Nestled in the Delaware River Valley at an elevation of 180 feet, camping near Riegelsville, Pennsylvania offers a mix of forested settings and riverfront access. The region typically experiences humid summers with temperatures reaching 85°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Campsites in the area range from primitive tent spots to full RV hookups with varying levels of shade coverage and proximity to water sources.
What to do
Explore Ringing Rocks Park: Bring a hammer to create metallic sounds at the unique boulder field. "Had a wonderful time on trails. Use a hammer on rocks and hear really cool sounds," reports a visitor to Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Fish at nearby lakes: Cast for trout and other freshwater species at area reservoirs. A camper at Round Valley State Park Campground noted, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
Paddle the Delaware River: Kayaking and canoeing options available within minutes of many campsites. "Our spot was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," shared a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area who enjoyed the waterfront camping experience.
Hike woodland trails: Access miles of forest paths connecting to longer routes. "We've tent camped here three or four times. It's a quiet wooded campground (not all spots, but most). Easy to get to, and friendly family ownership," mentioned a visitor at Mountainview Campground.
What campers like
Privacy in wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots away from neighbors. A camper at Colonial Woods Family Resort shared, "Been coming here for years with friends and have made new friends with many of the Seasonals. Always a ton of scheduled crafts and to do for the kiddos and adults alike."
Water access and views: Sites near lakes or streams are particularly popular. "I have camped here on many occasions for over ten years... I love the water views, the sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," noted a long-time visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies provide excellent celestial viewing conditions. A camper at Mountainview Campground reported, "Stayed at one of the primitive sites. Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice."
Seasonal themed weekends: Many campgrounds host special events throughout camping season. "We had such a fun time during the summer between the pool, fishing at the pond and all the amazing amenities!! Just walking around the campground is beautiful," shared a family who stayed at Colonial Woods Family Resort.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book early for premium sites, especially during fall foliage season. "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night," explained a camper about Mountainview Campground's policies.
Terrain challenges: Some sites have uneven or rocky ground that can complicate tent setup. A visitor to Tohickon Family Campground mentioned, "We had a great Halloween weekend but we were down by creek so it was very muddy. Everything else about this campground was great!"
Bathroom facilities: Quality and proximity vary widely between campgrounds. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," warned a camper about facilities at one location.
Noise considerations: Highway sounds can reach some campgrounds at night. A reviewer noted, "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," regarding their experience with the proximity of Spruce Run Recreation Area to the interstate.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. A visitor at Tohickon Valley County Park shared, "Easy to drive in and out. No 'camp store/features' but there's a local pool with swing sets within walking distance and lots of manageable trails along the cliffs."
Consider glamping for families new to camping: Luxury options near Riegelsville provide comfort for first-timers. "The spot was spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms were clean. Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!" described a family who experienced upscale camping at Mountainview Campground.
Check for family weekend events: Many campgrounds schedule activities for children. "We went on Father's Day weekend and they had nice arts and crafts for the kids to do for dad," mentioned a visitor to Colonial Woods Family Resort.
Safety around water: Supervise children at all waterfront sites. "The pooL and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," noted a parent who appreciated the safety measures at Colonial Woods.
Tips from RVers
Check site specifications before booking: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger rigs. "Ok so let me start off by saying. If we still had our smaller travel trailer this review would've been at least 4 stars. However this place is not the place for you if you have a fifth wheel," warned an RVer about Lake Towhee County Park.
Full hookup availability: Not all sites offer complete connections. "We just bought a small tear drop trailer and have begun taking it on weekend excursions. We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space," shared an RVer who appreciated the convenience at Mountainview Campground.
Consider glamping in Riegelsville alternatives: For those wanting RV amenities without towing. "Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome people!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you'd want it to be," described a visitor who found an ideal luxury camping setup at Tohickon Family Campground.
Tree clearance challenges: Watch for low-hanging branches on campground roads. "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)," cautioned an RVer about their experience navigating a campground with a larger vehicle.
