Camping sites near Dornsife, Pennsylvania offer seasonal operations with most facilities closing from November through March due to cold temperatures and potential snowfall. The terrain contains a mix of wooded areas, open fields, and riverside locations at elevations ranging from 400-700 feet above sea level. Several campgrounds provide river access along the Susquehanna River system, which creates fishing opportunities but also presents flooding risks during spring and after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Amusement park access: Knoebels Campground offers camping connected to the popular Knoebels Amusement Resort with free admission. "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! I loved it though," notes Joe B. The campground provides a convenient base for park activities.
Water activities: Riverside camping at Ferryboat Campsites enables water recreation on the Susquehanna. "This is a wonderful little campsite primarily catering the seasonal RVer. The ferry here is real, and has been in operation for the last 100+ years," explains Avery M. The site includes access to kayaking, fishing, tubing and motorboat launch points.
Animal encounters: Multiple campgrounds incorporate animal interactions for campers. Ferryboat Campsites features "a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats," while Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA includes a variety of farm animals for feeding and petting according to visitor reviews.
What campers like
River views: Little Mexico Campground receives high marks for its creek-side sites. "We always get a site by the creek and have a great time. The sites are always clean and the staff is great," writes Amy G. The campground sits along Penn's Creek, offering water access.
Lake fishing: Lake Heron Retreat provides quiet camping with lake fishing opportunities. "This lake was beautiful! A short walk from the campsite. We had the lake to ourself both evening and morning," reports Camille W. The 10-acre lake sits within a 240-acre wooded property.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment, but Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA stands out. "The playground was fantastic and looked to be new, and there was a jumping pillow and a pool," notes Jessica N. Multiple reviewers mention the quality of the play areas.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. "Sites were SUPER tight. We were packed in like sardines," reports Debbie W. about Splash Magic RV Resort. At Penn Avon Campground, visitors note "large sites" and a "very quiet and comfortable" atmosphere.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require versatile clothing and gear. "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," advises Derek W. from Knoebels Campground.
Flooding risks: Campgrounds near waterways face periodic flooding. Robin from Ferryboat Campsites warns: "Storms with heavy rain in the area made the river rise. We were told the campground is susceptible to flooding, so check the weather when you come!"
Tips for camping with families
Theme weekends: Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA organizes special weekend events. "Pay attention to the Theme Weekend Events– they will be crowded and there could be an additional fee. We were charged $20 for the Care Camp Weekend," advises John T. Halloween weekends receive particular praise from multiple reviewers.
Activity fees: Splash Magic RV Resort includes water attractions but charges for some activities. "There is so much to do. 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 Traci F.
Cabin alternatives: For families without camping equipment, several campgrounds offer cabin rentals. "We have camped in our pop up but we have also rented the cabins here too. Either way is a great way to stay the weekend and enjoy the park. Single cabins have three double beds with two up top in the loft and one down below," describes Jen R. from Knoebels Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. Jen V. from Knoebels Campground notes: "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."
Navigation challenges: RVers report difficulty maneuvering in some campgrounds. "Very tight parking, I told them my trailer was 35 feet long, they put me in a site that was impossible to back into. 4 different sites had to move their vehicles and I still couldn't do it," reports Joe B. about Fantasy Island Campground.
Campground layout differences: Savvy RVers choose specific campground sections. "We always try to get a site at the top. Longer walk to the park but worth it for us," recommends Dawn T. regarding Knoebels Campground, noting the bottom sections have tighter spacing.
