The Paradise, Pennsylvania camping area sits at an elevation of approximately 500 feet within Lancaster County's eastern section. The region experiences humid continental climate patterns with average summer temperatures reaching the mid-80s°F. Winter camping is limited in most locations with temperatures often dropping below freezing between December and February, though select campgrounds have begun extending their seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Old Mill Stream Campground offers access to a small creek where campers can try their luck. According to one visitor, "There is a small, slow flowing river that runs along the front of the park which some people play in and float down in inner tubes."
Visit nearby attractions: French Creek State Park Campground is located near several points of interest. "If you can't find enough to keep you busy at the campground or park there are a few attractions nearby. There is the Reading and Berks County Visitors Bureau and Chester County Visitors Bureau, State Game Lands 43, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," notes a reviewer.
Water activities: Circle M RV and Camping Resort offers river access for water recreation. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" shares one camper.
What campers like
Amish countryside views: Lancaster-New Holland KOA provides scenic agricultural views. "Beautiful valley views of Amish country," writes one camper, while another mentions, "Had a really great RV experience at the Lancaster KOA. We have a 35 ft class A with a tow and selected an executive 1st row which gave us unobstructed views of the Amish farmland and lots of room."
Cleanliness and maintenance: Campers frequently comment on the well-maintained facilities at many campgrounds. At Country Acres Campground, a visitor observed, "We had a nice week. The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it. The new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home!"
Quiet atmospheres: Many campsites near Paradise offer peaceful environments. A visitor to Beacon Hill Camping noted, "Great little adults only campground. Quiet and surrounded by Amish farm lands and shopping locations nearby. It's not a big campground but it's friendly, clean, and well maintained. One of our favorite places to go."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Campgrounds can vary widely in site sizes and layouts. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, a camper advised, "Most of the campsite options are fairly level, but are very rocky, so this is something to keep in mind if you are tent camping. We have heavy duty solid steel pegs and still had trouble pegging everything down."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from spring through fall. A camper at Country Acres Campground shared, "We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy."
Local weather impacts: Rain can affect site conditions at some locations. At Circle M RV and Camping Resort, a camper warned, "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is designed specifically with children in mind. "Very family friendly park. Cabins, RV, Tent - full amenities. Lots of things to do. A little pricy, but worth it especially with kids," explains one visitor. Another adds, "The water park was GREAT for kids and adults. Super clean. Lots to do."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Great pools and classes (water aerobics was fun for everyone)."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer opportunities to interact with farm animals. A visitor to Lake-In-Wood noted, "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, and it's close to stuff in Lancaster area."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort, a camper noted, "Newer electric connections. EWS all at great locations to hook up." However, another mentioned that "It was small and we felt that our camper was to big for the spot we were in."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are common but vary by campground. At Old Mill Stream Campground, a visitor explained, "We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp."
RV site levelness: Several reviewers mention site conditions important for RVers. A camper at French Creek State Park Campground shared, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other."
