Ravine, Pennsylvania sits at an elevation of approximately 700 feet within the eastern ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The area experiences distinct seasons with fall temperatures dropping to 45-60°F, making proper gear essential for comfortable camping experiences. The surrounding forests include mixed hardwoods that provide natural windbreaks at many camping sites.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 5 miles from Blue Rocks Family Campground. The trailhead begins inside the campground with easy access to the famous 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. about Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Climbing at the boulder field: Open sunrise to sunset. Kids especially enjoy scrambling across the unique glacier rock field at Blue Rocks. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time. That is where they spent most of the time. Primitive but fun!" says Terri S.
Fishing at twin ponds: No license required for children under 12. Mountain Springs Camping Resort offers two fishing ponds for campers. "Nice campground with well taken care of sites. There is a pond to fish from, a dog park for your furry friend to play at and a few playgrounds for the kids," according to Tiffany S. from Mountain Springs Camping Resort.
Visit French Creek State Park: 45-minute drive. The park offers hiking and two lakes for water activities. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," shares Jen R. about her experience at French Creek.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Most accommodate tents up to 10x12 feet. Campers appreciate sites that offer room to spread out and aren't cramped together. "The sites are very close to one another. We lucked out in Bermuda Triangle as there was a little more space and we were further away from some of the noise. The sites are clean and well maintained," reports Derek W. about his stay at Knoebels Campground.
Clean facilities: Multiple bathhouses with hot water. Campgrounds in the Ravine area typically maintain their facilities well. "The bathrooms are always clean and staff is friendly. They also have a restaurant if you want a break from cooking," notes Dawn T. about Knoebels Campground.
Yurt camping options: Heated structures available year-round. For those interested in yurt camping near Ravine, Pennsylvania, several options exist beyond standard tent sites. "We have camped in our pop up but we have also rented the cabins here too. Either way is a great way to stay the weekend and enjoy the park," shares Jen R. about alternative accommodations.
Quiet environment: 10pm-7am quiet hours typical. Despite being busy on weekends, many campgrounds maintain peaceful atmospheres. "5 miles from I-81, quiet and clean!" comments Michael J. about his experience at Twin Grove RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds open April-October. Check operating schedules before planning a trip, especially in spring or fall. "Nice and quite campground, owners were amazing and very accommodating. Only power sites were all gravel. Could use some grass tent sites with power," explains Mike S. about Camp A While.
Highway noise affects some locations: Bring earplugs if sensitive. Some campgrounds are situated near major roads, which can impact your experience. "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," warns Tiani P. about Camp A While.
Varying site conditions: Request specific site information. Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds in the region. "It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments. You can be down near the creek and in the open more, in the wooded areas, or you can be near the corn field and glacier rock field," explains Jen R.
Water access: Not all sites have hookups. Be prepared to carry water from central spigots at some locations. "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water," notes a camper at French Creek State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Book early: Reserve 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends. Popular yurt camping near Ravine, Pennsylvania fills quickly, especially for premium sites. "Book early....these sites fill fast!" advises Eiron S. about Lake Glory Campground.
Choose sites near playgrounds: Within 300 feet ideal with small children. Many campgrounds feature play areas designed for various age groups. "A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake," explains a camper about French Creek State Park.
Consider specialty activities: Weekend events often included with stay. Special entertainment options can make a camping trip memorable. "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride. The bathrooms are always clean and staff is friendly," shares Dawn T. about Twin Grove.
Look for creekside sites: Natural entertainment for children. Water access provides hours of entertainment. "We love the creek side sites! Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away," mentions Eiron S. about Lake Glory Campground.
Tips from RVers
Arrive early: Check-in typically starts at 2pm. Early arrival gives you time to set up before dark and secure better spots at first-come-first-serve campgrounds. "The site on either side was the same rusty. Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," cautions Justin B. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks for uneven terrain. Many RV sites in the region have significant slopes. "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers. Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay," notes Justin B.
Site selection priorities: Request sites away from highways. Location within campgrounds matters significantly for noise levels. "The campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like the others. They have 4 different sections to stay in, we were in D. We were also able to pick which site we wanted," explains Sammii D.
Full hookup availability: Limited at state parks. Private campgrounds offer more extensive services for RVs than public options. "Our site was a two point site (water and electric) the road was dirt it seemed separate from the main drag of the campground, sites were wide but not very deep," shares a camper about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
