Camping sites near Port Clinton, Pennsylvania span across the northern edge of Berks County at approximately 600 feet elevation, characterized by rocky terrain and mixed hardwood forests. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Most campgrounds in this region feature hilly, occasionally rocky terrain that can present challenges for tent placement and RV leveling, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hiking to Pinnacle Trail: Access this popular trail directly from Blue Rocks Family Campground, where campers can follow connector paths to the Appalachian Trail. "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!" notes Darrien K.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer pond or lake fishing within walking distance of campsites. At Lakewood Park Campground, "The lake is was nice and had a small dock perfect for fishing," according to Scott H. Though catch rates vary seasonally, most ponds contain bass, panfish, and occasionally northern pike or pickerel.
Paddle sports: Several campgrounds rent kayaks or allow campers to bring their own. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," shares one visitor to French Creek State Park.
What campers like
Boulder fields and rock formations: The unique geological features draw many campers to the area. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time. primitive but fun!" reports Terri S. about Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Lake access and recreational opportunities: Campers appreciate waterfront sites and recreational amenities. "We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice," writes Dawn R. about Locust Lake.
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. "The campground is laid out well. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well. There are three separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets, plus an area for large group camping which can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 60 people," explains Jen R. about French Creek State Park Campground.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and maintenance of facilities differs significantly between campgrounds. At Locust Lake State Park Campground, "Bathrooms are absolutely horrendous - Really terrible," according to Brandon W., while others note cleaner facilities at newer campgrounds.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant terrain variations. "Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," notes Jen R. about French Creek State Park's sites.
Off-season camping available: While many campgrounds close for winter, some remain open year-round. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," writes Galit P. about winter camping options at French Creek State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with maintained play equipment. "Blue rocks is the best family campground within 5 hours of philadelphia. Hands down. They have everything you need from primitive sites to cabins to rent. The staff is always friendly and it's always great time," shares Nick M. about Robin Hill Campground.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities for summer visits. "Nice pool, playground for children, lake for fishing and canoe/kayak rides," describes one visitor at Locust Lake State Park, though operating hours vary by season and staffing levels.
Weather considerations: The region experiences frequent summer afternoon thunderstorms. "We had 3 families and sites (2 campers & 1 tent) all sites were decent sizes. Only downside to our trip was poured every night and one whole day," reports Dawn R., highlighting the importance of proper rain gear and tarps.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires preparation. "Trees were growing up in all the sites that were available and most of the ones without trees in the way were pointing in the wrong direction for backing into and NONE were level," cautions Chelsea B. about Allentown KOA.
Check hookup quality: Electric service can vary between sites. "Low voltage throughout the campground," reports Mike J. about Robin Hill Campground, suggesting bringing a voltage monitor if running sensitive equipment.
Site spacing varies significantly: RV sites range from spacious to extremely tight. "The gravel site was level, so I didn't even have to unhook from my truck," notes Corby M. about Allentown KOA, while others mention much tighter configurations at different campgrounds.
