Tent and RV camping options span across the Appalachian Mountains near Shamokin, Pennsylvania, where elevations range from 700 to 1,800 feet. Campgrounds in this region experience dramatic seasonal shifts with peak camping season running from late April through mid-October when temperatures average 55-85°F. Several campgrounds maintain year-round operations with limited winter amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pinch Pond Family Campground features a small fishing pond. "There is a pond for fishing however we didn't have any luck. It had a lot of pond scum and there were a lot of duck families around," notes one visitor. While not ideal for serious anglers, the pond remains popular with families.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain courses for enthusiasts. Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort offers disc golf among its recreational options. "If your into Disc golf this place has that too," mentions a camper who enjoyed the activity during their stay.
Amusement park access: Knoebels Campground provides direct access to rides and attractions. "The amusement park is free and you only pay for what you want to do," reports one camper. The proximity allows for convenient back-and-forth access throughout the day without additional parking fees.
Mountain biking trails: Some campgrounds connect to mountain trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Ride the ski lifts up to the top of the mountain then you get to bike down it, they have rental bikes available or bring your own," explains a visitor at Blue Mountain RV and Camping Resort. Trail access often requires additional fees ranging from $15-40 depending on equipment needs.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight bathroom cleanliness as a key factor. "Restrooms/Bath House very well maintained," notes a visitor at Appalachian Camping Resort. The campground's maintenance standards receive consistent positive mentions despite high visitor volume.
Family activities: Scheduled events for various age groups receive high marks. "Lots for the kids to do. We started our trip Friday afternoon, we pulled into the campground and they had a table set up outside to 'check in.' There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids, candy scramble in the dark for adults and kids," details one happy family at Appalachian Camping Resort.
Swimming options: Pool facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The pool was very nice and refreshing. I liked how the kid area wrapped around and connected to the deeper end," reports a camper at Pinch Pond Family Campground. Most campground pools operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day with varied hours.
Cultural experiences: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offers access to unique local heritage. "I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," mentions one visitor who appreciated the cultural aspect of their camping experience.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "We had a pull through site that was uneven front to back so that our tongue jack was all the way down to get level enough," reports a camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended throughout the region.
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. "This campground has nice large sites, shade and sunny, full hookups, clean pool, playground, super clean laundry room and bathrooms. The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," warns a visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Early check-in fees: Some campgrounds charge for arriving before official check-in times. "Check in is as 3pm, we showed up at 2:45 after a 7 hr drive and they made us pay $15 extra," notes a camper at Appalachian Camping Resort. Check-in policies vary widely between facilities.
Seasonal limitations: Robin Hill Campground and similar parks operate seasonally. "Sites are swampy if they've had rain! Took us over two hours to disconnect because of mushy, muddy site!" explains one camper. Spring camping particularly can be challenging after rainfall, with some areas remaining soft through June.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Campgrounds offer varying quality of play equipment. "Playground was open and great for the kids, so was mini golf," shares a visitor at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. When selecting a site, request locations within sight of play areas but not so close that noise becomes disruptive.
Budget planning: Additional activity fees can accumulate quickly. "There is so much to do. We should have looked into a pass to do more because the extras can get expensive. But everything is right there and you never have to leave so it's worth it in my opinion," advises a camper at Splash Magic RV Resort.
Site selection strategy: For family camping, location within the campground matters significantly. "The loop we are in has four roads leading to the campsites (A,B,C and D). There is an arrow indicating direction. The exit road (D) is also an entry road to campsites. If someone is going to a campsite in Road D you can not pass them when exiting as the road is only one lane," explains a visitor at Thousand Trails Hershey regarding campground layout challenges.
Temperature preparation: Mountain elevations cause significant day-night temperature swings. "We went in late august and although it was pool weather during the day time the temperatures dropped somewhat dramatically into the evening hours so bring clothes for both 70-80 degree weather and 40-50 degree weather overnight," advises a camper at Knoebels Campground.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Twin Grove RV Resort offers well-designed sites for larger rigs. "Sites are very nice and well kept," notes a camper, adding that the pull-through sites accommodate a range of RV sizes without difficulty.
Electrical considerations: Amperage requirements need verification before booking. "Depending on your rig size you're only available certain sites. They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers," explains a visitor at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country regarding electrical hookup allocation policies.
Site dimensions: Some rv parks near Shamokin tend to feature compact spacing. "Site was very spacious and clean," reports a visitor about tent sites at Appalachian Camping Resort, though RV sites received more mixed reviews for space. Many campgrounds display site dimensions online, but calling ahead with your specific RV length often yields more accurate placement.
Buddy site awareness: Some campgrounds utilize shared utility layouts. "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," cautions a camper at Appalachian Camping Resort. When booking, specifically ask if the site is a buddy arrangement to avoid surprises upon arrival.
