Glamping options near Marion Heights, Pennsylvania offer scenic forest settings within the ridge and valley region of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations between 700-1,200 feet. Camping seasons typically run April through October with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F. While luxury accommodations are available, many campsites also provide more rustic alternatives for those seeking traditional outdoor experiences.
What to do
Explore boulder fields: At Hickory Run State Park Campground, the massive boulder field formation creates a unique geological attraction. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," notes Mike M. The boulder fields are accessible via a scenic stone road drive through the woods.
Hike waterfall trails: Multiple waterfall viewing opportunities exist near Marion Heights camping areas. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! And the hike back up was again steep but maintained!" explains Anne P. about the falls trail at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.
Tubing creek adventures: Creekside camping provides refreshing water activities during hot summer days. "We enjoy tubing down the river right to the campground," shares Jim S. about Little Mexico Campground. Many sites feature creek access points where children can wade safely while parents supervise from nearby campsites.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Lake Glory provides waterfront camping with excellent privacy. "We stay at lake glory every year while visiting Knoebels. It's so much quieter than Knoebels campground and so much more room. We love the creek side sites! Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away," explains Eiron S.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention shower and bathroom quality in their reviews. "The showers are great and the camp store has plenty of Staples. Big campsites so you don't feel crowded," notes Joshua W. about his experience at Lake Glory Campground.
Evening entertainment: Family-friendly evening activities enhance glamping experiences. "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," Dawn T. explains about Twin Grove RV Resort. These entertainment options provide alternatives to traditional campfire activities.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite forest settings. "Right off the highway with lots of loud trucks and bikes. The campground is very busy with loud activity from other campers at all hours," warns Tiani P. about her camping experience at Camp A While.
Seasonal site variations: Camping during different parts of the season affects site conditions. "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. from his experience at Knoebels Campground.
Water quality concerns: Water testing sometimes impacts campground services. "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 specific situation at Ricketts Glen.
Tips for camping with families
Best playgrounds: Well-maintained play areas provide entertainment for children. "They have a pool and fun activities though the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride. The bathrooms are always clean and staff is friendly," says Dawn T. about her family's experience at Twin Grove.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming locations exist beyond just pools. "There is a lake to fish in and a play ground for the kids. A decent camp store for the little things you may have forgot at home," explains amber F. about her experience at Splash Magic RV Resort.
Kid-friendly hiking: Several trails accommodate young hikers. "This place has so many beautiful waterfalls and sights to see! Be sure to take a trip to the fire tower and to the falls. There are many different walks with different difficulty which is nice no matter what who you are with, giving you the ability to explore the outdoors," recommends Meag F. about hiking at Ricketts Glen.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require leveling equipment for comfortable setup. "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 her experience at Knoebels Campground.
Electrical stability: Power supply varies between campgrounds. "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," reports Debbie W. about holiday weekend conditions at Splash Magic.
RV site selection: Choosing the right campground section improves the experience. "We always try to get a site at the top. Longer walk to the park but worth it for us," advises Dawn T. about selecting sites at Knoebels, noting that "the bottom part of the campground they squeeze them in tight."
