Bethel, Pennsylvania offers diverse camping options across an area characterized by the Susquehanna River watershed, with elevations ranging from 250 to 800 feet throughout Lancaster and York counties. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature variations of 20-30 degrees between day and night.
What to do
River recreation access: Pequea Creek Campground provides direct access to both the Susquehanna River and Otter Creek. "Super close to some really great hiking trails. We'll be back!" notes Danielle C., who also mentioned the campground's proximity to water activities.
Disc golf courses: Muddy Run Rec Park maintains a well-designed disc golf course alongside other outdoor activities. One camper described it as "a very well laid out and up kept disc golf course" while noting the "large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
Observatory stargazing: Several campgrounds near Bethel coordinate with local astronomy clubs for stargazing events. Jenn D. mentioned that Muddy Run offers "a great observatory for star-gazing" among its evening activities, making it perfect for families wanting educational nighttime options.
Trail systems: Multiple interconnected trails surround the Bethel area campgrounds, with options for both hiking and cycling. "If you are looking for a secluded camp experience, this is your place. There are few activities on the campground but there are amazing trails in the area," shares Sarah S. about trails near Otter Creek.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Bethel feature well-spaced sites with natural buffers. Jennifer R. described Tucquan Park Family Campground as having "a lot of space so walking our dogs was great" and mentioned "the sites were a little close together but still plenty of room."
Creek access for dogs: Several pet-friendly locations offer dedicated water access points for dogs. "Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground," notes pamela S. about Pequea Creek, which also offers safe spaces for dogs to cool off during hot weather.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The protected areas around these campgrounds create excellent wildlife observation points. A camper at Muddy Run mentioned "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park."
Clean facilities: Pet owners particularly appreciate well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities. One reviewer noted that Country Acres Campground is "probably the most well maintained campground we have ever stayed at. The grounds are beautiful, facilities above and beyond the expected."
What you should know
Site drainage concerns: Some riverside locations experience runoff issues during heavy rain. Kasey M. mentioned at Circle M RV & Camping Resort that "when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground" near river locations.
Seasonal weather fluctuations: Spring camping can bring significant day/night temperature swings requiring appropriate preparation. Fall camping offers colorful foliage but can bring unexpected cold snaps.
Agricultural surroundings: Nearby farms can occasionally create noticeable odors depending on wind direction. One camper at Old Mill Stream Campground noted "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot" when wind conditions shifted.
Weekend crowding: Many dog-welcoming campgrounds near Bethel experience significantly higher occupancy Friday-Sunday. "It gets very full on the weekends here," observed one camper at Circle M, suggesting booking well ahead for prime spots.
Tips for camping with families
Water park amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive water features popular with families. Aaron E. noted: "We stayed in C1 during the hottest week in the summer. The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees... the water park was GREAT for kids and adults. Super clean. Lots to do."
Playground considerations: Multiple campgrounds maintain playground equipment, though quality varies. Alanna M. noted at Muddy Run that "There are two playgrounds located within close proximity to most camping sites, these have been pretty worn down over the years and could use some TLC but still heavily occupied by children each weekend who don't seem to mind."
Pet-kid interaction spaces: When traveling with both children and dogs, seek campgrounds with designated pet areas separate from main play zones. "The pet friendly campgrounds in Bethel typically provide paths where children and pets can enjoy outdoor time together while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Scheduled activities: Several family-oriented campgrounds organize regular activities. One visitor to Yogi Bear's mentioned "Breakfast with Yogi! (just make sure the kids you have are not afraid of people in costumes, we found out the hard way!)"
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: At some locations, water and electric connections require additional equipment. Chris G. warned about Muddy Run: "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away."
Big rig accessibility: Elk Neck State Park Campground accommodates larger RVs but requires careful site selection. "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites."
Site levelness variations: Many campgrounds feature varied terrain requiring leveling equipment. A camper at Old Mill Stream Campground mentioned "Our site was perfectly level and had a large gravel patio area and a large shade tree behind us. The site was plenty long for our 45' RV and tow car."
Winter season limitations: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Bethel operate seasonally with limited winter options. Stephen W. noted that Mill Bridge Village was recently updated: "Glad they are now open year round. Newer electric connections. EWS all at great locations to hook up."
