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sorcha A.
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TravelerShady Oak Campground
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
Camping near Port Clinton, PA
8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds near Port Clinton, Pennsylvania span a range of settings from wooded sites along the Appalachian Trail to family-oriented resorts. Blue Rocks Family Campground and French Creek State Park offer diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities. The area's mixed-use campgrounds benefit from proximity to both natural attractions and cultural sites, with several campgrounds situated near the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside and Amish communities. Most developed campgrounds in this region maintain seasonal operations, typically opening from April through October or November, though a few like French Creek State Park remain open year-round.
Reservations are strongly recommended for the region's established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods. Many campgrounds feature electric hookups, with full-service sites available at locations like Allentown KOA, Mountain Springs Camping Resort, and Robin Hill Campground. Water access varies across the region, with some campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. The heavily wooded terrain in areas like Blue Rocks provides natural shade but limits level tent sites in some locations. According to one visitor, "Blue Rocks Campground doesn't disappoint. This campground sits in the woods and rolling hills just below the Appalachian Trail. The RV sites are mainly situated at the bottom section, and the tent camping is pretty much on the upper portion of the site."
The proximity to the Appalachian Trail represents a significant draw for many campers in the Port Clinton area. Several campers highlight the hiking opportunities, including trails that connect directly to the AT. As noted in one review, "There are plenty of hiking trails, and a 'yellow blaze' trail that leads directly to the Appalachian trail. Take a hike up to 'Pinnacle Rock' on the AT, and you can catch a nice view." Wildlife enthusiasts should be aware of native species in the area, as the same reviewer cautioned: "There are rattlesnakes and Copperheads in the area, so be sure to act like you've got some sense." French Creek State Park receives consistently positive feedback for its 35 miles of hiking trails, modern facilities, and reasonable pricing, making it a popular option for visitors seeking developed campgrounds with natural surroundings.
Best Campgrounds near Port Clinton (174)
1. Blue Rocks Family Campground
"According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
2. Locust Lake State Park Campground
"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."
"Had a site close to the lake. Many sites (including mine) were not level. The sites sizes were a bit small and i would book during peak season. I would definitely return again off season."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $43 / night
3. Appalachian Camping Resort
"It was a nice size and was in a good location - near the ponds, pool, office, and bathhouse - but was still quiet! There were scheduled activities for kids and adults."
"We started our trip Friday afternoon, we pulled into the campground and they had a table set up outside to “check in.” We did not wait in a mile long line to park and go into the office."
4. Robin Hill Campground
"You will get you exercise walking to the pond, pool, capstone or basketball courts. The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill. They also have a Frisbee golf course on site."
"This campground had been let go with poor management for many years, HOWEVER the new management and staff have really turned it around!!"
5. French Creek State Park Campground
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
6. Mountain Springs Camping Resort
"Close to other stores and camping center."
"Large size pool for the bigger folks and a walk in pool for the toddlers. Fun activities for all to enjoy. All the campers that were there when we there are super friendly."
Check Availabilityfrom $60 - $73 / night
7. Allentown KOA
"This campground is nestled in rhe mountains of Pennsylvania. This campgound is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays."
"We chose this campground mainly because it was close to home and we could camp and not miss my daughter's soccer practice/game. We were pleasantly surprised by the campground. "
8. Tuscarora State Park Campground
"Good hiking trails were just a short walk away from our campsite. Would definitely go back again."
"No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc. Each yurt has a huge deck, 2 picnic tables and fire pit."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $49 - $90 / night
9. Lakewood Park Campground
"They are in the process of adding lots more sites up away from the lake in the woods plus 2 bath houses. The sites along the lake are great, but be aware most of them are seasonal."
"You’re not allowed to swim in the lake although you’re allowed to use floats. The area has not much to do unless you would like the state park, which is close by."
Check Availabilityfrom $65 - $97 / night
10. Shambala at Mystic Hollow
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
Drive Time
- 25 min from Reading, PA
- 34 min from Allentown, PA
- 38 min from Lebanon, PA
- 54 min from Lancaster, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Port Clinton, PA
375 Photos of 174 Port Clinton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tentrr Signature Site - Peaceful by Pigeon Creek
Appalachian Camping Resort
Blue Rocks Family Campground
Tentrr Signature Site - The Algonquin Gitigaan
Locust Lake State Park CampgroundJ
Tuscarora State Park Campground
KOA Campground New Tripoli
Allentown KOA
Stonybrook RV Resort
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
Camp A While
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Recent Reviews near Port Clinton, PA
990 Reviews of 174 Port Clinton Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Peggy C.TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Roger V.TravelerBake Oven Knob
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
Troy P.TravelerShikellamy State Park Campground
meh
i mean meh with the most enthusiasm as you can live your entire life & be oki not going here. the trails are small & the overlook is fenced high for falls. it’s about as much scenery as going for a walk deer hunting. it’s beginner friendly if anyone wants to start getting into parks but i feel there’s more focus on pavilions & playgrounds than calling it a state park. for anything boating or canoeing on the river it’s a good place to be but your in town so it take it for what it is
- LLynn C.Scout
Old Mill Stream Campground
Never Again
The advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
Guide to Port Clinton
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Port Clinton, PA?
What camping is available near Port Clinton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Port Clinton, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 174 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Clinton, PA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Port Clinton, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Port Clinton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Clinton, PA is Blue Rocks Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Clinton, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Clinton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Port Clinton, PA.
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