Tucked into Pennsylvania's rolling Appalachian hills at 700 feet elevation, Catawissa offers multiple glamping options beyond basic camping experiences. The region's climate typically provides warm summer days around 85°F with cooler nights dropping to the 50s, making climate-controlled accommodations appealing during peak season. The nearby Susquehanna River watershed creates unique microclimates that influence camping conditions throughout the extended April-October season.
What to do
Hiking the Falls Trail: At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, visitors can experience a renowned trail featuring 22 named waterfalls. "The biggest draw to this state park is the 22 waterfalls! We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike," notes camper Lee D. The trail is rated moderate to difficult, with natural stone steps and uneven terrain.
Boulder Field Exploration: Located about 50 minutes northeast of Catawissa, Hickory Run State Park Campground offers a unique geological formation. "We took a drive on 2 afternoons on a stone road through the woods to see the Boulder Field. It was a beautiful drive," shares Shirley M. The Boulder Field features 16,000 square feet of large sandstone boulders and requires a 30-minute drive from the campground along a maintained stone road.
Creek Wading and Tubing: Many campgrounds near Catawissa feature creek access. "Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away," explains one camper about creek-side sites at Lake Glory Campground. The gentle creeks maintain cooler water temperatures even during summer heat, providing natural relief on hot days.
What campers like
Spacious Sites: Lake Glory Campground receives praise for its generous campsite dimensions. "Big campsites so you don't feel crowded," mentions Joshua W. The campground offers creek-side sites and lakefront options with full hookups, both providing more separation than typical commercial campgrounds in the area.
Themed Weekends: Pioneer Campground offers special event weekends throughout their April-December season. "We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt... In talking with the extremely friendly owners we found out about their Halloween activities and have been back several times," shares Gayle B. Their Halloween weekends feature site decorating contests, trick-or-treating, and haunted woods activities.
Swimming Options: Splash Magic RV Resort provides water recreation beyond typical campground amenities. "The pool was great, the kids loved the water slides," reports Traci F. The campground maintains both a water park area with slides and a separate adults-only pool, giving parents options during busy summer weekends.
What you should know
Noise Considerations: Glamping sites vary significantly in ambient noise levels. Camp A While experiences traffic noise as one camper notes: "Right off the highway with lots of loud trucks and bikes." For quieter options, look to more secluded locations away from major roads.
Weather Preparation: The region experiences significant temperature swings, particularly in late summer. "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. about his stay at Knoebels Campground.
Reservation Timing: Many glamping options near Catawissa book quickly, especially during summer. "Book early....these sites fill fast!" warns a Lake Glory Campground visitor. For weekend stays during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance, particularly for premium sites with water views.
Tips for camping with families
Off-Peak Benefits: Camping during weekdays or shoulder seasons provides a different experience. "We arrived on a Thursday night, and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. We were out and about during the day on Friday, and when we came back in the evening, it was packed," shares Jen V. regarding her stay at Knoebels Campground. Weekday stays often mean more available facilities and less waiting.
Age-Appropriate Sites: When selecting accommodations with children, consider campground layout. "The bottom part of the campground they squeeze them in tight. We always try to get a site at the top. Longer walk to the park but worth it for us," recommends Dawn T. about Knoebels Campground. Upper sections often provide more space for children to play safely.
Bathroom Proximity: For families with young children, bathroom location matters. "The first time we stayed we were near the bath houses- which actually ended up being a great location. Very large, open site and quiet!" shares Gayle B. about Little Mexico Campground. Sites near bathhouses may experience more foot traffic but provide convenience for families.
Tips from RVers
Full Hookup Availability: While many campgrounds advertise full hookups, availability varies by section. "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth," reports Lee D. about a temporary situation at Ricketts Glen. Always check current utility status before arrival.
Site Leveling: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. "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," notes Jen V. about Knoebels Campground. RVers should bring sufficient leveling blocks, particularly for the region's older campgrounds with fewer engineered sites.
Electrical Capacity: During peak summer heat, electrical systems can become strained. "Electric ran below 110 volts the entire weekend... It was a VERY hot weekend so I should mention that everyone had their air running," explains Debbie W. about her Splash Magic RV Resort experience. Consider running a single air conditioning unit during extreme heat waves or requesting 50-amp service if available.
