Middletown, Pennsylvania sits in the Susquehanna Valley, with elevations ranging from 300-400 feet above sea level and a humid continental climate that delivers four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with occasional rainfall. The area's waterways, including the Susquehanna River and smaller creeks, create diverse ecosystems that support the region's woodland and wetland habitats.
What to do
Lake activities at Gifford Pinchot: The 340-acre Pinchot Lake offers multiple recreation options beyond the beach area. "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," notes one Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground visitor. Kayak and canoe rentals are available for water exploration.
Geocaching trails: Lower Allen Community Park provides access to several geocaching locations along Yellow Breeches Creek. "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site," explains a reviewer, making this an ideal spot to combine paddling with treasure hunting activities.
Disc golf courses: Multiple courses exist within a 20-minute drive of Middletown. "Both areas have great access for fishing, and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore. Both areas also have their own 18 hole disc golf course," shares a Gifford Pinchot camper about the dual course options at one location.
Fishing spots: Yellow Breeches Creek offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. "We have camped here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts," reports a Gifford Pinchot camper, highlighting how waterfront access enhances both standard camping and yurt camping near Middletown, Pennsylvania.
What campers like
Private riverside camping: For those seeking seclusion, River Rock Recreation offers exclusive use of their riverside property. "The site is almost 2 acres in size and you do not share the site with anyone. We saw no one while there and you're literally about 100-150 yards off a side road," explains one River Rock Recreation visitor. The site includes wooden tent platforms, a covered kitchen area, and private river access.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent praise. "Bathhouses are nice and clean. Sites well maintained but ours wasn't level. Gets packed on weekends. Lots of families enjoying their time together, campfires, kids playing," notes a Pinch Pond Family Campground visitor, emphasizing the family-friendly atmosphere despite occasional leveling challenges.
Yurt options: Multiple parks offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent camping. "The park's yurts offer furnished platform tents with electricity," reports a Codorus State Park camper, providing insight into the elevated yurt camping experience in Middletown, Pennsylvania area parks.
Organized activities: Cedar Lake Family Campground receives praise for its entertainment calendar. "This campground has it all, friendly staff, activities galore, cleanliness, & fun, fun, fun," shares one visitor, highlighting the programmed recreation options available throughout camping season.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds and within individual parks. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," notes an Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA visitor, showing how site amenities differ even within the same campground.
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation or activities. "Downside? Well, let's come back to that 'inconvenient' proximity to interstate 76. For starters, while it is RIGHT NEXT to the highway, it's not a simple or EZ path to navigate," explains a visitor to PA Dutch Country RV Resort, highlighting the trade-off between convenience and noise levels.
Seasonal restrictions: Most yurt facilities and premium camping options operate on limited schedules. "Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out," observed a Hersheypark Camping Resort visitor, showing how site spacing varies based on location within the campground.
Wildlife awareness: Local ecosystems include various wildlife that campers should prepare for. "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape... Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites," warns a Gifford Pinchot visitor, underscoring the importance of proper insect protection during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Multiple parks offer child-friendly water features. "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," shares a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park, emphasizing the accessibility for younger children.
Playgrounds and recreation: Many campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "They have Hershey's ice cream in the office and my kids enjoyed getting a treat. 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!" enthuses a Pinch Pond visitor.
Family programming: Seasonal events cater specifically to children. "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," shares a Thousand Trails Circle M camper, highlighting the entertainment options beyond natural attractions.
First-timer friendly yurts: For families new to camping, yurt accommodations offer an entry-level experience. "We did a cabin since it was colder and we had the baby. We loved it! There is a par 3 golf course, indoor pool, mini golf, basketball, and that is in the fall," explains a Circle M visitor, showing how structured accommodations like yurts and cabins extend the camping season for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Multiple campgrounds require additional equipment for proper RV setup. "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. We had to go out and get more blocks and we're still not very level front to back," warns a visitor to PA Dutch Country RV Resort.
Hook-up variations: Water pressure and connection positioning differ between sites. "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," notes a visitor to PA Dutch Country RV Resort, providing practical advice for connection expectations.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites range from spacious to crowded depending on location. "Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out. Nice pool and great camp store!" explains a Hersheypark Camping Resort visitor, showing the importance of research before booking specific sites.
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entry routes for larger rigs. "Roads are narrow, but the sites are large and level. The lake is nice and they stock it with trout," shares a visitor to Cedar Lake Family Campground, balancing navigation concerns with site quality for RV campers.
