Recreational vehicle camping options near Columbia, Pennsylvania range across several counties within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 200-300 feet above sea level, with the Susquehanna River flowing through Lancaster County's rolling countryside. During summer months, temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with occasional rain showers that can affect unpaved camping sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm features a pond stocked for anglers. "Great place to go fishing!" reports one camper, while another notes that beyond fishing, visitors can enjoy "hiking through the cornfield" for scenic views of nearby farms and the river.
Mini golf courses: Multiple rv campgrounds near Columbia, Pennsylvania offer this family activity. "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened... several holes needed maintenance," noted one visitor about Spring Gulch Resort. Courses typically charge a small fee, though some like Appalachian Camping Resort offer free mini golf.
Farm animal interactions: At Thousand Trails Circle M, families can enjoy unique experiences 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," shares one reviewer who appreciated the educational aspect.
What campers like
Indoor-outdoor pool options: Swimming facilities remain popular at several camping areas in the Columbia region. "Nice indoor and outdoor pools," mentions one camper about Lake-In-Wood, while another visitor to Circle M RV Resort appreciated that "there is an indoor pool and spa (spa closed due to Covid)" indicating year-round swimming possibilities.
Weekend entertainment: Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities. One camper at Appalachian Camping Resort mentioned "a dj Saturday night and a live band Sunday night," while others noted "themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck" at various facilities.
Privacy options: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. A Lake-In-Wood Campground visitor observed that "our site was a drive-through but slanted. There wasn't much room on our site to do anything else. The fire ring was about all the room allowed." Other campers noted more spacious sites at different locations.
What you should know
Site conditions: Many RV parks feature uneven terrain. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites," according to one reviewer. This appears common throughout the region.
Noise considerations: Background sounds can affect camping experiences. "The only negative thing is that there is a shooting range close by so you could hear the trucks beeping and the noise from there," reported one Lake-In-Wood visitor, while a Pinch Pond camper noted "a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner."
Reservation systems: Different parks use various booking methods. "This is my 3rd stay with a Thousand Trails campground... We were also able to pick which site we wanted," explained one visitor about PA Dutch Country. Others mention first-come systems: "If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites IMHO are those that back up to the periphery."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Drummer Boy Camping Resort offers numerous family options. "There seem to be a lot of seasonal campers but everyone was extremely nice and welcoming... The pool with the slide was very clean," noted one visitor, while another mentioned "free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area."
Playground accessibility: Consider campground layout when traveling with children. "In a campground that size I would expect at least 2 playgrounds," commented a visitor to Drummer Boy who was disappointed with playground options, contrasting with Appalachian Campground's "kids and adult lounges, basketball court, mini golf, ice cream in the store."
Transport needs: Larger campgrounds often require additional transportation. "The campground is very large and I would recommend renting a golf cart," advised one Lake-In-Wood camper. Another noted about Drummer Boy: "For some places within the campground, it's hard to find regular car/truck parking."
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Finding flat parking at Sun Valley Campground can be challenging. "Our particular site was a bear to park in but once situated we were very happy," shared one RVer. Another camper at a different location mentioned using blocks but "we're still not very level front to back. We also had to come in on an angle to make the slope less drastic."
Sewer connection placement: Pay attention to hook-up locations. A visitor to Drummer Boy observed "the sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly (even with a slinky placed under it)." Other campgrounds received better reviews for utility placement.
Pull-through availability: Many Columbia area campgrounds offer these convenient sites. "We chose a pull-through for its ease and the extra space it had being on the end," explained a PA Dutch Country visitor. Another camper recommended specific site numbers that provide better space and privacy for larger rigs.
