Paul E. R.
Scout
ScoutHersheypark Camping Resort
This is the greatest place to enjoy all the activities your family desires
Enjoy an amazing experience staying at Hershey Park camp site 😄😄
Best Campgrounds near Sunbury, PA
Camping options near Sunbury, Pennsylvania range from established campgrounds with full amenities to more primitive sites across the region's varied terrain. Fantasy Island Campground, located in Sunbury itself, provides tent sites, RV hookups and cabin rentals with a camping season from April 15 to October 1. Nearby options include Splash Magic RV Resort in Northumberland, Knoebels Campground with its amusement park proximity, and Shikellamy State Park Campground which offers more basic tent camping with toilets but no hookups. Most campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water, with many also providing electric hookups for RVs.
Seasonal operation is common throughout the region, with most campgrounds open from April through October. Camping areas like Lake Glory Campground operate from April 15 to October 15, while Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA runs from April 1 to November 1. A visitor noted, "The park rangers were very strict. I didn't see any issues with them and I felt that their presence was similar to all the other state parks we have visited." Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Campers should be prepared for varying levels of privacy between sites, as some campgrounds offer spacious, shaded lots while others feature more compact arrangements. Cell service can be limited in some areas, particularly in more remote campgrounds.
Water features are prominent attractions at many campgrounds in the Sunbury area. Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, with some campsites allowing direct lake access. "The lake is stocked very well. We got a ton of fish in all parts of the lake," reported one camper. Proximity to creeks and rivers is another highlight for many campgrounds, offering scenic views and recreational activities. Families will appreciate campgrounds with additional amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and game rooms. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campgrounds experiencing periodic train noise or road traffic, while others provide more secluded environments. Most developed campgrounds offer clean shower facilities and restrooms, though availability of full hookups differs between locations.
Best Camping Sites Near Sunbury, Pennsylvania (171)
1. Knoebels Campground
24 ReviewsMarion Heights, PA15 milesWebsite+1 (570) 672-9555$59 - $160 / night
"Knoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins. There is electricity at every site but not water."
"In addition to the campsites you have access to the campsite bathrooms which also have showers. They’re nothing special but they get the job done and are cleaned daily by staff."
2. Splash Magic RV Resort
8 ReviewsSunbury, PA4 milesWebsite+1 (412) 730-2341"We immediately told the front office and they acted immediately and took the proper steps to ensure everyone's safety."
3. Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA
13 ReviewsNew Columbia, PA16 milesWebsite+1 (570) 568-5541"We decided to stay here based on it's close proximity to Bucknell University. The staff is friendly, clientele is calm. Lots of well maintained seasonal sites."
"We were only there as an overnight stop, but walked around the park and found so many fun family activities!"
4. Little Mexico Campground
6 ReviewsVicksburg, PA8 milesWebsite+1 (570) 374-9742$30 - $65 / night
"Little Mexico is a nice campground with lots of activities in the summer, situated on Penn’s Creek about 15 minutes from Lewisburg, PA. We camped there twice this summer and had enjoyable visits."
5. Lake Glory Campground
15 ReviewsCatawissa, PA17 milesWebsite+1 (570) 356-7392$50 - $80 / night
"This campground is only minutes away from Knobels Amusement Park. The campground itself was clean but not a lot of amenities being it’s part of the amusement park."
"It’s a nice spacious campground next to the park."
6. Fantasy Island Campground
5 ReviewsSunbury, PA2 milesWebsite+1 (570) 286-13077. Penn Avon Campground
2 ReviewsSelinsgrove, PA5 milesWebsite+1 (570) 374-94688. Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Milton
2 ReviewsLewisburg, PA7 milesWebsite+1 (570) 524-5461$50 - $75 / night
"They have a ton of activities for kids, fishing ponds, and plenty of spark to keep this place around for years to come!"
