Tent campsites near Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania range from roadside sites to more developed forest campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the Ridge and Valley section of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations between 400-2,000 feet, creating varied camping conditions throughout the season. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, limiting camping availability at most locations to the warmer months.
What to do
Creek exploration: Reeds Gap State Park offers access to Honey Creek where visitors can wade or fish for native and stocked trout. "There's a nice creek that rund through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids! They used to have a swimming pool but they removed it a few years ago," notes Rebecca G.
Hammock lounging: The dense forest canopy at many sites provides ideal hammock setups. "There are plenty of trees that are good for hammocking. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part," reports Laura about Ravensburg State Park.
Hiking options: Several parks connect to trail systems of varying difficulty. "There is a trail head near the entrance of the park for hikers and a geocache showed up close to the trail on a road on my geocache tracker if you are into that," mentions Paula L. about Reeds Gap State Park.
Digital detox: Limited cell service creates natural disconnection from technology. "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites," says Danielle C. about her camping experience at Reeds Gap.
What campers like
Roadside access: Many state forest sites provide convenient drive-up camping. Eastville Roadside Campsites and Hickernell Roadside Campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest offer accessible tent camping locations without requiring extensive hiking.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive feedback at established campgrounds. "Bathroom with hot showers is nearby. One shower stall in each bathroom and the showers had a large dressing area," reports Cheryl K. about her stay at Reeds Gap State Park.
Self-registration convenience: Many campgrounds offer straightforward check-in processes. "Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office," mentions Cheryl K. about Ravensburg State Park, where first-come, first-served camping simplifies weekend plans.
Stream sounds: Creek-side campsites provide natural white noise, though some find it surprising. "The nature noise here is loud. If you camp on the sites by the river, be prepared for lots of noise from the rapids," cautions Sarah C. about her Ravensburg experience.
What you should know
Directional challenges: GPS often fails to provide accurate directions to campgrounds. "Park is easily accessible from I-80, just be aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road. Mine did not, and I ended up down a seasonal road that did not end at the park entrance," warns Sarah C. about Fourth Gap Road Sites.
Road noise: Some sites experience traffic sounds despite forest settings. "Only issue is the campgrounds are close to the road and therefore are loud at night occasionally," notes Andrew G. about his Ravensburg experience, while another camper mentions, "a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."
Tent pad conditions: Many sites include raised platforms that may restrict larger tents. "They have tent pads which are nice but we have a 10x20 tent so we pick a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground," explains Traci F.
Seasonal maintenance: Humidity affects site conditions throughout the season. "It's very humid so many picnic tables have green moss," reports Becky about her July visit to Ravensburg State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Shikellamy State Park offers both camping and playground facilities. "2 parking lots and 2 trails. A pavilion and playground with many picnic tables also available," notes Alec P.
Bathroom proximity: Consider site location relative to facilities when camping with children. "Bathhouses were a little far away," mentions John Z. about Reeds Gap State Park, potentially important for families with younger children.
Educational opportunities: Stream access provides nature learning experiences. "Pearl Hunting...For example the beautiful stream (Honey Creek) running through it might be the pearl for a fisherman (It has native and stocked trout). Or the playground might be the pearl for a mom or dad," explains Paula L.
Weather preparedness: Valleys experience different temperature and moisture conditions than surrounding areas. "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times," says Sarah C., where temperature differences of 5-10 degrees from nearby towns are common.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most forest camping areas accommodate tents only, with minimal RV options. Elimsport CCC Campground in Tiadaghton State Forest offers tent-only sites that might accommodate small trailers but lacks hookups or dump stations.
Seasonal road conditions: Forest service roads accessing campsites deteriorate during wet seasons. "I ended up down a seasonal road that did not end at the park entrance," warns one camper about navigating to campgrounds during shoulder seasons.
Transaction fees: Some first-come, first-served sites still require payment processing. "First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that," mentions Becky about her Ravensburg experience.
Alternative parking: Larger vehicles may require creative solutions at smaller campgrounds. "We got a nice one tucked back in the trees," notes Danielle C. about finding suitable tent sites when larger vehicles cannot access camping areas directly.
