Camping spots near Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania range from state-managed parks to privately-owned facilities scattered throughout Pennsylvania's coal region. The terrain features rolling hills and varied elevation changes between 800-1,500 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Fall camping brings temperature drops into the 40s overnight, requiring appropriate clothing and gear.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Lake Glory Campground offers a stocked fishing lake where campers report the fish are "always hungry." One visitor noted, "Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away" at the creekside sites.
Amusement park access: Knoebels Campground provides direct access to the adjacent park, with a camper mentioning, "Connected to the park, a great way to visit! If you're an early to bed kinda person it'll be tough, the roller coasters are right there!"
Hiking and biking: Jonestown/Hershey KOA connects to regional trails, with a camper highlighting that "Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc."
What campers like
Quiet, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the lower density at certain campgrounds. At Lake Glory Campground, visitors mention "Big campsites so you don't feel crowded" and note it's "so much quieter than Knoebels campground and so much more room."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high on camper priorities. A visitor to Twin Grove RV Resort reported, "Spotless. Plenty of room for whatever size tent or RV you have. Always lots of activities. Nice arcade and mini golf in an area set off to the side."
Family entertainment options: Beyond amusement parks, on-site activities matter to families. One camper at Twin Grove noted, "There is a pool and fun activities through the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride."
What you should know
Site conditions vary dramatically: At Trailhead Campground, a camper warned about accessing the property: "The road coming in is ROUGH, if you towing or driving a MH, be prepared. The grounds are unkept, no mowing, weeds as tall as I am."
Weather considerations: Temperature swings can be significant. A Knoebels visitor advised, "We went in late august and although it was pool weather during the day time the temperatures dropped somewhat dramatically into the evening hours so bring clothes for both 70-80 degree weather and 40-50 degree weather overnight."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. A camper at Knoebels recommended, "Book early as they sell out fast!" while another at Lake Glory advised, "Book early....these sites fill fast!"
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for non-tent campers: Tuscarora State Park Campground offers alternatives to traditional camping. A visitor explains, "The cabins and yurts have electricity and running water. They are great if you want the outdoor experience while getting the option of a bed."
Bathroom proximity matters: When traveling with children, consider location within the campground. A Lake Glory camper noted, "I do have to say I love the bath houses here. They are each their own individual rooms split into shower/changing room. I like the privacy and it made it much easier when my daughter was small."
Age-appropriate amenities: Different campgrounds cater to different age groups. At Twin Grove, "There is a pond to fish from, a dog park for your furry friend to play at and a few playgrounds for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Not all RV sites are created equal. At J&D Campground, a camper advised, "Kind of upset you do not get to choose your site. We would have preferred a site near the giant open field that backs up to the road, whereas people that were actually put there preferred the site we had instead."
Leveling challenges: Pay attention to site terrain. A camper at Knoebels noted, "The site was plenty spacious for our pup and TV, but was not level at all. In fact, none of the surrounding sites looked very level."
Utility options: For those needing full hookups, Indian Head Campground provides "Full hook ups, large pull through spots but no trees. Full timers are in tree line." A visitor noted the "pull through site was grass/gravel and level" though "a little muddy due to several days of rain."
