E
ERIC J.
Traveler
TravelerFrances Slocum State Park Campground
Nice State Park
Really nice views from the sites. Facilities are well equipped and taken care of, but older. Trees between each rv site give a nice level of privacy
Best Campgrounds near Mount Carmel, PA
Campgrounds surrounding Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania include a mix of established facilities catering to various camping styles. Knoebels Campground stands as a primary destination with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options located near a popular amusement park. Other nearby options include Lake Glory Campground, Trailhead Campground, and J&D Campground, creating a network of mixed-use campgrounds within approximately 30 minutes of Mount Carmel. Most facilities offer electric hookups, with many providing water and sewer connections for RVs alongside more primitive tent sites and cabin rentals.
Seasonal operations impact camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Lake Glory Campground runs from April 15 to October 15, while Camp A While maintains a similar schedule. Several campgrounds feature amenities such as showers, toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though quality and maintenance vary by location. Road conditions can present challenges at some properties, particularly at Trailhead Campground. A review mentioned: "The road coming in is ROUGH, if you're towing or driving a motorhome, be prepared. The grounds are unkept, no mowing, weeds as tall as I am."
Family-oriented facilities dominate the camping landscape near Mount Carmel. Knoebels Campground receives consistently positive feedback for its proximity to the adjacent amusement park, making it particularly popular for families with children. While the sites tend to be close together with limited privacy, the convenience often outweighs these drawbacks for many visitors. As one camper shared: "It was nice for our family of five. Very convenient for the amusement park. Everyone was nice." The campground options in this area generally prioritize amenities and location over wilderness experience, with most properties featuring developed infrastructure rather than remote or primitive camping areas. Travelers seeking more secluded experiences may need to venture further from Mount Carmel to find less developed camping options.
Best Camping Sites Near Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania (165)
1. Knoebels Campground
24 ReviewsMarion Heights, PA7 milesWebsite+1 (570) 672-9555$59 - $160 / night
"Knoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins. There is electricity at every site but not water."
"In addition to the campsites you have access to the campsite bathrooms which also have showers. They’re nothing special but they get the job done and are cleaned daily by staff."
2. Lake Glory Campground
15 ReviewsCatawissa, PA8 milesWebsite+1 (570) 356-7392$50 - $80 / night
"This campground is only minutes away from Knobels Amusement Park. The campground itself was clean but not a lot of amenities being it’s part of the amusement park."
"It’s a nice spacious campground next to the park."
3. Locust Lake State Park Campground
31 ReviewsMahanoy City, PA15 milesWebsite+1 (570) 467-2404$24 - $47 / night
"We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."
"Had a site close to the lake. Many sites (including mine) were not level. The sites sizes were a bit small and i would book during peak season. I would definitely return again off season."
4. Camp A While
7 ReviewsRavine, PA9 milesWebsite+1 (570) 682-8696$26 - $44 / night
"Not to much to do in the area but it is somewhat close to the Appalachian Trail if you’re into that. It seems like the camp ground always has something fun going on."
"The only reason for not giving five stars is because it’s very close to a freeway. There’s quite a bit of truck and car noise from the freeway."
5. Indian Head Campground
10 ReviewsCatawissa, PA13 milesWebsite+1 (570) 441-8628"Not much to do at the campground but it is 20 minutes away from Knoebles. The fees are fairly cheap."
"Good location, right on the river. The campground overall is very pretty. A few old, junk trailers around the property need to be hauled off."
6. J&D Campground
2 ReviewsCatawissa, PA9 milesWebsite+1 (570) 356-7700$53 / night
"Very well maintained campground very close to Knoebels. This was the last weekend they were open. Kind of upset you do not get to choose your site."
"Close to Bloomsburg Fair too. One of our favorites- no activities for kids, but nice pool& mini golf!"
8. Jonestown/Hershey KOA
16 ReviewsJonestown, PA23 milesWebsite+1 (717) 865-6411"Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn’t eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids. Wooded sites and very clean bathrooms."
"Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."
9. Twin Grove RV Resort
9 ReviewsTower City, PA20 milesWebsite+1 (717) 865-4602"There are 2 dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash."
"Needs a pond and more shade but still is one of the nicer parks around. Twin Grove is also one of the cheaper ones, and that is hard to believe because of all the offer."
10. Tuscarora State Park Campground
9 ReviewsBarnesville, PA20 milesWebsite+1 (570) 467-2404$53 - $72 / night
"Good hiking trails were just a short walk away from our campsite. Would definitely go back again."
"No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc. Each yurt has a huge deck, 2 picnic tables and fire pit."
Recent Camping Photos near Mount Carmel, PA
342 Photos of 165 Mount Carmel Campgrounds
Nicole R.
Knoebels Campground
Vince L.
Lake Glory Campground
Michelle S.
Camp A While
Robert A.
Breezy Acre Campsites
Luis B.
Indian Head Campground
John B.
Locust Lake State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - GoldMine Hideaway
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - The Algonquin Gitigaan
RJourney R.
Splash Magic RV Resort
Adam F.
Twin Grove RV Resort
Jen R.
Tuscarora State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Sky High Estate - Coleman Outfitted Site
Recent Reviews near Mount Carmel, PA
797 Reviews of 165 Mount Carmel Campgrounds
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- EEileen D.
GuideEcho Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Andy D.
ScoutWest Creek Campground
Nice Amenities, great location for Ricketts Glen
I stayed at a tent site here and was the only one in the tent area. The tent plots are a bit small especially if you have a large car. The bath house was really well kept and modern. The camp was clean and looks pleasant. Great location for hiking.
Sue B.
RangerAT Overlook Campground near Lehigh Gap
Great view
We had to stop short of our intended site as we were caught in a flash rain and thunderstorm. More tents than should have fit parked here for the night.
- MMichael S.Traveler
Holiday Pines Campground
Nice quiet place!
We didn’t stay over night, we just need to use the dump and refill water. We paid $15 and drove around the place.
Stephen W.GuideDutch Cousin Campground
Nice quiet fall get-a-way place
Lots of seasonal parked campers and only a few campers here. Nice peaceful quiet stay. Our site was very spacious. Level side to side. Gravel site with plenty of room for our truck n trailer.
Guide to Mount Carmel
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mount Carmel, PA?
What camping is available near Mount Carmel, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Carmel, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Carmel, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Carmel, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Carmel, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Carmel, PA is Knoebels Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Carmel, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Carmel, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Carmel, PA.
Keep Exploring