Camping sites near Muir, Pennsylvania are set within the eastern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 450 to 900 feet. Most campgrounds in the area open between April and October, closing during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing. Stream and creek flooding can occur after heavy rains, particularly at low-elevation camping areas near water features.
What to do
Fishing and boating access: Locust Lake State Park Campground offers direct water access for anglers and paddlers. "Some camp sites are along the lake or along the small creek, all are very wooded. They sell ice cream (and firewood, etc.) on site in the summer but it's bring your own boat," notes Dan N.
Appalachian Trail hiking: Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides direct access to Pennsylvania's portion of the famous trail. "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing," explains Lisa B.
Rail trail biking: The Swatara Rail Trail connects to several campgrounds in the area. As Bobby S. mentions about Jonestown/Hershey KOA: "Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc."
Amusement park access: Several campgrounds offer shuttle service to nearby attractions. At Lake Glory Campground, "There's a shuttle to Knoebels Amusement Resort. There is a lake you can fish in and a play ground for the kids," according to amber F.
What campers like
Cleanliness of facilities: Twin Grove RV Resort maintains excellent amenities. "Spotless. Plenty of room for whatever size tent or RV you have. Always lots of activities. Nice arcade and mini golf in an area set off to the side with a ferris wheel, merry go round, and other small kiddie rides," says Mike J.
Themed weekends: Many campgrounds host special events throughout the season. Shirley M. notes about Twin Grove RV Resort: "We come here once a year to take our grandkids on an annual camping trip with us. Lots to do! Playgrounds, special events, crafts."
Water recreation opportunities: Camp Swatara offers multiple water features. Christopher E. reports: "There's lots to do for the whole family: hiking to the rock pile, fishing and boating in the lake, swimming, mini golf, a splash pad, ball fields, and creeks to play in, and more."
Private bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds feature individual bathroom units. At Lake Glory Campground, Marlaina M. appreciates that "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."
What you should know
Road and railway noise: Several campgrounds are located near transportation corridors. Kit notes about Hersheypark Camping Resort: "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!"
Site availability systems: Some campgrounds use first-come, first-served systems for specific sites. Yamileth K. explains: "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate seasonally. Lake Glory Campground runs from April 15 to October 15, while Thousand Trails Hershey operates from April 14 to October 29.
Alcohol restrictions: Locust Lake State Park Campground prohibits alcohol consumption, unlike private campgrounds in the area that typically allow it.
Tips for camping with families
Look for zero-entry pools: These accessible pool designs benefit multiple age groups. B M. notes about Echo Valley Campground: "The pool is big and no one in it. It had a zero entry which is nice for us older people."
Consider creek access: Children enjoy wading opportunities. Eiron S. recommends: "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."
Check for weekday vs weekend differences: Many campgrounds are significantly quieter and less crowded on weekdays. One reviewer noted about Knoebels Campground: "We arrived on a Thursday night, and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. We were out and about during the day on Friday, and when we came back in the evening, it was packed."
Verify bathroom proximity: Family sites may be positioned strategically. As Kasumi notes about Jonestown/Hershey NE KOA: "Bathrooms were very clean as well, though kind of far from these sites."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Knoebels Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. Derek W. advises: "The sites are very close to one another. We lucked out in Bermuda Triangle as there was a little more space and we were further away from some of the noise. The sites are clean and well maintained."
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer specialized sites for easier access. Angie G. states about Jonestown/Hershey KOA: "The pull through sites are nice and long, but we were put in a buddy spot and didn't know. We were happy we made friends with our neighbors, but I'd check that first."
Site size variations: Larger rigs need specific accommodations. Mike J. notes about Hersheypark Camping Resort: "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck."
Overflow parking options: Many campgrounds offer solutions for towed vehicles. According to Yamileth K.: "They have an overflow area for those with extra cars and those with tow dollies. This keeps the campground from looking like a junk yard."
