Camping spots near Enola, Pennsylvania sit in the lower Susquehanna River Valley with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Most campgrounds in the area open from April through October, though seasonal variations affect individual operating schedules.
What to do
Water activities at Gifford Pinchot State Park: The 340-acre Pinchot Lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating options from April through October. The park maintains separate day-use areas on opposite sides of the lake. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," notes one camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Kayak camping experiences: Yellow Breeches Creek provides calm water ideal for novice paddlers. Sites require advance reservation through the township. A visitor to Lower Allen Community Park shares: "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there. The park is in the suburbs so it's close to lots of things."
Historical exploration: The Appalachian Trail Museum and Iron Furnace at Pine Grove provide educational opportunities about regional industrial history and long-distance hiking. "This area is the half way point on the AT, and we got to meet quite a few hikers and hear some cool stories about their travels on the trail," mentions a visitor to Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer sites with substantial privacy and tree coverage, particularly valued during hot summer months. A camper at Camp Hebron appreciates that "The sites have lots of tree cover and they are private. This place does not have many amenities as far as crafts and 'drop off the kids' activities. It is a hang out as a family and tromp around the woods kind of place."
Lake access campsites: Waterfront sites provide convenient swimming and fishing access directly from camp. One visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground points out, "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."
Nearby attractions: Most campgrounds sit within 30 minutes of major destinations. "Very clean campground, friendly staff. We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not too bad for leveling. Our site was spacious," notes a visitor to Hersheypark Camping Resort.
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Rattlesnakes inhabit rocky areas in central Pennsylvania, particularly during summer months. Encounters remain rare but proper precautions help avoid conflicts. A camper at Gifford Pinchot mentions: "This area (central PA in general) tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes, and we spotted one about 20 feet off the trail in a downed wood pile - cool, but a little terrifying!"
Train noise affects sleep: Multiple campgrounds sit near active rail lines with nighttime traffic. Sites furthest from tracks provide quieter experiences. "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 camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Limited availability for holiday weekends: Most campgrounds reach capacity 2-3 months in advance for summer holidays and fall foliage season. A camper at Little Buffalo State Park Campground notes: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several parks maintain dedicated swimming facilities with varying amenities and additional fees. "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 Little Buffalo State Park visitor.
First-time camping site selection: Beginners should consider campgrounds with amenities and level sites. "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," reports a Gifford Pinchot camper.
Pet-friendly areas: Many campgrounds maintain separate pet and no-pet camping sections. "The pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking. Some of the groups can get rather loud especially when there are a bunch of teens," observes a visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial adjustment for level placement. A visitor to Thousand Trails Hershey notes: "The sites are gravel and most are not level. They are not well maintained as the site next to us has weeds a foot high."
Arrival timing affects site options: Campgrounds with first-come site selection require early arrival for optimal placement. "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you," explains a Thousand Trails visitor.
Site spacing variations: Campground layouts vary significantly with some offering minimal separation between units. "Sites are a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out. Nice pool and great camp store!" reports an RV camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
