Campers near Montoursville, Pennsylvania experience temperatures that often dip below 40°F at night even during summer months, making proper gear essential for tent camping. The region sits within the Appalachian Mountain range at elevations of 500-700 feet, creating distinct valley microclimates that affect camping conditions. Penn's Creek and the Susquehanna River provide water recreation options at several nearby campgrounds.
What to do
River tubing on Penn's Creek: Little Mexico Campground offers direct access to Penn's Creek where campers can enjoy floating activities. "We enjoy tubing down the river right to the campground," notes one visitor who regularly returns with a group of friends.
Family water activities: Splash Magic RV Resort features water recreation beyond standard pools. "The pool was great, the kids loved the water slides," reports a family visitor who found the playground "really nice" with "so much to do" that families "never have to leave."
Amusement park access: When staying at regional campgrounds during summer months, consider proximity to Knoebels. "The amusement park is free and you only pay for what you want to do," explains a camper who found the location convenient for both park activities and group camping with tents and RVs.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: The natural setting along the Susquehanna River attracts many campers. "Our site was right along the river, the view was amazing and the site was huge," shared a visitor to Splash Magic, highlighting the appeal of waterfront camping despite some bathroom facilities being "a little run down."
Friendly staff interactions: Lake Glory Campground earns praise for its management approach. "Great experience at this campground. Very well maintained. Friendly staff. Nice little lake to fish in. Very clean," reports one satisfied visitor who appreciated the overall care taken with the facilities.
Spacious sites in certain areas: Some campgrounds offer more room than others. "We lucked out in Bermuda Triangle as there was a little more space and we were further away from some of the noise," noted a Knoebels visitor, adding that while sites are "clean and well maintained," campers seeking wilderness experiences should look elsewhere.
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: The region experiences significant daily temperature shifts. According to one camper at Knoebels Campground, "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."
Site variations within campgrounds: Quality can vary significantly by location within a single property. "We were right next to the bath house, which was great for being able to send our 6-year-old by herself, but pretty obnoxious as far as foot traffic was concerned," reported a visitor who found that "none of the surrounding sites looked very level."
Seasonal camper dynamics: Many campgrounds maintain a mix of transient and seasonal residents. "Quiet hour times" enforcement can be inconsistent according to multiple reviews, with one camper at Little Mexico Campground noting that "some of the seasonal sites do not feel the quiet hour times apply to them."
Tips for camping with families
Individual bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds offer privacy-focused bathroom designs. "I do have to say I love the bath houses here. They are each their own individual rooms split into shower/changing room. I like the privacy and it made it much easier when my daughter was small," shared a Lake Glory visitor.
Activity package considerations: Evaluate activity fees before arrival. "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," advised a camper who found the additional fees worthwhile at Splash Magic despite the costs.
Cabin amenities awareness: For families considering cabins instead of tents, Indian Head Campground and others offer varied accommodations. "Single cabins have three double beds with two up top in the loft and one down below. I would suggest bringing an air mattress to sleep on as the mats are old and used," notes one experienced visitor.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Access roads to campgrounds can present challenges. At Little Mexico, "the road leading to the campground is narrow and winding, but we didn't experience any trouble," reported one RVer who added that the water pressure, electric stability, and cable TV connections were good despite limited internet and cell signal.
Limited amenities awareness: Not all rv campgrounds near Montoursville, Pennsylvania offer complete facilities. Some lack shower facilities while others have inconsistent trash service. According to a visitor at Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse, "The laundry and possibly bathrooms are shared with the locals," creating a situation that made some campers uncomfortable when children were present.
Navigation challenges: Larger rigs require careful planning. "Navigating to the site itself definitely tests your skills when you have a total rig length of 52'," reported one visitor who also experienced electrical voltage below 110 all weekend, suggesting power capacity limitations at some facilities during peak usage periods.
