The Schuylkill Haven region sits at approximately 600 feet elevation in Pennsylvania's Coal Region with several campgrounds nestled within the valleys and hills of Schuylkill County. Campers can expect moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season with occasional thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in this region operate within a 30-minute drive radius from the town center, creating convenient access to both wilderness areas and small-town amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Tuscarora State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots at their lake. "Really nice park! Great hiking trails! Lots of mushrooms! Nice walk-in sites for camping," reports Annette M., highlighting the natural features beyond just water activities.
Hiking access: Blue Rocks Family Campground connects directly to popular trails. "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!" shares Darrien K. The trail access makes this location particularly valuable for hikers seeking camping spots near Schuylkill Haven.
Amusement park proximity: Knoebels Campground provides a unique combination of camping and entertainment. "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," notes Joe B. The campground provides direct access to the amusement park with its free admission policy.
What campers like
Boulder field exploration: Blue Rocks Family Campground features a unique glacier rock field that draws campers. "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. Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," explains Jen R., describing the diverse camping environments available.
Clean facilities: Jonestown/Hershey KOA maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "I was impressed by how clean the bathrooms were kept in addition to the grounds. There's a fenced not in area for dogs and a mini golf course," reports Marlaina M. The cleanliness stands out as a consistent positive in reviews.
Family-friendly activities: Appalachian Camping Resort organizes regular scheduled events. "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone. I find that a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children and with my kids being 13 and 12, they're usually left out of the fun. There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids," writes Melissa Y.
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Camp A While sits close to a major roadway. "The campground is beautifully laid out with a stream running between the tent and RV camping. There is a pool and rec room that looks fun for all ages. The only reason for not giving five stars is because it's very close to a freeway. There's quite a bit of truck and car noise from the freeway," explains Jen in her review.
Seasonal operation: Most camping spots near Schuylkill Haven operate between April and October, with limited winter options. Mountain Springs Camping Resort specifies operation "Apr 1 to Oct 31" according to their listing information, which matches the regional pattern.
Weather impacts: Expect muddy conditions after rain at many sites. "Sites are swampy if they've had rain! Took us over two hours to disconnect because of mushy, muddy site!" warns Linda F. about Robin Hill Campground. Consider requesting gravel sites when booking during potentially rainy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Lakewood Park Campground offers well-maintained water features. "The lake is was nice and had a small dock perfect for fishing. The site was clean and easy to pull into," notes Scott H. The combination of fishing access and cleanliness makes this particularly suitable for families.
Budget-friendly options: Knoebels Campground provides economical entertainment with its pay-per-ride system. "Obviously, the main draw for this campground is the amusement park on site, which boasts free admission and parking (you pay for rides with tickets). We loved it! It was very clean, beautifully maintained, with friendly staff and great food options. Was surprisingly inexpensive, too," shares Jen V.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from common paths. "We were right next to the bath house, which was great for being able to send our 6 year-old by herself, but pretty obnoxious as far as foot traffic was concerned," mentions Jen V. about Knoebels Campground, suggesting families consider trade-offs between convenience and privacy.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites. "The site we got was the only one available for the size of our camper. 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," reports Melissa Y. about Appalachian Camping Resort.
Full hookup availability: Tuscarora State Park Campground offers electric, water, and sewer connections. "Yurts have heat and fans. Full size refrigerator, stove and microwave. No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc," explains Mandy F., describing the alternative accommodations available beyond traditional RV sites.
Easy highway access: Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides convenient access for travelers. "We stopped here just for the night. Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn't eat there but they had a restaurant!" notes Bob W., highlighting the location's convenience for overnight stays during longer journeys.
