Camping spots near Llewellyn, Pennsylvania range in elevation from 600 to 1,200 feet, with weather patterns influenced by the Appalachian Mountain chain that runs through this coal mining region. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and cooling to 55-65°F at night. Many campgrounds provide wooden platforms for tent campers to avoid the rocky terrain common throughout this section of eastern Pennsylvania.
What to do
Boulder field exploration: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers access to a unique glacial rock field right on the property. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," notes Jen R., who adds that "There is really something for everyone at this campground. There is a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials."
Amusement park adventures: Knoebels Campground provides campers with walking access to Knoebels Amusement Park. "Connected to the park, a great way to visit! If you're an early to bed kinda person it'll be tough, the roller coasters are right there! I loved it though," explains Joe B. Alternatively, Lake Glory Campground offers a free shuttle service to the park, with Eiron S. sharing: "We stay at lake glory every year while visiting Knoebels. It's so much quieter than Knoebels campground and so much more room."
Appalachian Trail hiking: Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides convenient access to the Appalachian Trail. Lisa B. notes, "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing." The campground also connects to the Swatara Rail trail, with Bobby S. explaining it's "great for biking."
What campers like
Lake recreation: Locust Lake State Park Campground features a convenient walking path circling the lake. Dawn R. reports: "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." Dan N. adds that sites are "along the lake or along the small creek, all are very wooded."
Water activities: Camp A While offers a natural stream running through the campgrounds. MsTrailBlazer notes, "Between the cars rushing by, the sound of the stream is peaceful and serene. The fall foliage is exquisite." This campground includes a pool that visitors appreciate, with Paul J. mentioning: "We had a good time camping and at the pool. They have a nice game room, nice bathrooms with showers."
Spacious campsites: Blue Rocks Family Campground provides generous camping spaces, particularly for tent campers. Maggie H. observes: "Great campground with lots of amenities. The staff was friendly, the store had essentials and more, and there was great hiking right from the grounds. Our site was a little rocky so be prepared with a good mat/mattress if tent camping. Our site was on a little stream which was relaxing."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate April through October. Lakewood Park Campground is relatively new, with melissa noting: "It's brand new as of 2021 and as such has lots of modern amenities! The hookups are excellently done and the fire rings all have adjustable grates — this was very handy!" Sites along their lake are primarily seasonal, with "only 2 on the lake that aren't (3 and 7)."
Highway noise: Camp A While is situated near a major highway. Jonathan F. acknowledges: "This spot is great! Super friendly folks there. Not to much to do in the area but it is somewhat close to the Appalachian Trail if you're into that." Tiani P. cautions: "Right off the highway with lots of loud trucks and bikes. The campground is very busy with loud activity from other campers at all hours."
Site characteristics: Terrain can vary significantly between campgrounds. At Locust Lake State Park Campground, Brandon W. mentions: "Great place. No water hook up. No sewer hook up. Just electric at certain sites." Mike S. notes about Camp A While: "Only power sites were all gravel. Could use some grass tent sites with power."
Tips for camping with families
Amusement options: Twin Grove RV Resort offers extensive on-site entertainment. Mike J. explains: "Nice arcade and mini golf in an area set off to the side with a ferris wheel, merry go round, and other small kiddie rides. Usually have a band on Saturday evenings. Nice ice cream shop and on-site restaurant. 2 very nice pools and water slides."
Pet accommodations: Many campgrounds welcome pets but have specific areas for them. Twin Grove features "2 nice dog parks," according to Mike J. At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, Marlaina M. notes: "There's a fenced not in area for dogs and a mini golf course, but it's more for younger children."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies between campgrounds. At Locust Lake, Brandon W. cautions that "Bathrooms are absolutely horrendous - Really terrible," while Jonestown/Hershey KOA receives praise from Marlaina M.: "I was impressed by how clean the bathrooms were kept in addition to the grounds."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: At Appalachian Camping Resort, Melissa Y. warns: "The buddy site was very narrow and since our buddy arrived first we had no choice but to park farther down on the site to avoid our awnings touching and that left us very uneven. It was a hill and no matter how many times we adjusted, we just could not get leveled."
Site selection strategy: When staying at Lakewood Park Campground, consider site location carefully. Matt S. shares: "Our site(#74) was plenty big enough for our 45' motorhome and Jeep plus lots of room to spread out." He adds a driving tip: "Traveling to this campground requires driving several steep grades(8+%). Do your best, drive slowly, and stay focused."
Hookup variations: Knoebels Campground provides different levels of hookups. Jen V. reports: "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." Despite this, she appreciates that "Bath house was clean, but old. Toilets are very low to the ground. There were additional sinks with mirrors outside the bath house for hand washing/teeth brushing, as well as a nice deep dish washing sink."
