Camping options near Marietta, Pennsylvania sit along the Susquehanna River at approximately 300 feet elevation, where summer temperatures average 80-85°F during peak season. The region experiences humid conditions from June through August, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that can quickly transform dry campsites into muddy terrain. Visitors seeking upscale outdoor experiences will find several glamping close to Marietta, Pennsylvania that offer alternatives to traditional tent camping.
What to do
Kayaking on the Susquehanna River: River Rock Recreation provides direct river access with tent platforms positioned near the water. According to one camper, "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait."
Hiking woodland trails: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers multiple trail systems varying in difficulty. A visitor noted, "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. I also hiked/jogged the Quaker Race Trail and that was nice, too."
Fishing with children: Tucquan Park Family Campground maintains a stocked fishing pond on-site for beginners. A reviewer reported, "There was also a nice little pond you can fish. The primitive sites are back in the woods which kept us nice and cool on hot July nights."
Mini golf competitions: Pinch Pond Family Campground provides on-site mini golf with a unique reward system. As one visitor explained, "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time."
What campers like
Riverside camping sites: Thousand Trails Circle M features premium water-adjacent sites. A camper shared, "While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did! The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks!"
Clean bathhouse facilities: Codorus State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. One visitor remarked, "Campground bath houses were very clean, nice hot showers with great showerhead that stayed on without pushing a button."
Private outdoor kitchen spaces: River Rock Recreation provides cooking areas with practical design elements. A visitor mentioned, "There is a stone floor, covered roof, and wrap around wood countertop space complete with an outdoor sink. You can refill the water supply for the sink very easily."
Spacious tent platforms: When glamping close to Marietta area parks, many campers appreciate the stable foundations. A review of River Rock noted, "The smaller tent platforms were perfect to set up our camp chairs and relax by the water. There is also a patch of trees that had 2 hammocks set up."
What you should know
Train noise disruptions: Hersheypark Camping Resort sits near active railroad tracks. A camper warned, "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!"
Shooting range proximity: Several campgrounds in the region have nearby target practice facilities. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, a visitor noted, "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking."
Primitive site locations: Campgrounds often place tent-only sites farther from amenities. At Tucquan Park, one camper observed, "We were originally supposed to be in the woods — which FYI is far out of the way of the main activities, and also has a pretty steep incline."
Seasonal weather impacts: Pennsylvania summers can bring unexpected rain. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a visitor advised, "Bug spray is a must and lower sites are muddy, all in all, we had a great weekend here!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA offers swimming facilities with convenient hours. A camper noted, "The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!"
Playground access: Gifford Pinchot State Park includes play areas near camping loops. As one parent shared, "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."
Tent site selection: When searching for family-friendly sites, check locations carefully. A Gifford Pinchot visitor advised, "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape. When I arrived, someone was in my spot. After working it out and came back I noticed just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other."
Educational opportunities: The area offers chances to learn about local culture. One camper at Old Mill Stream Campground described, "It is a nice camp ground but super open because it was a weekday. Spots are kind of close, no trees or anything to separate spots."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country presents terrain difficulties. A visitor reported, "The campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites."
Hookup positioning: Be prepared to adapt to unusual utility setups. At Pinch Pond, a reviewer mentioned, "For RVers, I would recommend sites #102–120, again, in the far rear or sites #308–317 along Angler's Way."
Space limitations: RV sites vary significantly in size across the region. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, a camper noted, "The lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck."
Off-season advantages: Consider camping outside peak summer months. One visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA shared, "It's a koa but it's great, no one was there when we went in October. We had the whole place to ourselves."
