163 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Reading, Pennsylvania range from state parks to specialty campgrounds with unique lodging, giving tent and RV campers a solid mix of options. French Creek State Park Campground has a good mix of tree-covered and open sites, with modern bathrooms that include flush toilets and hot showers that work well for families. Lake-In-Wood Campground stands out with its themed cabins and a pool that works in any weather since it's partially indoors. Many campers head to Locust Lake State Park Campground for its pretty views of the lake and trails for hiking. You'll likely spot wildlife like deer and lots of birds while staying at these campgrounds. Remember to keep your food locked up so you don't attract animals to your campsite. While you can camp near Reading throughout the year, it's smart to look up the weather before you go. The best weather happens in spring and fall when it's not too hot or cold. Summers get pretty warm, so pack extra water. Both tent and RV campers will find good spots at these Reading-area campgrounds.
"My family and I stayed at French Creek State Park while attending an event in Reading. The park was clean and well maintained. We stayed in Loop A which had no camp host."
"one of my favorite locations near Philadelphia, Reading and Lancaster. The bathrooms are ok, but the hiking, lake and location with nice sites makes it great for me either for rent or RV"
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. "
"It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"All of the sites are full electric and more than a few have very little space for a family size tent to be safely away from the fire ring. Ours had adequate distance but we got lucky tbh."
"Streams are close by, hiking trails are numerous and Hawk Falls was a high point of the park. Peaceful, crisp air and beautiful Surroundings."
"Easy access and a great central location to TONS of antique shops. Very clean and very friendly. Highly recommend!"
"Our particular site was a bear to park in but once situated we were very happy. The store is closed due to covid but the pool is open. "
"The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you "."
"Many local attractions such as Maple Grove raceway, near Amish farms and a plentiful amount of antique shopping."
"Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."
"Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."
"Very nice creek behind half of the sites. Lots of ducks to watch. Playground is nice and in the middle of the campground so no matter where you are it is not that far. Very large pond for fishing."
"Campground is located along a beautiful Creek, that is accessible for play and fishing. There is also a small pond available for fishing."
"This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "
"Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly. No pool but the kids seem to enjoy the playground."
ScoutChoose another campground unless you are certain you can arrive before 4pm. Otherwise, you'll not be allowed in. Owner is belligerent on this point, and from other comments, belligerent on other issues also.
We strongly recommend the nearby French Creek State Park campground.
GuideWe've stayed here annually for 7 years and it's one of our favorite campgrounds. There are enough trees and green spaces that it feels like a park despite the number of RVs it accommodates.
The sites are level, large, and well maintained. If you need to contend with a tree blocking your satellite dish the sites are large enough that you can usually just move up or back a bit so that you are not blocked.
The pool is nice and clean. Has water fountains, etc. for kids to play in in addition to a kiddie pool. I do wish it was open a bit later into the evening. The camp store is a bit small but is well stocked with camping items in addition to souvenirs and impulse purchase items.
Since the pandemic what they offer has varied. Sometimes hot food like taco Tuesday, ice cream sundaes, burgers and dogs in their activity center at certain times and days. Sometimes ceramic, arts and crafts, etc.. Sometimes their activity center remains closed during our entire stay.
ScoutEnjoy an amazing experience staying at Hershey Park camp site 😄😄
ScoutThought it was super cool that the owner of the campsite came through to see if anyone needed anything and make sure everything was going okay, I also thought the 5 gallon jug of water was a nice touch. The site was nicely laid out and had a great view of the gorge. Loved that we were back in the trees for a little more privacy. My dogs had a great time as well.
ScoutThe park is very nice however the site H2 was the site assigned to us. The distance between our Coach and the fence was 7 feet and the bathhouse was blocking the view. I do not recommend this site.
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
TravelerGreat location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
GuideWe camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
LegendLike always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Camping options near Reading, Pennsylvania range from rustic state parks to specialized family-oriented campgrounds. The region sits at 305 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making May through October prime camping months. Winter camping is available at select locations but requires additional preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Hiking trails and boulder fields: Blue Rocks Family Campground provides direct access to hiking opportunities including the Appalachian Trail. "Lovely camp site with access to a lot of amenities, all the while keeping a 'primative' feel. Super easy access to Appalachian trail. Trail heads begin inside the campsite," notes Amy C. The campground also features a unique glacier rock field that attracts climbers and explorers.
Fishing in stocked waters: French Creek State Park Campground maintains two lakes for angling enthusiasts. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," according to Jen R. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older.
Amish country exploration: Located in Lancaster County, camping at Red Run Campground puts you in the heart of Amish farmlands. "Right in the heart of Amish Country, Lancaster, PA. Creek to wade, great fishing pond, hayrides and nice sized sites," writes Melissa L. Many weekends feature local Amish families selling baked goods directly to campers.