9. Shikellamy State Park Campground
3 ReviewsSunbury, PA2 milesWebsite"Had a great time walking the trails and enjoying a picnic at the cliff-side pavilion."
10. Indian Head Campground
11 ReviewsCatawissa, PA18 milesWebsite+1 (570) 441-8628"Not much to do at the campground but it is 20 minutes away from Knoebles. The fees are fairly cheap."
"Good location, right on the river. The campground overall is very pretty. A few old, junk trailers around the property need to be hauled off."
Recent Camping Photos near Sunbury, PA
235 Photos of 171 Sunbury Campgrounds
Magdalena L.
Splash Magic RV Resort
Brittany V.
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Milton
Paula R.
Little Mexico Campground
Ernest O.
Penns Creek Campsite
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Sky High Estate - Coleman Outfitted Site
Jen V.
Knoebels Campground
Robert A.
Breezy Acre Campsites
Traci F.
Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA
Vince L.
Lake Glory Campground
Luis B.
Indian Head Campground
Julie Z.
Gray Squirrel Campsites
Sharon L.
Lake Heron Retreat
Recent Reviews near Sunbury, PA
645 Reviews of 171 Sunbury Campgrounds
- FFrank F.Scout
Thousand Trails Hershey
Nice park but the site not so much
The park is very nice however the site H2 was the site assigned to us. The distance between our Coach and the fence was 7 feet and the bathhouse was blocking the view. I do not recommend this site.
- CCarol B.
GuideRiverfront Campground
OK for an overnight.
More of a rustic trailer park than a campground with some long term residents. Owners were nice. "Bathhouse" has flush toilets but wasn't very clean. We don't fish but if you do this might be a place for you.
- ZZack W.Scout
Indian Head Campground
Good but could be better
A lot of people recommended this campground. We were late to book for Memorial Day weekend and Indian Head had plenty of spots open so we gave it a chance. Upon arriving, they gave us a map to our spot, we drove to the area and it was essentially a big open field with no spots marked, no numbers, no direction to really pull in. We had to ask the owner where our spot was because there was nothing to show where it was in the fielded grass area. I understand they are putting work into the campground to improve it, it seems, but seemed Alittle messy just from the store, entrance and overall upkeep of the campground. Overall, if we had the chance to camp here again, we probably wouldn’t. I would reccomend J&D or Lake Glory that’s in the same area if able to be booked.
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.
RangerLittle Buffalo State Park Campground
Campground away from park 👍🏻
Beautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasn’t busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
James B.
TravelerHershey Road Campground
An alternative to Hershey Park Campground. A little cheapwr but sites are better here.
Great location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
Stuart K.
LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Guide to Sunbury
Camping sites near Sunbury, Pennsylvania range from riverfront locations to woodland settings across the Central Pennsylvania landscape. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F and winter temperatures averaging 20-40°F. Most local campgrounds feature grassy or gravel sites with varying degrees of shade from mature trees.
What to do
Creek access for tubing: Little Mexico Campground offers tubing on Penn's Creek, with many guests enjoying the water activities. "The creek was amazing and the kids loved it," shares Paula R. "We used our own bathroom so I can't say how clean the public bathroom was."
Fishing opportunities: Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA includes a fishing pond that's well-stocked for family angling. "Fishing pond and great store and ice cream shop. Would definitely go back here!" notes Brandon W. The campground also offers a petting zoo that children particularly enjoy.
Amusement park access: Lake Glory Campground provides free shuttle service to Knoebels Amusement Park, making it a convenient base for park visitors. "10 minutes to Knoebels with the mighty Phoenix. The best wooden coaster on the planet. Always a great time at Lake Glory," says Vince L. He adds, "Also, don't miss The Old Mill Ice Cream. The best Ice Cream on the planet!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Milton receives praise for its maintenance standards. "The facilities are immaculate and the customer service is spot on! Everything is well kept and it's centered in a beautiful valley with a creek running through," reports Brittany V.
