Camping near Pine Grove, PA

Pine Grove, Pennsylvania camping sites sit within the state's Ridge and Valley Appalachian region, with elevations averaging 600 feet. Located between Blue Mountain and Second Mountain, the area experiences seasonal temperature variations with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows dropping to 20°F. Forest coverage includes oak, maple and pine trees, creating moderate to heavy shade at most developed camping areas.

What to do

Kayaking and biking: Jonestown/Hershey KOA offers access to the Swatara Creek and connects to the Swatara Rail trail. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc. Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking," notes Bobby S. The creek depth runs approximately ankle-deep according to visitors.

Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the Pine Grove area feature fishing ponds or creek access. At Twin Grove RV Resort, visitors can fish in the small on-site pond. Locust Lake State Park Campground offers more extensive fishing options with its 52-acre lake stocked with trout, bass, and panfish. "Lake is Good for fishing and canoe/kayak rides," reports Brandon W.

Historical exploration: The region provides access to several historical sites including the Yeungling Brewery in Pottsville. "Nice campground with some trails and access to Pottsville - for the best brewery tour ever - Yeungling! Check out the Jim Thorpe fall fest and Hershey Park," suggests Melanie Z. from Locust Lake State Park Campground.

Appalachian Trail hiking: Multiple camping facilities offer proximity to hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. "You can access the Appalachian trail from campground," notes Lisa B. The region features numerous day hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels.

What campers like

Multiple recreation options: Twin Grove RV Resort features extensive on-site activities beyond standard camping amenities. "They have a pool and fun activities though the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," shares Dawn T. The campground also maintains "2 very clean pools and water slides" and "2 nice dog parks," according to Mike J.

Family facilities: Camp Swatara receives praise for its range of family-friendly offerings. "Great campground for a fun, family weekend. Lots for kids to do. Boating, swimming, fishing, splash pad, play grounds, very clean restrooms/showers," says Kaylene H. Many campgrounds in the area focus on family activities during peak season.

Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness standards vary across the region, but several receive high marks for maintenance. "Spotless. Plenty of room for whatever size tent or RV you have," reports Mike J. about Twin Grove RV Resort. Another camper notes, "Bathrooms are always clean and staff is friendly. You can also sign up for day trips in the office, Hershey Park and kayaking."

Wooded sites: Locust Lake State Park Campground offers heavily wooded campsites that provide natural shade and privacy. "Some camp sites are along the lake or along the small creek, all are very wooded," notes Dan N. The forest environment creates cooler temperatures during summer months compared to more open camping areas.

What you should know

Highway noise impacts: Several campgrounds in the Pine Grove area experience road noise from nearby highways. Camp A While sits near a major roadway, prompting one camper to note: "The trucks at night were troublesome the first night…but I have found that sleeping in a tent you will hear cars from very far away anyway. Grab some ear plugs." Another reviewer mentioned, "Right off the highway with lots of loud trucks and bikes."

Reservation timing: Most camping facilities in the region fill quickly during peak season (May through September). Many campgrounds operate seasonally from April to October, though Jonestown/Hershey KOA remains open year-round. Reserve sites 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends, particularly for holiday periods.

Site variability: Campsite quality and spacing can differ dramatically within the same facility. "It was a nice size and was in a good location - near the ponds, pool, office, and bathhouse - but was still quiet!" reports Becca U. about Appalachian Camping Resort. At other locations, some reviewers note tight spacing between sites.

Limited tent options: While tent camping is available throughout the region, most facilities primarily cater to RVs with limited primitive camping areas. Locust Lake State Park Campground offers more tent-focused sites, but electrical hookups and amenities are limited compared to private campgrounds.

Tips for camping with families

Amusement park access: Hersheypark Camping Resort provides convenient access to Hershey's attractions. "Nice camp store and a short drive to all of the Hershey Park activities," notes Mike J. Several campgrounds offer shuttle services or discounted park tickets during peak season.

Pool facilities: Many families appreciate campgrounds with swimming options, especially during hot summer months. "They have a pool and fun activities though the day," reports Dawn T. about Twin Grove RV Resort, while another camper notes their "best pool I've seen at a campground."

Playground access: Camp Swatara features well-maintained playground equipment suitable for various age groups. Christopher E. notes, "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."

Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, particularly in spring and fall. "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.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring additional leveling equipment. "The sites are gravel and most are not level," notes James G. about Thousand Trails Hershey. RVers should bring additional leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.

Pull-through availability: For easier access, several campgrounds offer pull-through sites with full hookups. Ray L. mentions about Hersheypark Camping Resort: "They had pull through sites which I was looking for. Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out."

Big rig accommodations: Twin Grove RV Resort receives positive feedback for accommodating larger RVs. "Spotless. Plenty of room for whatever size tent or RV you have," reports Mike J. Some campgrounds have designated areas for larger rigs with 50-amp service and full hookups.