Kind of upset you do not get to choose your site. We would have preferred a site near the giant open field that backs up to the road, whereas people that were actually put there preferred the site we had instead."
Access considerations: Larger rigs face navigation challenges at certain facilities. Campgrounds closer to main highways typically offer easier access but potentially more road noise. A camper at Indian Head Campground warned, "SUGGESTION: some GPS (like mine) might take you off the beaten track to get here!"
