Campgrounds near Waterville, Pennsylvania typically operate from April through October due to the region's cold winters with temperatures dropping below freezing and significant snowfall. Mountain terrain in this area ranges from 600-1,800 feet elevation, with many campgrounds positioned in valleys or along small waterways. Summer camping temperatures average 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The fishing pond at Spring Gulch Resort Campground offers stocked waters though one camper notes "Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."
Family crafting: Several RV parks near Waterville offer organized activities, particularly during weekends. "There was a craft show in the barn which was nice," mentions a visitor to Spring Gulch Resort Campground, making it ideal for those seeking structured recreation.
Miniature golf: Most campgrounds maintain course facilities though upkeep varies. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, campers can enjoy this activity, though some note maintenance issues: "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened….several holes needed maintenance."
Local attractions: Amish country sites are accessible from several Waterville area campgrounds. "Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also," notes a camper who stayed at Spring Gulch Resort Campground during Halloween.
What campers like
Halloween events: Fall camping offers special activities at several parks. A visitor at Sun Valley noted, "The Halloween decorations were the best. The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature both indoor and outdoor pools, extending the swimming season. At Sun Valley Campground, guests appreciate the clean facilities: "Great swimming pool, immaculately clean bathrooms and showers. Well wooded campground with friendly staff and guests."
Live entertainment: Weekend activities often include musical performances. A camper at Sun Valley mentioned, "The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined."
Seasonal community: Long-term campers create a neighborhood feel at many parks. "My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations," shared one dedicated camper.
What you should know
Site conditions: Many campgrounds feature rocky terrain challenging for tent stakes. At Mays Landing Resort, "Site are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled."
Seasonal populations: Most RV parks near Waterville have high percentages of permanent residents. At Sun Valley, one camper observed, "90% of the people here are full time," which affects the overall atmosphere and availability.
Navigation challenges: Interior roads at many campgrounds can be difficult to navigate. A visitor to Mays Landing noted, "Really nice area but the park is a little run down and spots are super crowded with really narrow, winding streets. It was a maze."
Variable store supplies: Camp stores stock basics but inventory differs significantly between locations. At Sun Valley, a camper mentioned, "The only minor complaint is that the camp store was sparsely supplied."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Parks with organized programs keep children engaged throughout the day. A family who stayed at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer reported, "The pool and splash pad were great but you needed to be at least 42 inches to go on the slide or bounce house."
Pet restrictions: Policies vary regarding animals, with some parks having limitations. At Spring Gulch, campers note the nearby gun range can be "tough on pets" causing stress for animals sensitive to loud noises.
Sports equipment: Some parks offer recreational gear at no additional cost. A Spring Gulch visitor mentioned, "Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes."
Playground access: Many campgrounds maintain play structures for various age groups. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, one parent noted, "I would come back again my 3 yr old lobed the playground and pool. The roads are dirt but well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV parks Waterville, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas have variable space configurations. At Village Scene Park, though the slots aren't traditional, one RVer noted there are "about 2 dozen or so slots, albeit there's a decent amount of vacant land adjacent to the 2-3 strips of parallel running pavement pathways."
Dump station availability: Hours for using facilities may be restricted. At Village Scene Park, a visitor noted, "there's a $20 flat dump fee, opened 9-4pm M-F, but closed on the weekends (to our chagrin, we found this out too late!)."
Weather considerations: Proper site drainage becomes crucial during heavy rainfall. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park observed, "Our site was roomy and had gravel however it poured and hailed for 1 hr and it still made a swamp."
Seasonal operating hours: Pool and amenity schedules change throughout the season. At Spring Gulch, a visitor pointed out "Staff was nice but not enough staffing to keep amenities like pool open after 5 during the week."