Large sites: Many campers appreciate the roomier sites at certain campgrounds. At Indian Head Campground, "Pull thru sites are large and have plenty of space. Location is crucial venues to I-80 but no traffic noise. Friendly staff," according to Melissa F.
Waterfront camping: Splash Magic RV Resort offers riverfront sites that campers frequently mention. "Our site was right along the river, the view was amazing and the site was huge," notes Traci F. The campground also features water slides and a swimming pool that families enjoy.
What you should know
Site dimensions vary widely: At many local campgrounds, site size can be a concern. At Fantasy Island Campground, one camper reported, "Very tight parking, I told them my trailer was 35 feet long, they put me in a site that was impossible to back into. 4 different sites had to move their vehicles and I still couldn't do it."
Temperature fluctuations: The area experiences significant temperature changes, even during summer months. 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," advises Derek W.
Off-season limitations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited availability from November through March. Penn Avon Campground operates from April 1 to October 31, while others like Lake Glory Campground run from April 15 to October 15.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA features extensive play facilities. "The playground was fantastic and looked to be new, and there was a jumping pillow and a pool," writes Jessica N.
Scheduled activities: Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Milton provides organized events for children. "This place was awesome! My children had so much fun. They had the entire weekend planned for us. My wife and I don't like to so having a busy weekend for the kiddos was a great thing," explains Brian C.
Cabin options: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. At Knoebels Campground, "We have camped in our pop up but we have also rented the cabins here too. Single cabins have three double beds with two up top in the loft and one down below," notes Jen R., who adds a practical tip: "I would suggest bringing an air mattress to sleep on as the mats are old and used."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven sites at several campgrounds. One camper at Knoebels Campground reported, "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."
Hook-up availability: Full hook-up sites are available at numerous camping areas near Sunbury, but availability varies. At Indian Head Campground, "The sites were all FHU. There seem to be many semi-permanent residents but plenty of room for transients like us passing through," according to Ralph L.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. When visiting Indian Head Campground, one reviewer cautions, "Some GPS (like mine) might take you off the beaten track to get here!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Sunbury, PA?
What campgrounds are available in Sunbury, PA?
Several campgrounds are available in and around Sunbury, PA. Fantasy Island Campground is located directly in Sunbury, offering reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly accommodations. For those willing to travel a short distance, Shady Oak Campground offers both full hookup gravel sites and more natural grassy sites without sewer connections, creating a camping park feel. The campground features clean bathrooms with hot water and extremely friendly staff. Other nearby options include Splash Magic RV Resort near Northumberland and Penn Avon Campground near Selinsgrove, both providing easy access to the Sunbury area while offering standard camping amenities.
Are there wooded camping options near Sunbury, PA?
Are there wooded camping options near Sunbury, PA?
Yes, there are several wooded camping options near Sunbury. Worlds End State Park Campground offers heavily wooded sites with beautiful trails, amazing views, and access to Loyalsock Creek. The park provides a true forest immersion experience, though some sites are closer to the main road than others. Another excellent wooded option is Hemlock Acres Camp Ground, which provides peaceful, quiet sites nestled in Pennsylvania's forests. Both locations offer a genuine woodland camping experience with plenty of trees providing shade and privacy between most campsites. For the best wooded experience, try to reserve sites away from main roads and request more secluded options when making reservations.
Can I find tent camping facilities around Sunbury?
Can I find tent camping facilities around Sunbury?
Yes, there are several tent camping facilities around Sunbury. Little Pine State Park Campground offers beautiful tent sites along a stream with mountain views. This park provides electric hookups with convenient water fill-up locations, a dump station, and access to the Mid State hiking trail. Another option is Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park, which features private sites with grassy areas perfect for tent setup. The campground offers asphalt parking pads with large gravel areas that include firepits. For a more rustic experience, Shikellamy State Park Campground provides hike-in tent sites with basic amenities like water and toilets.
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