Glamping opportunities near Hartleton, Pennsylvania, put visitors close to Penn's Creek and Bald Eagle State Forest, where elevations range from 500 to 2,300 feet. Most glamping sites in the region operate within a temperate climate zone with warm summers and cold winters. Primitive campsites and upscale glamping options often share the same natural resources, with the White Mountain area and its creeks providing water recreation throughout the summer months.
What to do
Creek exploration and fishing: At Poe Paddy State Park Campground, Penn's Creek offers excellent fishing and wading opportunities right beside the camping area. According to one camper, "Penn's Creek runs beside it...it's a lot of fun to float the creek. Great fishing too! No cell service." Another visitor noted, "The creek and river are perfect for curious little ones to explore."
Historic exploration: Visit the historic mill at Little Buffalo State Park Campground when staying at glamping sites near Hartleton. "The historical mill was well worth the trip. By the far the highlight of ours as well. Especially since they engaged the wheel and actually ground corn!" shares one camper. The park also features trails with workout stations along the routes.
Tubing adventures: Many glamping sites near Hartleton provide easy access to river tubing. At Buttonwood Campground, tubing is highly rated by visitors. One reviewer stated, "Tubing down the river is so fun and the highlight of a stay here." Many campgrounds offer shuttle services for tubers, with Buttonwood providing this service as part of their activity wristband program.
Water recreation: The larger lakes in the region provide alternatives to creek swimming. Bald Eagle State Park features a substantial lake for boating. A visitor mentioned, "We love this park and usually rent a boat and swim and watch the eagles all day. One of the best experiences ever." Several glamping locations offer transportation to these larger water bodies.
What campers like
Private creek access: Many campers appreciate sites with direct water access. At Poe Paddy State Park Campground, one visitor shared, "We had site 108 and had a site path right to the creek. I wouldn't recommend big campers as most of the spots would be a pain to back into." Creek-side sites often book quickly during summer months.
Family activities: Organized events and amenities keep families entertained at many glamping locations. A guest at Splash Magic RV Resort noted, "There is a great water park as well as adults only pool for those wanting a break from the little ones." This diversity of pool options appeals to mixed-age groups.
Scenic natural settings: The rural landscapes surrounding Hartleton provide scenic backdrops for glamping experiences. One visitor to Little Mexico Campground shared, "Little Mexico is a nice campground with lots of activities in the summer, situated on Penn's Creek about 15 minutes from Lewisburg, PA." The natural setting combined with amenities creates an appealing balance.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention cleanliness as a key factor in their enjoyment. A reviewer at Bald Eagle State Park reported, "Campground was small, clean and quiet. The showers kinda sucked since you it had water limits on them that only last 20 seconds before you had to hit the button again. But they were extremely clean."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most glamping operations in the Hartleton area have limited seasonal availability. At Sunsational Family Campground, the season runs "Apr 15 to Oct 15," requiring advanced planning for visits. Winter options are significantly more limited.
Cell service limitations: Many glamping locations have poor or non-existent cell coverage. A visitor to Poe Paddy State Park Campground advised, "There is NO cell service and park rangers do 'rounds' but aren't stationed at the site. There are a couple of water pumps, several well-maintained pit toilets, and an emergency phone."
Extra fees for activities: Several glamping locations charge additional fees for amenities and activities. At Splash Magic RV Resort, a visitor noted, "We should have looked into a pass to do more because the extras can get expensive. But everything is right there and you never have to leave so it's worth it in my opinion."
Site privacy variations: The level of privacy between sites varies significantly between glamping locations. One camper at Buttonwood Campground observed, "We where on the upper side and it felt more like tailgating than camping but everyone was super friendly." Request specific sites when booking if privacy is important.
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives: While swimming pools are popular, creek access provides a natural alternative. A visitor at Poe Paddy State Park Campground shared, "Very primitive, only 2 sites with electric and no playground (but 4 swings), however the creek is beautiful and the kids were so happy to play in it."
Activity planning: Research scheduled activities before booking glamping sites. At Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Milton, a family reported, "This place was awesome! My children had so much fun. They had the entire weekend planned for us. My wife and I don't like to so having a busy weekend for the kiddos was a great thing."
Budget considerations: Many glamping locations near Hartleton charge additional fees for activities. A visitor to Buttonwood Campground advised, "Plan on spending $20 per person for an activity wristband that includes all the extras including mini golf and tubing shuttle."
Off-peak benefits: Visiting glamping sites during weekdays can provide a quieter experience. One camper at Knoebels Campground shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Hartleton area have uneven sites. A camper at Knoebels Campground reported, "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."
Electrical considerations: Power supply can be inconsistent at some locations during peak usage. A visitor to Buttonwood Campground noted, "Electric ran below 110 volts the entire weekend and the water had a brownish tint to it. It was a VERY hot weekend so I should mention that everyone had their air running."
Road access limitations: Some glamping areas have challenging access roads. A reviewer of Little Mexico Campground shared, "The road leading to the campground is narrow and winding, but we didn't experience any trouble." Larger rigs may want to call ahead for specific routing advice.
Full hookup availability: When glamping with an RV near Hartleton, research hookup options. At Splash Magic RV Resort, most sites have full hookups, but a visitor warned, "Sites were SUPER tight. We were packed in like sardines. We had a site right on the river which was absolutely beautiful. Navigating to the site itself definitely tests your skills when you have a total rig length of 52'."
