The landscape around Enola, Pennsylvania features rolling hills with elevations ranging between 400-800 feet, situated within the Susquehanna Valley. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F, making it ideal for warm-weather camping from April through October. During peak season, glamping accommodations typically book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend stays.
What to do
Kayaking the Susquehanna River: Visitors can access the river at River Rock Recreation for a day of paddling. "We stayed Sun-Wed and rented 2 kayaks from River Rock for 1 of the days... If you sit by the river long enough you may see a barn owl fly by in the evening and back again in the morning. My boys spotted the nest while kayaking," reports one camper at River Rock Recreation.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer fishing access with various species available. At Cedar Lake Family Campground, "The lake is nice and they stock it with trout," making it an excellent option for anglers. Catching bluegill and bass is common in the area's waterways.
Disc golf courses: Multiple courses are available in the region for disc golf enthusiasts. "Both areas have great access for fishing... Both areas also have their own 18 hole disc golf course," notes a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, though they caution to "BEWARE of poison ivy!!"
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points to the famous trail are nearby. At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, "There is access to hiking trails that connect to the AT," allowing campers to experience portions of this iconic long-distance path without committing to the entire trail.
What campers like
Private campsites: Some locations offer secluded camping experiences. "This is a single campsite that you rent, no other campers on site unless you are bringing them with you! You can camp with up to 10 people and there is certainly plenty of room for everyone to spread out," explains a reviewer at River Rock Recreation.
Pool facilities: Swimming pools are popular amenities at several campgrounds. "The pool is very nice! They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun," shares a camper at Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Organized events keep children entertained throughout their stay. "They describe it as primitive camping which it is but, it's so much more... There was 2 scavenger hunts that you could do. One where they list things to do and objects to find and take pictures of. The other was for local land marks," reports a visitor at River Rock Recreation.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in reviews. "Bathrooms are clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful," notes a camper at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds have railroad tracks nearby that create noise issues. "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" warns a visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds are affected by nearby shooting ranges. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If you're out and about, it won't be an issue," advises a camper at Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Seasonal timing: The best time to visit varies by campground. "We camped here over Columbus Day weekend. We wanted a quiet escape. We had one of the few full hook up sites. Very quiet and peaceful," notes a reviewer at Little Buffalo State Park Campground.
Booking requirements: Many locations require reservations well in advance. "If you are thinking about staying here during the Renaissance Faire, which apparently is a VERY BIG thing in these parts, you are going to want to book your spot as soon as possible," suggests a visitor at Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Consider glamping options for first-timers: Glamping near Enola, Pennsylvania provides an easier entry point for families new to camping. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach... I like that it wasn't a commercialized camping experience," shares a parent at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Pack water shoes: Creek and lake access often requires appropriate footwear. "The kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store," notes a camper at Mountain Creek Camp Ground, where water activities are popular.
Choose sites strategically: Site selection impacts your experience significantly. "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table... There was only about a 15 minute drive to the Hershey park, which was really convenient," advises a visitor at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Consider golf cart rentals: Some campgrounds have significant distances between amenities. "We stayed in the upper tent area. It's a walk to the pool and arcade area. As an adult I was fine with it. I have a 5 year old though and she got tired. Lesson learned: rent a golf cart ahead of time," suggests a parent at Mountain Creek Camp Ground.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: RV sites vary significantly in size and setup. "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too!" notes an RVer at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Book premium sites for space: Some locations offer upgraded options. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," shares a camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Consider elevation changes: The region's rolling terrain affects campsite layout. "The campground was pretty hilly and not super large but it gets the job done," mentions a visitor at Little Buffalo State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of considering topography when selecting sites.
Prepare for tight quarters: Some campgrounds place RVs close together. "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck. They have other spots up on the hill but would have been more of a challenge with our rig," reports an RVer at Hersheypark Camping Resort.