Clean, modern shower facilities: At Hickory Run Family Camping Resort, campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouse. "Bathrooms are nice. Lots to do in the park. Sites are best in the 140-160 loop," states Tamara P. Most campgrounds in the region offer shower facilities, but quality and cleanliness vary significantly.
Private, wooded sites: Sun Valley Campground receives praise for its natural setting and site spacing. "Weekend stay here and instead of leaving on Sunday, we booked another day. Great swimming pool, immaculately clean bathrooms and showers. Well wooded campground with friendly staff and guests," notes Jim C. The campground offers both open and wooded sites to match preferences.
Winter camping options: Some Reading-area campgrounds remain open year-round. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early," reports Galit P. about French Creek State Park, one of the few winter camping options in the region.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds near Reading close from November to April. "We have been having a crazy amount of rain here in Pennsylvania so due to weather related issues we haven't been able to get out there until now," explains Ranger Jen about spring conditions at French Creek. Plan ahead for spring camping as grounds may be muddy from snowmelt and rain.
Site terrain varies widely: Some campgrounds feature rocky terrain that presents challenges for tent stakes. At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, "sites are nice and level. Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms," according to Michele K. Consider calling ahead to request a level site if traveling with a tent.
Campground sizes and privacy: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers more secluded options. "Great amenities, private and spaced out primitive sites. One mile off the Appalachian trail," reports Catherine M. In contrast, more developed campgrounds often place sites closer together with less natural screening.
Theme cabins for kids: Lake-In-Wood Campground stands out with unique accommodations. "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others. Nice playground for the kids and a small arcade," explains Jen R. Themed cabins book months in advance during peak season.
Playground access: When selecting a site at Blue Rocks, consider proximity to play areas. "Fun, friendly, beautiful, close to hikes! Lovely camp site with access to a lot of amenities, all the while keeping a 'primative' feel. Pool, playground, camp store, bike and golf cart rentals," writes Amy C. Most family campgrounds in the area maintain at least one playground.
Organized activities: Red Run Campground schedules regular events for children. "We have been camping at Red Run for 4 summers now. It has become our favorite part of Summer! Small and intimate. The kids LOVE it here!" shares Amanda G. Weekend activities often include scavenger hunts, movie nights, and seasonal celebrations, especially during summer months.
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger RVs. At Dutch Cousin Campground, "Great smaller campground. Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key. A lot of year round sites," notes Dave R. Call ahead to confirm space for your specific vehicle length and slide-out requirements.
Seasonal site options: Sun Valley Campground offers long-term stays. "The customer service is great. The sites are nice. 90% of the people here are full time," observes Alan. Seasonal sites typically require contracts ranging from 3-6 months and cost substantially less per night than short-term reservations.
Hookup availability: Many Reading-area campgrounds offer full hookups, but not at all sites. At French Creek, "We stayed in Loop C, which is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved," reports Jen R. Electric-only sites typically cost $25-35 per night while full hookup sites range from $35-50 depending on season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Reading, PA?
The Reading area offers several excellent campground options. French Creek State Park Campground stands out with clean, well-maintained grounds and full hookup sites. The park provides a perfect base for attending events in Reading while enjoying nature. Another top choice is Blue Rocks Family Campground, situated in the wooded hills just below the Appalachian Trail, offering a quintessential Pennsylvania camping experience amid the rocky terrain that gives the state its 'Rocksylvania' nickname among hikers. Both locations provide good access to Reading while offering distinct natural settings and amenities for different camping preferences.
Are there any tent camping options in the Reading area?
Tent campers have several excellent options around Reading. Pequea Creek Campground offers a beautiful, picturesque setting with large sites nestled among trees, creating an ideal environment for tent camping. The quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for those seeking a peaceful tent experience. For another tent-friendly option, consider Dutch Cousin Campground near Denver, PA, which offers both drive-in and walk-in access, making it versatile for tent campers. The area around Reading provides a good mix of public and private campgrounds that accommodate tent camping with varying levels of amenities and natural settings.
What family-friendly campgrounds are available in the Reading area?
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park lives up to its name as a family-oriented destination, making it a great choice for those camping with children near Reading. Another excellent family option is Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, which offers a resort-like experience in Amish country. This campground provides family-friendly amenities and activities while being conveniently located for exploring the cultural attractions of the Pennsylvania Dutch region. Both locations offer the facilities and atmosphere that make camping with children comfortable and enjoyable, with enough activities to keep everyone entertained.
What are the most affordable camping options near Reading, Pennsylvania?
Budget-conscious campers near Reading have several economical options. For those with self-contained RVs, Walmart — Phillipsburg Supercenter offers free overnight parking in its spacious lot. This location is particularly large, making it easier to find a comfortable spot. Similarly, Bass Pro Shops Harrisburg, PA provides free overnight parking for RVs and camping trailers. For those seeking traditional camping at lower rates, Sill's Family Campground near Mohnton offers affordable sites with basic amenities. Always call ahead to confirm current policies and availability at free overnight parking locations.
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