The Susquehanna Valley region surrounding Cogan Station sits within Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley Province at elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet. Seasonal temperature swings can be significant, with summer highs regularly reaching 85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March. Several campgrounds near Cogan Station operate on limited schedules during colder months due to freezing water lines.
What to do
Hiking trails: Accessible from Little Pine State Park Campground. The Mid State hiking trail runs directly through the campground with several other trails within the park boundaries. "The campsite we were at was very large probably better for a trailer but we enjoyed the space with our tent. We stayed at site 3 which was across the drive from a bathhouse which also had a shower," notes a camper who visited during the Little League World Series.
River activities: Float trips from Riverside Campground. The Susquehanna River offers kayaking and tubing opportunities with rental services available at several locations. "We all took the kayaks out on the Susquehanna River that runs behind the property for a sunny paddle. Came back and went to a wine fest, in the park that is right next to the campground," shares one visitor who enjoyed multiple activities during their stay.
Amusement park access: Many campers use Lake Glory Campground as a base for Knoebels. A free shuttle runs from Lake Glory to the amusement park during operating hours. "10 minutes to Knoebels with the mighty Phoenix. The best wooden coaster on the planet. Always a great time at Lake Glory. We've been camping here for 16 years or so... Also, don't miss The Old Mill Ice Cream," recommends a repeat visitor.
What campers like
Fishing opportunities: Stocked lakes at multiple parks. The fishing in smaller lakes tends to be family-friendly with reliable catches. "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry. Plenty of tent, rv spots and cabins too," reports a visitor to Lake Glory Campground. Another camper at Little Pine mentions the "beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains."
Privacy variations: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites. Site selection makes a significant difference in the camping experience. "Sites aren't too on top of each other. Easily accessible overflow parking. Our site was on a small stream so very buggy, but we also got to hear bullfrogs," notes a camper at Worlds End State Park Campground. Another camper observed that "Sites 65 and 66 look like the best ones available, as they are up off the road a bit so they have a bit more privacy."
Natural swimming: Stream access at several campgrounds. Swimming opportunities extend beyond formal pool areas. "Nice spots right next to river where we set up lawn chairs in river and let the kids play," notes a visitor to Riverside Campground who enjoyed letting children play in the water safely.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Plan for disconnection. Many campgrounds in the region have limited or no connectivity. "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing," reports a visitor to Worlds End State Park. Another camper noted it "feels like you're in another world, or at least separated from the daily hassles and vexations of society, with a wall of a mountain between you and them."
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for weekends. Popular rv campgrounds near Cogan Station fill quickly, especially during summer and fall. "Book early....these sites fill fast!" warns an experienced visitor to Lake Glory Campground who returns annually. This is particularly true for premium waterfront sites.
Winter camping options: Holiday Pines Campground offers extended season. While many campgrounds close for winter, some offer year-round access. "Nice quiet place!" notes a visitor who used dump services during off-season. "Clean and quiet. Helpful owner," adds another camper who appreciated the year-round accessibility.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Creekside camping creates natural play areas. Children enjoy wading in shallow streams at several Cogan Station area campgrounds. "We always get a site by the creek and have a great time. The sites are always clean and the staff is great," shares a family that camps regularly at Little Mexico Campground with their three sons.
Playground access: Some parks feature extensive play facilities. Equipment quality and maintenance vary significantly between campgrounds. "The playground was really nice," notes a family visiting Splash Magic RV Resort, while others mention that some smaller campgrounds have limited or older equipment.
Budget planning: Activity costs add up. Many campgrounds charge additional fees beyond the basic camping rate for amenities and activities. "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," explains a parent who visited with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain. The mountainous topography around Cogan Station means many camping sites require significant leveling. "The sites vary in size quite a bit and this happened to be one of the largest ones, made for a larger camper/motor home but also had a mulched area for tents which was nice," shares an RVer at Worlds End State Park who found the varied site sizes beneficial.
Power stability: Electric service fluctuates during peak usage. Several RV campgrounds near Cogan Station experience voltage drops during high-demand periods. "Very cool campground. Had lots to do for kidos and family. One bad thing was it is a very tight campground," notes a camper who found the amenities outweighed the space limitations.
Dump station timing: Plan for Sunday morning backups. Holiday weekends create significant wait times at dump stations throughout the region. "We didn't stay over night, we just need to use the dump and refill water. We paid $15 and drove around the place," mentions a visitor to Holiday Pines Campground who appreciated the affordable service fees.
