Camping near Catawissa, Pennsylvania ranges across diverse terrain, with elevations between 500-1,500 feet throughout the region. Fall temperatures typically drop to 40-50 degrees overnight despite warmer daytime conditions. Seasonal availability varies significantly among campgrounds, with many operating from April through October when the Susquehanna Valley offers optimal camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Glory Campground features a stocked pond where fish are "always hungry" according to visitor Vince L., making it perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The campground serves as an excellent base for families exploring Knoebels Amusement Resort, located just 10 minutes away.
Mountain biking adventures: Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort offers unique mountain terrain activities during non-winter months. "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. You can also Zip line or swing through the trees if you would rather," notes reviewer Lois.
Cultural exploration: Immerse yourself in the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside while camping at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," shares Jill R. The campground provides access to rural Quaker communities with authentic cultural experiences.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Indian Head Campground provides waterfront options where campers appreciate the natural setting. "This place is for those seeking to be at peace for the weekend. You can choose to fish, kayak, or go tubbing," explains Luis B., who enjoyed the riverside atmosphere.
Water activities: Splash Magic RV Resort offers extensive water features that families appreciate. "Our site was right along the river, the view was amazing and the site was huge. The pool was great, the kids loved the water slides," notes Traci F. The campground provides multiple water-based recreation options beyond standard swimming.
Privacy and spacing: Several campers mention site sizing as a key factor when choosing where to stay near Catawissa. At Stonybrook RV Resort, Jonathan F. found "the site was nice and level side to side" and Tori observed the campground has "very very level sites" which differentiates it from some of the more sloped options in the region.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds around Catawissa operate from April/May through October, with specific opening dates varying. Lake Glory Campground runs April 15 to October 15, while Thousand Trails parks typically open mid-April through late October.
Varying amenities: Bathroom facilities range dramatically between campgrounds. At Indian Head Campground, "bathrooms are 'old' but were clean," according to Dave B., while Stonybrook earns praise from Jamie S.: "Shower/bathrooms are the best I've ever seen."
Terrain challenges: The region's campgrounds often feature significant elevation changes. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, Justin B. notes "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same." Consider bringing extra leveling blocks when camping near Catawissa.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Knoebels Campground provides direct access to the amusement park. "The site was plenty spacious for our pup and TV, but was not level at all. Obviously, the main draw for this campground is the amusement park on site, which boasts free admission and parking (you pay for rides with tickets)," explains Jen V.
Recreation options: Consider campgrounds with built-in entertainment. At Appalachian Camping Resort, one visitor found "numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone... 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."
Budget management: Many campgrounds charge additional fees for activities beyond camping. At Splash Magic, Traci F. advises: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking RV spots near Catawissa, request specific areas for more privacy. At Appalachian Camping Resort, campers recommend sites away from buddy sites: "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."
Connection quality: Electrical service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, water quality issues have been reported: "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay."
Entrance navigation: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. Matt S. found at Stonybrook RV Resort: "The entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn't easy in a 45' motorhome towing a Jeep."
