Camping sites near Catawissa, Pennsylvania range in elevation from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level, located within the ridge and valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. The area's climate features distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s during peak camping months from May through September. Many campgrounds in the region provide direct access to streams and small lakes for water recreation.
What to do
Trail hiking near Ricketts Glen: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers access to 22 named waterfalls along well-maintained trails. "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," noted one visitor.
Lake activities: Fishing, kayaking and swimming options exist at several campgrounds with waterfront access. "Nice campground, close to knoebels, with a shuttle that goes there. Good sized sites. Horrible WiFi," reported one camper at Lake Glory Campground. Many sites provide direct water access, with the lake stocked regularly for fishing opportunities.
Amusement park access: Located within walking distance of several campgrounds, Knoebels Amusement Park operates with a unique pay-per-ride system. "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! I loved it though," shared a visitor at Knoebels Campground.
Local fairs and festivals: The region hosts multiple seasonal events, particularly during summer months. "Since the park was closed on our first full day there, we drove around and ended up in nearby Bloomsburg. Took the kids to the children's museum (which was awesome), then the Bloomsburg Fair. It's supposedly the largest fair on the East Coast, and boy, was it huge."
What campers like
Creekside camping spots: Sites along small waterways provide natural cooling and recreational opportunities. 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. We have never used the bus to head to the park - but it is one more nice thing they add to help make your stay relaxing."
Spacious sites with separation: Many campers value larger sites that provide more privacy. "One of my favorite campgrounds for Knoebels theme park. The campground itself is very clean except around the actual lake because of the geese nothing you can do about that... Big campsites so you don't feel crowded," mentioned one reviewer.
Private bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds offer individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. "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."
Quiet camping options: Alternative locations provide more peaceful environments for those seeking tranquility. "We stay at lake glory every year while visiting Knoebels. It's so much quieter than Knoebels campground and so much more room," noted a repeat visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most camping facilities have limited operating seasons. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground operates year-round but with reduced services in winter, while many private campgrounds close completely between October and April.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. "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," reported one camper.
Temperature variations: The region experiences significant day-to-night temperature swings, particularly in late summer. "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."
Highway noise at some locations: Campgrounds near major roads experience traffic sounds. At Camp A While, one camper noted "The camp owners are wonderful! They were very accommodating and helped us with any need we had...The only reason for not giving five stars is because it's very close to a freeway. There's quite a bit of truck and car noise from the freeway."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking sites with children, request locations near play areas. "My family likes to camp here for the convenience of being able to walk to the amusement park. Very nice campground and park. Clean bath houses and lots of things for all ages to do. From the amusement park to the pool or just walking around the park," shared one family at Knoebels Campground.
Beach access for children: Several area lakes feature designated swimming areas with shallow entry points. At Locust Lake State Park Campground, "We had 3 families and sites (2 campers & 1 tent) all sites were decent sizes. We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."
Family-oriented activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular weekend events specifically for families. "I've been camping here since I was 5. I now have a grandchild, so that's a long time. With the amusement park across the street, and the cool stream to splash in, it's a small kids dream," shared a multi-generation camper.
Cabin options for easier family camping: For families new to camping, cabin rentals provide a comfortable introduction. "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. Restrooms are clean. Nice large sink to wash dishes. Single cabins have three double beds with two up top in the loft and one down below."
Tips from RVers
Limited site availability for larger rigs: Visitors with RVs exceeding 30 feet should call ahead to confirm appropriate site dimensions. At Indian Head Campground, "Pull thru sites are large and have plenty of space. Location is crucial venues to I-80 but no traffic noise. Friendly staff."
Electrical capacity concerns: During peak summer periods, some campgrounds experience voltage drops that can affect sensitive RV electronics. "Electric ran below 110 volts the entire weekend and the water had a brownish tint to it. It was a VERY hot weekend so I should mention that everyone had their air running."
Site selection importance: RVers should research specific site characteristics before booking. "Sites were 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'."
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer full hookups but with varying reliability. At Whispering Pines Camping Estates, "We knew next to nothing about this campground before coming here, it was just a week long stop on our way to Maine. We were especially concerned as we got deeper and deeper into the country and further and further from civilization...But we were very pleasantly surprised by how great this place was!"
