The Center Valley region provides several pet-friendly camping options within 15-20 miles of town. Located in the rolling hills of eastern Pennsylvania with elevations between 450-700 feet, the area experiences warm summers with occasional humidity and moderately cold winters. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with a few offering limited year-round accommodations.
What to do
Disc golf course exploration: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course that draws enthusiasts from around the region. "They have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf," notes Erik W., who appreciated the unique outdoor activity beyond standard camping amenities.
Visit Ringing Rocks Park: Just minutes from Ringing Rocks Family Campground, this unusual geological formation lets visitors create musical sounds by striking rocks with hammers. "Went to Ringing Rocks county park and the kids were having so much fun making music they didn't want to leave," shares Justin B., who made a last-minute camping decision after discovering the park.
Explore nearby state parks: Campers at French Creek State Park Campground can take advantage of multiple recreational opportunities. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course," explains Jen R., highlighting the variety of outdoor activities.
What campers like
Secluded tent camping areas: For those seeking privacy, several campgrounds offer designated tent areas separated from RV sections. At Little Red Barn Campground, Kelsey K. found that "primitive sites are very private" after initially being placed among RVs. She notes, "I took a walk with my dog and saw the primitive sites tucked in the back of the grounds. I immediately went to the office to ask to move to a primitive site."
Natural wildlife encounters: The rural setting provides opportunities to experience local fauna. Christina H. from Mountainview Campground reports, "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
Seasonal activities and themed weekends: Many campgrounds organize special events throughout the camping season. Colonial Woods Family Resort offers "casino night where they had separate play areas for kids and adults. All the money made is donated to Shriners Children's Hospital," according to Nicole S., who appreciated the organized entertainment options.
What you should know
Site terrain and conditions: Many campgrounds in the region have rocky terrain that can impact tent setup. At Lake Towhee County Park, Lee D. observed the "entrance and loop road, along with the campsites are all gravel. Some sites appeared to be more defined than others." Understanding site conditions helps with proper gear preparation.
Bathroom and facility variations: Campground bathrooms range widely in quality and accessibility. At Colonial Woods, one camper noted, "The bath house with showers was clean and so was the other closer to our site," while others at different campgrounds reported less satisfactory conditions.
Seasonal changes in occupancy: The region experiences significant variations in crowd levels throughout the camping season. Many campgrounds are busier on summer weekends but quieter mid-week. Roger W. reported Lake Towhee Park as having "empty" usage during his October visit, making it ideal for campers seeking solitude in the off-season.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized children's activities: Tohickon Family Campground offers family-focused events throughout the season. "We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do," says Jessica V., highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.
Consider sites near playgrounds: When booking, ask about proximity to play areas if traveling with children. Colonial Woods features "a playground, lake where you could fish, cornhole, and minigolf," according to Nicole S., who found these amenities valuable for keeping children entertained.
Water features for hot weather: Several campgrounds offer pools or water access that families appreciate during summer months. At Colonial Woods, Nicole mentioned "the pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," providing a supervised water option for families.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have narrow roads and tight turns. At Quakerwoods Campground, staff assist with parking larger units. Stuart K. notes the campground offers "170 mostly back-in slots with full hook-ups (30/50 amp electric, water and sewage) for RVs ranging between $55-$49 in the midst of a fairly decent wooded surrounding."
Consider levelness of sites: RV campers should inquire about site grading. Sarah from Mountainview Campground shared that "the landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp."
Length restrictions at some campgrounds: Certain properties limit RV size or have restrictions on older models. One reviewer at Boulder Woods noted disappointment with seasonal restrictions: "They only allow seasonal campers to be 10 years old or newer. Ours is 13. Very disappointed. But for a weekend away, it's a great place."
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