Cabins and tent camping sites near Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania are concentrated within a 30-mile radius, with most options situated between 300-500 feet in elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area feature wooded settings with mixed hardwood forests providing natural shade for campsites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 1-3 mile access at most campgrounds with stocked ponds and nearby creek access. At Appalachian Camping Resort, campers report "Kids loved fishing in the pond" though some note the fishing experience varies with "the pond has a lot of pond scum and there were a lot of duck families around."
Mini golf courses: typically $5-8 per person with equipment often provided at no extra charge. Lake-In-Wood Campground features mini golf as part of their family activities. A visitor mentioned "They have a mini golf course, indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch."
Amish country tours: 20-30 minute drives from most campgrounds near the Lancaster area. Nearby attractions include traditional markets, horse-drawn carriage sightings, and handcrafted goods. One camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country noted, "If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites IMHO are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you'll have greater privacy and less noise."
What campers like
Heated pools and recreation areas: Most campgrounds maintain their pools from May through September with varying hours. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, guests appreciate the "Heated spa/pool in upper area are a bonus. Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses typically feature individual shower rooms with hot water available 24 hours. One visitor to Stonybrook RV Resort remarked, "The laundry area and shower rooms are beautiful and clean" while another noted "Shower / bathrooms are the best I've ever seen."
Weekend activities: Most campgrounds schedule weekend events from Memorial Day through Labor Day. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a camper shared, "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground."
Outdoor recreation: Hiking trails range from 0.5-3 miles at most properties with varying difficulty levels. A guest at Lake-In-Wood Campground explained, "The campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously a lake."
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many RV sites require significant leveling equipment. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a camper warned, "While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did! Bug spray is a must and lower sites are muddy."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close between late October and early April, with limited winter camping options. At many locations, water systems are winterized by November 1st requiring campers to fill tanks before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings often require 2-7 day advance notice during peak summer months. Holiday weekends typically require 30+ day advance reservations with many locations becoming fully booked 2-3 months ahead.
Wi-Fi limitations: Most campgrounds offer Wi-Fi only near central facilities with varying reliability. One visitor to PA Dutch Country noted, "WiFi is available but daily fee is expensive, and it was slow and intermittent."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: strategize site selection for proximity to play areas. At Robin Hill Campground, one visitor advised, "The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill. They also have a Frisbee golf course on site."
Swimming options: most pools open 10am-8pm with some campgrounds enforcing afternoon break periods. One camper at Lake-In-Wood Campground recommended, "This is one campground I'd definitely go back too... It rained the entire time I was there so we didn't go in the pool but the campground is walkable."
Pet restrictions: typically 2 pet maximum with breed restrictions at some locations. Most campgrounds require vaccination records and leashes no longer than 6 feet. A visitor noted, "The dog park and themed cabins are just two examples of the small touches that go a long way toward making each visitor feel at home."
Activity scheduling: weekend programming often includes crafts, games, and themed events. Appalachian Camping Resort received praise as "One of the absolute best campgrounds I have ever stayed at" with "numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from main roads and recreation areas for quieter stays. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, a camper advised, "Before cooperate bought it, it was a lot cheaper with family friendly pricing and much cleaner. Staff has always been friendly."
Hookup inspection: Check water pressure and electrical stability before setting up. Stonybrook RV Resort gets positive reviews for infrastructure: "This place is in super condition— everything works as it's supposed to and is clean and maintained."
Navigational challenges: Entrance roads at several campgrounds feature steep grades and tight turns. At Stonybrook RV Resort, a camper warned about "the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn't easy in a 45' motorhome towing a Jeep."
Water quality concerns: Several campgrounds have reported occasional issues with water clarity. One camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country noted, "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay."
