Mount Wolf camping options sit within the limestone valleys of southeastern Pennsylvania, where the terrain varies between 400-500 feet in elevation. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Most campsites near Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania close seasonally from November through March due to freezing winter conditions.
What to do
Kayaking on the Susquehanna River: Access the water directly from River Rock Recreation, where "we spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait."
Disc golf courses: Play one of two 18-hole courses at Gifford Pinchot State Park. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course."
Horseshoe curve river camping: Explore the unique river setting at Thousand Trails Circle M where "the campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!"
Hiking the White Rocks Trail: Take a short drive to access this trail system. "Before fishing, we hiked the White Rocks Trail a few miles outside of town, and it was a ton of fun with some cool rock scrambles. It hooks up with the AT going through the area if you want to extend the hike."
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Sites with lake access at Codorus State Park are particularly valued. "We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. It can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat launch at the end of the primitive lane, but some of the sites are secluded/set back enough to be private."
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers a unique camping experience with livestock. "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats), pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even llamas. Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family."
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, campers note "bath house was extremely clean and very nice. The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!"
Private river campsites: River Rock Recreation provides complete privacy with exclusive site rental. "This is a single campsite that you rent, no other campers on site unless you are bringing them with you! You can camp with up to 10 people and there is certainly plenty of room for everyone to spread out."
What you should know
Train and traffic noise: Several campgrounds experience noise issues. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"
Range sounds: At Cedar Lake Family Campground, "the only complaint is the neighbor outdoors man sports outdoor range less than a mile away. Not bothersome or concerned for safety. Just takes away from the rural feel."
Varying site quality: Site selection matters significantly at Thousand Trails Hershey. "The sites are gravel and most are not level. They are not well maintained as the site next to us has weeds a foot high. There are a few big rigs that can barely fit on a site."
Tent pad surfaces: Some campgrounds have gravel rather than grass pads. "The 'tent pad' was large gravel surrounded by over grown grass. The bathrooms were very nice (best I've ever camped with and the saving grace of this review)."
Tips for camping with families
Animal-focused experiences: Kids particularly enjoy Cedar Lake Family Campground where "the animal area could stand a good cleaning, but my little one enjoyed them. Lots of activities and the staff was very friendly."
Pool temperature considerations: Swimming pools vary in comfort level. "The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in! There was only about a 15 minute drive to the Hershey park, which was really convenient."
Shooting range awareness: Parents should note nearby ranges when planning quiet activities. At Pinch Pond, "the only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If you're out and about, it won't be an issue."
Halloween weekend camping: Fall camping provides special activities for kids. "We spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!! It gets very full on the weekends here."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at several campgrounds. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "sites are large and well maintained but ours wasn't level. Gets packed on weekends."
Drive-through navigation: Some campgrounds have confusing layouts. "The loop we are in has four roads leading to the campsites (A,B,C and D). There is an arrow indicating direction. The exit road (D) is also an entry road to campsites. If someone is going to a campsite in Road D you cannot pass them when exiting as the road is only one lane."
Arrival timing for site selection: At Thousand Trails properties, timing matters. "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem."
Overflow parking options: Some campgrounds provide solutions for extra vehicles. "They have an overflow area for those with extra cars and those with tow dollies. This keeps the campground from looking like a junk yard."
